Drift slowly over the savannah at sunrise as the day in the wild begins
Experience a magical balloon safari in Kenya at the Masai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli area. Flights start at twilight, allowing you to witness the sunrise and waking landscapes as you drift slowly over the treetops.
After a safe one-hour flight, you will be picked up from the landing site, and taken to your bush breakfast under an acacia tree where you will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and can reflect over your experience with your loved ones. Private and group flights can accommodate two to sixteen people.
Nature enthusiasts will cherish the romantic experience of a balloon safari, perfect for celebrating special moments such as honeymoons or anniversaries.
Drifting over the savannahs, observing wildlife from above, and witnessing breathtaking sunrises make this an unforgettable experience.
A group flight is ideal for solo travellers and honeymooners, while large families may prefer a private balloon flight.
Regardless of the option chosen, a balloon safari will create cherished memories to last a lifetime.
‘We can only recommend including a balloon safari in the Mara in your itinerary, as nothing else can match the experience of a hot-air balloon flight. Observing the sunrise and wildlife while gliding in the breeze is genuinely enchanting.’Alexander | Managing Director
There are currently two places to do a hot air balloon safari in Kenya: the Masai Mara National Reserve and just outside Amboseli National Park.
The Masai Mara is known for its giraffe-sculptured trees and endless savannahs, teeming with wildlife, while Amboseli offers picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.
Balloon safaris occur year-round. However, the best time for a balloon flight, safari, trek or beach retreat in Kenya is the dry season from June to October. This is the high season with ideal weather and wildlife viewing conditions, but higher accommodation prices apply, and it is recommended that you book in advance.
The shoulder seasons from November to mid-December and January to mid-March offer slightly lower prices and fewer visitors.
While the low season, from mid-March to May, coincides with the long rains. Fortunately, rain tends to occur in passing afternoon thunderstorms, leaving morning balloon flights unaffected.
June to OctoberBest for witnessing high concentrations of wildlife from above
June to OctoberBest for witnessing high concentrations of wildlife from above
Kenya’s dry season, from June to October, is the best time for great weather, wildlife viewing, beach retreats, and add-on experiences such as balloon safaris.
Temperatures are pleasant during the day but drop rapidly at night. If you book a balloon safari, it’s recommended to pack several warm layers to keep you comfortable during the cold morning start.
The dry season leads to a high concentration of wildlife near permanent water sources, so you’ll see much more wildlife from above during your flight.
November to MayBest for clear sky, crisp light and green landscapes
November to MayBest for clear sky, crisp light and green landscapes
The green season is the most underrated time to visit Kenya.
The short rains replenish the landscapes from November to mid-December. Furthermore, rain tends to occur in passing afternoon thunderstorms, leaving morning balloon flights unaffected.
Moreover, it is the shoulder season with fewer visitors, lower prices, and ideal conditions for landscape photography.
A short dry period follows from January to mid-March and is perfect for ballooning. It’s also the shoulder season, and the landscapes are green.
The long rains from mid-March to May result in the low season and daily rainfall. However, prices and visitor numbers are at their lowest.
Include a balloon safari as an extra activity in one of the expertly designed itineraries below and savour one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
Places Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, ends in Diani Beach
from 2,790 USD person sharing a double room
Places Masai Mara National Reserve
from 2,210 USD (based on 7 persons)
Places Mara North Conservancy
from 3,785 USD (based on 2 persons)
Places Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve
from 2,755 USD (based on 7 persons)
Places Samburu National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve
from 3,100 USD (based on 7 persons)
Places Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara National Reserve
from 7,115 USD (based on 2 persons)
Kenya is the birthplace of classic safaris. Consequently, the well-established safari industry means staying in world-class accommodations far from the bustling world.
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and permanent tented camps to Adventure Camping, allowing you to spend every second in nature.
If you add a balloon flight to your safari itinerary, one of our travel experts will help you select accommodation that is as close as possible to the launch site. This reduces travelling time and allows you to arrive at the take-off site before dawn.
Rise before dawn, hop into your vehicle and look for wildlife illuminated by the vehicle’s headlights. Arrive to watch your brightly coloured balloon being inflated. After a briefing, strap into the basket and gently rise into the twilight.
Warmed by the burners above, you are about to enjoy the most unforgettable experience of your life.
Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya start at sunrise. You can add them to your private or small group safari itinerary in two locations.
In the Amboseli area, balloon flights take place just outside the national park and focus on views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.
In the Maasai Mara, balloon safaris take place in the game reserve and focus on seeing wildlife from above. Enjoy a bubbly breakfast afterwards!
Balloon safaris are only available on a safari to the Masai Mara or Amboseli area. Read our Best Time to Visit guide.
Then, schedule a no-obligation conversation with our one of our travel experts to receive all the necessary information. If you book with us at Kenya-Experience, our experts will be there for you from inquiry to your return home.
Kindly note that we only arrange hot air balloon safaris as part of a classic multi-day itinerary. If you would like to book a balloon ride only, kindly contact the operator directly.
Passengers must be physically able to grip ropes, bend at the knees, and climb in and out of the basket. There is no upper age limit.
However, balloon safaris are not recommended for people with heart or mobility conditions or for those who are pregnant or suffer from back or neck issues. That said, in some cases, passengers with limited mobility can be accommodated with prior notice.
Finally, prices are calculated by weight, averaging 77 kg. Consequently, passengers weighing 120kg or more may incur an additional cost. Please disclose if you have a pre-existing medical condition at the time of enquiry.
You will be collected from your accommodation between 4:30am and 5am and taken to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will take off just before dawn at 6:30am and enjoy an approximately hour-long flight, landing between 07:15 and 7:30.
Following the flight, you’ll be driven to enjoy a bush breakfast, where you will be greeted by a glass of bubbly and lovingly set tables. After enjoying your breakfast buffet surrounded by nature, you can return to your accommodation around 11am or enjoy a game drive with your guide for the rest of the morning.
Kenya’s location on the equator results in consistent weather. Mornings in the Masai Mara and Amboseli area are typically dry with light winds, making it ideal for ballooning throughout the year. As a result, flights are rarely cancelled.
But winds might affect the duration of your flight and cause it to be shorter or longer than scheduled.
However, safety is the top priority. If weather conditions are imperfect, your balloon safari will be rescheduled for the following day. If the weather causes a cancellation, you will receive a full refund.
Pack multiple warm layers for cold mornings that warm up quickly. Include a warm fleece, scarf, and hat you can remove as it gets warmer.
People who are usually afraid of heights have reported that they don’t experience vertigo or motion sickness during a flight. The large basket with high walls provides a sense of safety. Moreover, the basket doesn’t sway. Instead, it moves in conjunction with the balloon, creating a sense of stability.
At Kenya-Experience, we work with ballooning partners that have extensive experience and a proven track record of safety and delivering memorable experiences. To ensure the quality of their equipment, all balloons are retired after a specific number of hours.
The balloon pilots have years of local knowledge and experience. They prioritise safety and will cancel flights if there are any concerns about bad weather. Upon arrival, they will provide a thorough safety briefing.
You will be assigned a seat in a specific basket compartment, where you will find your seat and in some cases safety belt. Once airborne, you can stand to take incredible photos and enjoy the views.
The very light winds early in the morning make landings very gentle, ensuring a safe flight.
Children at least 1.2m tall and aged eight and above can experience a balloon safari in the Masai Mara, while those 1.2m tall and above can join a balloon safari in the Amboseli area.
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