Hot Air Balloon Flights: A Bucket-List Safari Experience

Hot air balloons hovering over the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Soar Above Kenya: Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara and Amboseli

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, few adventures rival the thrill of a hot air balloon flight over Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Amboseli National Park. Imagine floating silently above golden savannahs, spotting elephants, lions, and giraffes from the sky, as the sun rises over the African horizon.

Hot air balloon safaris are among the most unforgettable ways to explore Kenya’s wildlife-rich parts, offering panoramic views, photography opportunities, and a touch of luxury.

Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

Unmatched aerial views of wildlife and landscapes
Breathtaking sunrises over the savannah
Incredible photography opportunities without disturbing animals
Champagne bush breakfast post-flight
Exclusive access to remote areas unreachable by vehicles

Hot Air Balloon Flights in Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is globally renowned for its vast plains, dramatic sunrises, and the Great Migration, during which over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate through the region.

Highlights of a Maasai Mara balloon safari:

Early morning pickup from your lodge/camp
One-hour flight over the Mara River, acacia woodlands, and herds of game
Spotting wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos from the air
Champagne-style breakfast in the bush after landing

Best time to visit:

June to October (Great Migration season)
December to March (dry season with excellent visibility)

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a unique yet equally mesmerizing hot air balloon safari experience.

Why fly over Amboseli?

Get unmatched aerial views of elephants walking in herds
Stunning backdrops of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro
Ideal for birdwatchers and photographers
Fewer crowds compared to the Maasai Mara

Flight details:

Take off at dawn for a 45-60 minute ride
Views of swamps, grasslands, and seasonal lakes
Bush breakfast with views of the snow-capped peaks if weather permits

Best time to visit:

January to March
June to October (dry seasons)

FAQs

Is it safe to fly in a hot air balloon in Kenya? Yes. All balloon operators are licensed and follow strict safety protocols. Flights are weather-dependent to ensure passenger safety.

Can I see the Big Five from the balloon? Yes! Especially in Maasai Mara, it’s common to spot lions, elephants, and sometimes rhinos and leopards from the air.

Are balloon flights available year-round? Yes, though availability and visibility are best during dry seasons (June to October and January to March).

Ready to Book your Balloon Safari?

Hot air balloon rides in Maasai Mara and Amboseli are more than just an activity; they’re an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re watching the Great Migration from the sky or drifting above elephant herds with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance, it’s an unforgettable addition to any Kenyan safari.

Explore our Kenya safari packages and add a balloon flight to your itinerary today!