Masai Mara, a wildlife paradise in southwest Kenya, is a top spot for hot air balloon rides! Glide over golden plains, the Mara River, and animals like lions and wildebeest with trusted companies like Governors’ Balloon Safaris and Mara Ballooning. This guide, explains why Masai Mara is incredible, what to bring, how to fly, and travel tips. Let’s float with #SafariSky!
Why Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Masai Mara?
Masai Mara’s vast savannahs and the Great Migration make it perfect for ballooning. Here’s why it’s awesome:
- Wildlife Views: Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and herds of wildebeest from 30–1,000 meters up, especially during migration (July–October).
- Super Exciting: Float for 60–75 minutes, feeling free above the wild plains!
- Very Safe: Pilots with Kenyan licenses Civil Aviation Authority and years of experience (like Captain Riz Jiwa) use strong balloons.
- Amazing Photos: Get pics or videos (₹2000/$25) to share your adventure!
Great for beginners and kids over 4, but not for pregnant women or people with heart issues.
What’s a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Masai Mara Like?
You ride in a wicker basket with a pilot who controls the balloon. Take off from sites near Little Governor’s Camp or Keekorok and land in open savannah of the Masai Mara. Flights run year-round, best from July to October for the Great Migration (15–30°C), at sunrise. A 60-minute ride costs ₹30000–₹45000 ($400–$600), including pickup, snacks, and a bush champagne breakfast. Smaller baskets (4–8 people) cost ₹60000 ($800). You must be 4+, weigh under 120 kg (265 lbs), and sign a form. Kids need parents’ okay. Flights cancel in high winds (>15 knots) or rain, with refunds or rescheduling.
What to Bring
Pack these for a great ride:
- Clothes: Wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, jacket and a light jacket (mornings are chilly, 5–15°C). Closed-toe shoes, no sandals. Sunglasses and a hat are okay.
- Health Stuff: Tell your pilot about health issues; don’t fly if unwell. Pilots provide safety gear.
- Extras: Bring a camera/phone with a strap, binoculars, water, and sunscreen. No big bags; leave them in the safari vehicle.
- Booking: Pay ₹30000–₹45000. Book on governorsballoonsafaris.com or maraballooning.com for deals (₹28000 early bird). Call +254 734 123 456 for spots. No refunds for no-shows! Spectators watch takeoffs free near launch sites.
Check masaimaraballoons.com for weather, as flights need calm winds.
Fun Balloon Options
Choose a ride that’s your style:
- Classic Ride (60 min): Fly at sunrise over the Mara plains, up to 16 people, ₹30000. Great for first-timers.
- Premium Ride (60–75 min): Smaller basket (4–8 people), closer wildlife views, ₹45000. Ideal for photos.
- Private Ride: Book for 2–4 people, ₹120000 ($1500). Perfect for honeymoons.
- Migration Ride (July–Oct): See millions of wildebeest from the air, ₹35000. Book early
Book early, especially for July–September. Meet 30 min early at your lodge (e.g., Little Governor’s or Keekorok).
How to Float Like a Pro
Here’s how to enjoy your ride:
- Get Ready: Pickup at 4:30–5:00 AM from your lodge. Enjoy coffee and cookies at the launch site. Get a 5-min safety talk.
- Take Off: Climb into the basket (holds 4–16 people). The balloon rises gently—no big shake! Sit or lie down if instructed.
- Float Happy: Watch herds of zebra, lions hunting, or hippos in the Mara River. Pilots like Captain David Eris share wildlife facts.
- Land Soft: Land in the savannah; hold on for a possible “tip-over” landing (basket may drag 20m). Ground crew helps you out.
- Be Safe: Stay in the basket, listen to your pilot, and report health issues.
After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast with champagne, eggs, and fruit under an acacia tree, plus a flight certificate
How to Get to Masai Mara
Masai Mara is 270 km southwest of Nairobi:
- By Plane: Fly to Keekorok or Mara Serena Airstrip (45 min from Nairobi, ₹12000). Safari vehicles pick you up (₹500).
- By Bus: No direct buses; take a shuttle to Narok (4 hours, ₹1000), then a taxi to Mara (2 hours, ₹3000).
- By Car: Drive from Nairobi (5–6 hours). Park free at lodges or ₹100/day at gates.
- Best Time: July–October for the Great Migration and clear skies (15–30°C). January–March for fewer crowds.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay near launch sites in Masai Mara:
- Cheap: Oseki Maasai Mara Camp (₹2000–₹3000/night, 10 min from Sekenani gate).
- Medium: Little Governor’s Camp (₹8000–₹12000/night, near balloon launch).
- Fancy: Angama Mara (₹25000–₹40000/night, 45 min from launch).
- Hostels: Limited; try budget camps like Mara Explorers (₹1500–₹2500/night).
Book early via AfricanMeccaSafaris.com or Porini.com, as Booking.com is unreliable in Kenya. Eat at lodges for full-board meals (included) or Keekorok Lodge for nyama choma (₹300–₹600). Try Kenyan chai
More Fun in Masai Mara
- Game Drives: Spot the Big Five with guides like Geoffrey (₹5000/day).
- Maasai Village Visit: Learn about Maasai culture (₹1000, 1 hour).
- Bush Walks: Explore with Maasai guides (₹2000, 2 hours).
- Photography Tours: Book with Alison Mees via Porini.com (₹10000/day).
Tips for a Great Ride
- Book Early: Reserve for day 2 or 3 of your stay for weather flexibility; stay 3+ days.
- Dress in Layers: Mornings are cold, but it warms up after sunrise.
- Pack Light: Only bring a camera and binoculars; secure them.
- Save Money: Book directly with operators like Mara Ballooning for lower rates (₹28000).
A Balloon Story
Floating over Masai Mara was epic! At 4:30 AM, Captain Riz’s jokes woke us up. As the balloon lifted, the sunrise turned the plains golden, and we saw a lion chase a zebra—wild! The AI-edited video of wildebeest herds is a keeper. The bush breakfast under an acacia tree felt like a movie. Share your story with #OutdoorKeeda
Ready to Float?
Hot air ballooning in Masai Mara is a thrilling adventure with jaw-dropping views of wildlife and savannahs. It’s safe, unforgettable, and perfect for beginners. Come to Masai Mara and soar above the wild!
Mara Magic: Float where lions roam free!
Ride a hot air balloon in Masai Mara, and feel the safari thrill!
Join the adventure!
