When going on a hot air balloon safari the key to a successful and enjoyable experience lies in preparation, the expertise of the crew, and a few practical tips. Here’s some advice to make the most out of your adventure.
Pre-Flight Briefing is Key
You want a pilot and crew who will give you a thorough but relaxed pre-flight briefing. This should cover all the essential safety information while also getting you excited for the journey ahead. The best crews strike the perfect balance—they give you enough detail so you know what to expect but also keep the mood light and fun.
As you prepare for takeoff before sunrise, the darkness is lit by the burners of the inflating balloons, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Once the balloons are ready and the first rays of sunlight flicker across the Mara, you rise into the sky in a basket beneath the rainbow-colored canopy, ready for an unforgettable adventure.
After all, you’re about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and they know how to set the tone just right. Pay attention to their instructions, but also let yourself get caught up in the excitement.
Boarding the Balloon: Stay Steady
Boarding a hot air balloon can be a bit tricky, especially if it’s your first time. The basket tends to sway a little as you climb in, so take it slow and steady.
It’s normal to feel a bit wobbly as you get settled, but once everyone is aboard, the basket stabilizes. Don’t rush—move carefully and follow the crew’s guidance. Once inside, the basket may feel snug, but that’s part of its design to ensure safety and comfort.
Lift-Off: Embrace the Excitement
As the burners fire up and the balloon starts to rise, you’ll feel a rush of excitement. This is where the adventure really begins, and it’s important to trust the process.
Your pilot will have full control over the balloon, so let yourself enjoy the moment. It’s natural to feel a mix of nerves and excitement, but once you’re in the air, you’ll realize how smooth and peaceful the experience actually is. If you’re someone who tends to feel nervous, focus on the incredible scenery around you—it’s a great distraction!
Mornings are the best time of day to go on masai mara balloon safaris;
Morning is the ideal time for a balloon safari over the Maasai Mara due to several key factors. The early hours offer the calmest weather conditions, with minimal wind, allowing for a smoother and more controlled flight. As the sun rises, the Mara is bathed in golden light, creating stunning opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.
Animals are also more active during the cooler mornings, increasing your chances of spotting iconic species like lions, elephants, and wildebeests. Additionally, the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the Mara at dawn adds to the magical experience, making it the perfect time to take in the vast landscapes from above.
Trust Your Pilot’s Expertise
One thing you definitely want on a hot air balloon safari is a pilot who knows their stuff. With Governors’ Camp, you’re in good hands. Their pilots are highly trained, often with years of experience, and that’s exactly what you want when soaring hundreds of feet in the air. These pilots have flown countless safaris over the Mara, so they know how to navigate the landscape and keep things smooth. Plus, their confidence and expertise will help you relax and enjoy the ride even more.
Take in the View: It’s Unforgettable
Once you’re airborne, focus on the incredible views. You’ll be floating over the Mara River, Musiara Marsh, and vast plains filled with wildlife—elephants, buffalo, and wildebeest roaming freely below. The height gives you a unique perspective, like you’re watching a wildlife documentary unfold in real time. Don’t worry if you feel a bit overwhelmed at first; just take it all in slowly. Capture some photos, but also remember to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the Stories: Pilots Make the Ride Special
It’s not just the view that makes a balloon safari memorable; it’s also the stories and insights shared by the pilot. Governors’ Camp pilots often double as storytellers, sharing fascinating details about the wildlife and the landscape. These moments add depth to the experience and keep the atmosphere lively. A great pilot will make you feel like you’re part of the adventure, not just a passenger along for the ride.
Stay Calm: Safety First
While the ride is thrilling, it’s also incredibly safe. Balloon pilots undergo rigorous training, and they know how to handle all types of conditions. If you ever feel a bit nervous, just remember that you’re in capable hands. These pilots aren’t guessing—they’re using their expertise to guide the balloon with precision. Trust them to make the ride smooth and enjoyable, no matter what happens.
You’ll mostly hover around 100 feet above the ground, but the balloon can soar as high as 1,000 feet.
Great Migration Sky Views are Breathtaking
Experiencing a balloon ride during the Great Migration is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s why I believe the Migration period is the best time for balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara. Picture this: hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herds stretched out across the Mara plains as far as the eye can see. From the balloon, you get a real sense of the scale of this natural phenomenon, and you begin to understand why the Great Migration is considered the world’s 8th Wonder.
Picture yourself on a scenic balloon flight, soaring over vast herds like the ones below. This is the essence of an elevated wildlife safari! Witness the sun rising over the horizon, casting the perfect light for stunning photos you’ll cherish forever. Hard to find another luxury experience to beat such a sky experience from above.
They say it’s visible from space—and not just a passing mention. The International Space Station, orbiting over 250 miles above the Earth, can catch glimpses of this extraordinary event. Now, imagine experiencing that kind of spectacle just a few hundred feet above the ground. Legendary doesn’t even begin to cover it.
If you soar high enough, you can actually see how the landscape changes—where the herds have been and where they’re headed next. The grass is grazed down in patches behind them, and fresh green awaits them in the distance. And from up there, the chaos of the migration is like watching a close-up scene unfold in perfect detail.
Seeing the wildebeest cross the river, you gain a whole new appreciation for the strategy and risk involved in their movement. It’s not just about finding food; the migration is a complex interplay of competition, nutrient cycling, and their unyielding committment to finish the 1000 km loop. The sheer number of animals creates a kind of safety in numbers—every one of them increasing their odds of survival by sticking together.
Here’s an insider tip:
the best view isn’t directly above the river. The real magic happens from a side angle, where you can fully appreciate the spectacle without the distortion of a top-down perspective. One thing you need to know about hot air ballooning is that you’re not viewing the animals from the floor beneath your feet. Instead, you’ll be peering over the edge of the basket, which comes up to around chest height for most adults. This is why children under 1.2 meters aren’t allowed—if they’re too short, they wouldn’t be able to see over the basket and would miss the entire show!
Take a moment to soak in the your airborne safari adventure
The beauty of ballooning, though, is not just in the effortless floating. It’s all about control. The pilot uses bursts of heat to adjust the altitude, allowing the balloon to either ascend, descend, or even hover at different levels for the perfect view. This gives you the chance to pause and soak in those breathtaking moments, like when thousands of wildebeest surge into the Mara River, battling the rushing water and lurking crocodiles in a dramatic dash for survival. From the basket, you get a perfect side view of all the action—no obstructions, just nature in its rawest form.
The flight itself lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions. As you drift over the Mara, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the savannah, forests, and the winding Mara River.
Hot Air Balloon Safari Costs:
The typical cost for a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara ranges from $450 to $500 per person, covering the balloon ride, a post-flight bush breakfast, and a game drive back to camp. However, additional fees can raise the total cost:
- Landing Fee: Some operators charge a separate $50 balloon landing fee, required by the park authorities.
- Health Insurance (AMREF Flying Doctors): Most operators also require a medical evacuation cover, such as Fly AMREF‘s Maisha Tourist Cover, costing as low as $16 but even be lower if you get the rate negotiated by the Balloon operator. Governor’s has negotiated $5. AMREF’s works directly with most balloon operators to facilitate fast policy purchases.
Total Cost Breakdown:
- Base flight: $450–$500
- Landing fee: $80
- AMREF insurance: $16
- Total: $546 to $596
The experience, with stunning aerial views and a luxurious bush breakfast, makes these added costs worthwhile. Always check with your operator to confirm what is included.
Refund policies;
Some operators such as Hot Air Safaris have strict non-refundable policies, while others, like Governors’ Balloon Safaris, offer a sliding refundable schedule. For example, Governors’ requires a non-refundable 25% deposit at booking, with the balance due 60 days before the flight. Cancellation fees increase closer to the flight, with full charges applied for cancellations within 15 days of departure. However, if your plans are not fully set, reach out to us, and we can arrange a soft booking through our existing relationship, allowing you to pay closer to your travel period.
Transport
Most balloon operators include the cost of transfers from and back to your camp. However, it’s important to confirm if your accommodation qualifies for this service, as some camps located further away—up to two hours from the balloon launch site—may incur an additional transportation fee.
Age Limit
Balloon operators have varying child policies. For example, some, like Governors’, do not permit children under 8, while others, such as Hot Air Safaris, allow children as young as 3. Typically, children aged 3 to 11 are considered children, with those 12 and older charged as adults. That’s not universal though as Governors’ recognize kids up to 16 years as children. All children must meet height requirements to see over the basket.
Chidren Rates;
Children’s rates and age limits vary by operator. Hot Air Safaris offers kids’ rates for children up to 14 years, while Governors’ extends the rate to those up to 16. Hot Air Safaris charges half the adult rate for children, while Governors’ offers a discount of about 35% off the adult fare.
Breakfast;
After landing from your hot air balloon safari, you’ll be treated to a luxurious champagne breakfast, typically served right in the heart of the Maasai Mara. The meal is freshly prepared on-site, often featuring a full English breakfast, including eggs, sausages, bacon, fresh pastries, and seasonal fruits. The signature touch is a glass of sparkling wine or champagne, enhancing the celebratory mood after an exhilarating flight. This breakfast is enjoyed amidst the stunning backdrop of the Mara plains, offering a perfect blend of gourmet dining and wilderness immersion.