Hot Air Balloon in Maasai Mara National Reserve And Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon in Maasai Mara National Reserve And Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon in Maasai Mara National Reserve And Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloons invoke feelings of thrill, exhilaration and trepidation. It is expensive, but offers unrivalled views of the landscape and wildlife. Currently, it is possible to do a Balloon Safari inside Maasai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park (South, Central ,West and North), Tarangire National Park And Amboseli National Park. We normally use the specialist Company Miracle Experience, Balloon Safaris, Governors Balloon Safaris and Serengeti Balloon Safari. Please do visit their website for further information.
The balloon experience starts before dawn. Depending on your camp’s location, you will be collected as early as 4:00 a.m. and taken to the balloon launch site. As the balloon’s huge envelope is filled by fans powered by a mobile generator, you will be briefed on safety precautions, and what you are likely to see. Finally, with the balloon still safely tethered, you climb aboard at about 06:30, just as the sun is about to break above the horizon. The basket is quite deep, with compartments and rails to grasp for safety and to brace yourself. When everyone is ‘on board’, the pilot starts the burner, the balloon is released, and you lift off.
For the next hour (flight times vary from 50–70 minutes) you drift above the plains with the winds, tracked by the ground crew in their vehicles. Depending on conditions, you may fly high over the forest, peering into vultures’ nests and watching baboons waking in their tree-top roosts, or swoop just a few metres above the dew-covered grass as zebra and antelope scatter. Skilled pilots can follow streams, to glide just yards above snorting hippos or prides of lions drinking water, and skim the savannah low enough to capture aerial wildlife photos. For much of the flight, you’ll soar like a tawny eagle through the dawning landscape as the sun transforms from a burnished orb on the shadowy horizon to a brilliant disc above the plains. You may have other balloons accompanying your flight.
Landings vary: as you descend, the balloon may drag the basket onto its side, leaving the passengers grasping the rails in a giggling cluster of arms and legs; or if the breeze is kind your pilot may execute the perfect finish, setting the basket upright onto suitable ground as the balloon collapses neatly to one side.
A full bush breakfast will be waiting for you after you land, with photos and certificates part of the fun.
You’ll then continue your day with game drives and other activities, depending on what you’ve planned with your guide.
Balloon Safari Cost (USD 500 per person) For Tanzania And USD 450 For Kenya.
At a Glance
Location
Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli And Tarangire
Duration
From 6 am - 9:00 am
Best Time
June-October
Experience Type
Balloon Safari Experience
What Makes This Special
The moments and details that define this experience.
Hot Air Balloon In Serengeti
Soar above the endless plains of the Serengeti at sunrise for a breathtaking aerial perspective. Witness spectacular wil…
Hot Air Balloon In Maasai Mara
Experience a sunrise flight over one of Africa's most famous wildlife destinations. Observe elephants, giraffes, buffalo…
Hot Air Balloon In Amboseli
Float above Amboseli's open plains with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Spot large elephant herds, wetlands, and…
Hot Air Balloon In Tarangire
Enjoy a peaceful sunrise balloon safari over ancient baobab-dotted landscapes. Observe large elephant herds, giraffes, z…
What to Expect
A clear flow of the day so you know exactly what lies ahead.
- 1
4:30 am - 5:30 am
Hotel Pick Ups
Transfer from your lodge or camp to the balloon launch site. Meet the pilot and receive a safety briefing while enjoying tea or coffee.
- 2
6:00 am
Balloon Inflation & Take-Off
Watch the balloon being inflated against the backdrop of the African dawn. Board the basket and take off as the sun rises over the wilderness.
- 3
6:00 am - 7:00 am
Sunrise Balloon Flight
Drift silently above the savannah, enjoying panoramic views of the landscape below. Spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators from a unique aerial perspective. Capture spectacular photographs of the sunrise and surrounding scenery.
- 4
7:00 am - 7:30 am
Landing
Touch down at a designated landing site. Celebrate the experience with a traditional champagne toast (or non-alcoholic alternative).
- 5
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Bush Breakfast
Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast set in a scenic location in the wilderness. Relax and share stories of the flight while surrounded by nature.
- 6
9:00 am Onwards
Continue Safari Activities
Rejoin your guide and continue with a morning game drive or return to your lodge. Carry unforgettable memories of one of Africa's most iconic safari experiences.
Good to Know
Everything you need to prepare for a smooth and enjoyable day.
Departure Time
Balloon safaris operate early in the morning, usually before sunrise. Pick-up from your lodge or camp is typically between 04:30 and 05:30, depending on location.
Flight Duration
The balloon flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather conditions and landing requirements.
Weather Conditions
Flights are subject to suitable weather conditions and may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. The pilot's decision regarding flight operations is final.
What To Wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing in neutral colours. Closed, comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket or fleece for the cool early morning temperatures. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for after sunrise.
What To Bring
Camera or smartphone for photography. Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing. Personal medications if required.
Physical Requirements
Passengers must be able to stand for the duration of the flight and landing. Balloon safaris are generally not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with serious back, neck, or mobility conditions.
Safety
A comprehensive safety briefing is provided before take-off. Follow the pilot's instructions at all times during boarding, flight, and landing.
Bush Breakfast
Most balloon experiences conclude with a bush breakfast in a scenic location after landing. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if advised in advance.
Photography
The flight offers exceptional opportunities for aerial photography of wildlife and landscapes. Secure cameras and personal belongings during take-off and landing.
Booking Information
Advance reservations are strongly recommended as balloon safaris have limited daily capacity. Balloon safaris are typically available in Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tarangire National Parks.
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