Masai Mara Balloon Safari

Experience the magic of a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, a truly unforgettable way to witness Kenya’s iconic landscapes and wildlife. Your Masai Mara balloon safari begins before dawn at the launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp.

As the balloon flights in Kenya prepare for lift-off, you’ll gather for a safety briefing while the burners ignite and illuminate the early morning darkness and gently ascend for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara.

Float silently above the plains, forests, and rivers, enjoying panoramic views of Africa’s wildlife from a unique aerial vantage point. This African balloon safari offers a serene, once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the Masai Mara’s beauty.

After approximately an hour, your balloon safari in the Masai Mara concludes with a traditional celebration: in the time-honoured tradition of balloon flights the world over, toast your return to earth with sparkling wine and enjoy a delicious breakfast that is set up and served at a very special spot. The experience ends with a game drive back to your camp.

What to Expect on Your Masai Mara Balloon Safari

A Masai Mara balloon safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the vast African wilderness. As the sun begins to rise over the savannah, you’ll gently ascend in a hot air balloon, floating silently above the golden plains of Kenya’s iconic reserve. This early morning experience provides a breathtaking aerial view of wildebeest herds, elephants, giraffes, and even big cats, often before they’ve moved into the cover of thicker bush.

The flight lasts around one hour, gliding with the breeze above meandering rivers, acacia-dotted landscapes, and, during migration season, the dramatic movement of wildebeest across the Mara. The silence and serenity of the balloon allow for incredible wildlife photography and an unmatched appreciation of the scale of the Masai Mara ecosystem.

After landing, the experience is capped off with a traditional bush breakfast with sparkling wine/prosecco, served al fresco in the heart of the Mara triangle, adding a luxurious touch to your Masai Mara sunrise safari.

Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit to Kenya, a hot air balloon safari in The Masai Mara delivers awe, elegance, and an entirely new angle on Africa’s most famous wildlife spectacle.

Take Off at Dawn Over the Savannah

Your Masai Mara balloon safari begins before sunrise, as you’re driven to the launch site under a canopy of stars. As dawn breaks, the hot air balloon inflates and you gently rise above the sleeping savannah, just as the landscape is bathed in soft golden light. This early hour is when wildlife is most active, and from your elevated vantage point, you’ll spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and during migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra beginning their day.

The tranquility of floating silently over the plains offers a striking contrast to the rugged adventure of a traditional game drive. The panoramic views of the Mara River, winding tracks, and open grasslands are breathtaking, especially during the Great Migration when the savannah teems with life.

Taking off at dawn not only ensures magical lighting for photography, but also sets the tone for an extraordinary day on safari in one of Kenya’s most celebrated wilderness areas.

Spectacular Views of Wildlife and Landscapes

A balloon safari over the Masai Mara delivers awe-inspiring views of both wildlife and the vast East African landscape. From your elevated position, elephants wandering through the bush, giraffes browsing treetops, and lions stalking prey across the plains, all without disturbing their natural behavior.

The sweeping aerial perspective showcases the Mara’s diverse terrain: rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, winding rivers, and distant escarpments that frame the horizon. During the Great Wildebeest Migration, you may see thousands of animals spread across the savannah, a truly humbling sight that few ever forget.

This bird’s-eye view allows for unique photographic opportunities and a deeper appreciation of the ecosystem that supports one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, the visual drama of a Masai Mara balloon ride is an unforgettable highlight of any Kenya safari experience.

Traditional Bush Breakfast After Landing

After your unforgettable balloon safari over the Masai Mara, your experience continues with a luxurious champagne bush breakfast served in the heart of the wilderness. As your balloon gently touches down, you’ll be met by a beautifully set table under the open sky—complete with white linen, fresh Kenyan coffee, chilled bubbly, and a freshly prepared breakfast.

This serene setting allows you to relax, reflect, and recount the highlights of your flight while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. It’s a moment of calm indulgence that contrasts beautifully with the thrill of your sunrise safari adventure.

Dining al fresco in the wild, with panoramic views and wildlife in the distance, is an iconic part of the hot air balloon safari in Kenya. It adds a touch of elegance and exclusivity that makes the Masai Mara balloon experience not just a highlight of your safari—but a memory to cherish for life.