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Not every African safari takes place in a 4 x 4 Jeep. You can find yourself on a walking safari, a biking safari, a sailing safari, or even a horseback riding safari. But probably one of the most scenic and dramatic safaris you can sign up for is an early morning hot air balloon safari.
Specifically, a hot air balloon safari that rises over the dawning light upon the great Masai Mara Reserve.
Imagine the vistas increasing by the moment as you lift over the park’s rolling savannahs and forests. From your gondola, you look below to see long trains of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, all part of the Great Migration – a magnificent procession leading off to the horizon.
The currents gently transport you over the brightening landscapes as you gain altitude, taking in the grandeur of the park in all directions. The short blasts from the balloon’s engine above you, are the only sounds, perhaps punctuated by the calls of the park’s birdlife.
Here’s how you can join in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
It’s An Early Rise
On this hot air balloon safari we will rise with the sun, so that means we need to launch at dawn. At about five am, our partners with the balloon touring company will pick you up from your lodge or tented camp for the drive to the launch site.
Dress warmly in layers; the day will start off cool but you’ll soon remove your jackets, hats, and gloves as the sun shines upon your safari.
At the launch site in the Masai Mara, the ground crew will be firing gas jets of hot air to inflate your massive balloon. Fresh-brewed coffee will be served and you’ll meet your pilot, who will share thoughts about safety and what to expect on your journey.
To Infinity and Beyond
As the sun begins to rise… so will you. The pilot fires a blast from the gas jets, heating the air in the balloon and suddenly you leave the ground, floating skyward. You soon leave the trees below and enjoy the early light playing upon the park’s fields and reflected in its rivers. You’ll spot the wildlife below, emerging into the new day.
Your pilot is also your guide, pointing out features in the landscape and perhaps a pride of lions or a family of elephants.
From this new vantage point, you’ll make discoveries not possible from the ground, as you sail over huge nests, cradled in the tree branches. You’ll spot large eggs revealed in these delicate perches.
Up here, you’ll move with the whims of the wind, creating your safari route over the park. Capture these moments with your camera and your memory – you’ll recall them for years to come.
Touchdown
Although you’re alone in the currents, as you sail over the park, the ground crew has been following your journey. When you lightly touchdown, they’ll soon be there to assist and bring you back to the launch zone.
Everything is special about this day. Another crew has been busy preparing a colorful safari breakfast for your return. Seated at long tables at a scenic spot, you and your fellow flyers can compare notes of your adventure as waiters outfitted in traditional Kenyan dress serve fresh juice, eggs, fruit, breads, scones, and plenty of champagne.
What a perfect complement to highlight this most unusual safari experience. Sound like fun?
Contact us and we’ll send you sailing over the park.
Masai Mara Safari Packages with Africa Kenya Safaris
Masai Mara Holidays from Nairobi or the Coast By 4 x 4 Jeep or By Air
The big cats and the dozens of wildlife species don’t have any downtime during the year – there are always in sight on the great savannahs of this storied park.
The climate here is mild and generally sunny year-round. So, the game viewing is excellent any time you choose to go on safari.
However, the park is known for its peak migration season from July through October. These are the months you can expect to witness thousands upon thousands of wildebeests, zebra, and gazelle invading the park on their annual trek for water and more sustainable grasses.
Please view our selection of Masai Mara tours below and let’s talk. We’ll create the safari you’ve been dreaming about.
Take advantage of all East Africa has to offer and we’ll make sure you have a magnificent and safe adventure!
MASAI MARA 4x4 JEEP SAFARIS FROM NAIROBI
2 , 3 & 4 Days Masai Mara safari packages in our custom 4x4 pop-up top safari Landcruiser jeeps
MASAI MARA FLIGHT SAFARIS FROM NAIROBI
2 , 3 & 4 Days Kenya Fly-In / Air safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA FLIGHT SAFARIS FROM DIANI BEACH
2 & 3-day Masai Mara fly-in safaris from Diani, Tiwi, Galu, Shimoni, Msambweni Beach Resorts
Choose Your East Africa Safari Tour
Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
Check out our many East Africa safari tours:
NAIROBI EXCURSIONS
Africa Kenya Safaris offers you full and half-day excursions & trips from Nairobi
KENYA SAFARI FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 – 12 days from Nairobi.
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Explore our Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani – voted Africa’s leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli – famous for large herds of elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Book Exciting African safaris starting from/to the beautiful Diani beach resorts
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania.
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds – a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4×4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Exciting 4×4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, ‘escape’ to Africa’s leading beach destination – Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOURS
Best Africa mountain climbing adventure tour packages and safaris. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Best family-friendly beach holidays on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
Customize your dream African safari
At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
