Balloon Safari is one of the most popular ' add-on ' option with tourists on Safari or Beach Holidays in East Africa, especially with couples on honeymoons. The hot air balloons lift off just before sunrise when the breeze on the plains is still cold. Once airborne, the balloons are blown by the prevailing winds across the broad landscape. Apart from the hiss of the burners, the flight above the Maasai Mara plains is magically silent. The pilot controls the height of the craft by regulating the flow of hot air into the balloon. Sometimes the balloon will descend over the plains for a close up view of the wildlife; on other occasions, it rises to clear a tree canopy and rise over the reverine forest.

At the end of the flight, the passengers are treated to a complete champagne breakfast. The finishing touch to the flight is a game drive back to the lodge or camp, and the possibility of seeing the same pride of lions, or herd of elephants that had been viewed while ballooning. Over a dozen balloons depart from sites near six of the lodges and tented camps.

In many occasions, Tourists are often able to view four of the ' Big Five ' (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) while ballooning. A flight certificate is issued on completion of the balloon safari.

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TYPICAL ITINERARY AND PRICES
05.30: Wake up call
06.00: Cup of coffee or tea at lodge/camp lounge
06.15: Drive to launch site
06.30: Lift off for approximately one hour flight. On landing a delicious champagne breakfast is served in the bush. Flight certificates will be issued by your captain. Drive back to your lodge/camp at 09.00

Duration: 4.5 hours (5.00AM - 9.30AM)

Package: Easily incorporated into any Safari itinerary which includes at least one night in Maasai Mara

NB: Pick ups from lodges/camps are done at no extra cost and the balloon air drives operates daily.