How long is the hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara?

How long is the hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara? A hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara National Reserve is an adventure of a lifetime, even if hot air balloon trips are exciting anywhere. In order to fit this adventure in with other safari activities like game drives, bush walks, village visits, and more, we strongly urge adventurous travellers to plan at least three days in the reserve. Additionally, in order to guarantee availability, your Kenya safari travel consultant must plan hot air balloon flights in advance, as each balloon may only accommodate 16 passengers. Although there are some limitations, both adults and children can fit within the balloons.

A parent or guardian must provide accommodations for children who are at least four years old. It is advised that adults maintain a healthy physical state. Adults weighing more than 265 pounds (120 kg) could have to pay twice as much for an extra spot on the balloon as a safety precaution, though this can be waived based on flight occupancy and pilot consent beforehand.

We provide some general information regarding hot air balloon operations and expectations for our clients who have never gone on a hot air ballooning adventure in Africa or abroad. Usually, 20–25 people are needed for both launch and recovery. When you arrive at the launch location, you may have an opportunity to observe the balloon, also known as a “envelope,” being inflated. The ground crew are tasks to spreads the envelope across the ground to open it. Half of the envelope is inflated using a large fan. The team installs the hob and basket when the situation is rather positive. The basket remains securely fastened to the ground during inflation. The burner is used to inflate the envelope fully.

It’s amazing to watch the balloon’s inflation and preparation, as you quickly realise how enormous it is. The crew assists passengers in boarding the balloon after it has fully inflated, and the basket is divided into several sections for your comfort and safety. The ground crew steadies the balloon while your pilot provides you and other guests with a safety briefing. Once everyone is in place, the burner is turned on once more, and you feel the balloon floating above the ground.

The basket is steered by the crew until the balloon is launched safely. No two safaris in hot air balloons are alike. The direction and speed of the wind are among the air currents that the balloons depend on. Only the movement up and down is under the pilot’s control. This explains why hot air balloon safaris need a chasing squad and why each one will give you a special and exclusive tour of Masai Mara National Reserve! The best part is that hot air balloons visit parts of the reserve that are off-limits to safari vehicles! Even the altitude of your balloon ride varies throughout your journey; at times, you remain closer to the ground, allowing you to get up close and personal with the animals, and at other times, you soar far over the plains, allowing you to see for miles.

For all  safari in Kenya visitors sleeping in private conservancies or on the reserve, Kenya Safaris may organise hot air ballooning in the Masai Mara; however, pickup times do differ based on the distance from the launch location. For small parties and multigenerational families on their bush vacation, private hot air balloon safaris can also be organised, and depending on the month of travel, a discounted pricing might be offered.

Hot air balloon safari starts early in the morning. You awaken to the peaceful sounds of the East African bush, including the low snorts and grunts of hippos returning to the river, the delicate voices of native birds, the rustling of grass that indicates the approach of a huge mammal, and possibly the distant roar of a lion. Your interest is sparked by the sense of surprise and awe you will experience while floating in a hot air balloon over the savannah plains. You are brought back to reality by a gentle voice outside your tent, and you quickly change into your favourite Kenya safari outfit. You put on long pants and a cosy blouse before putting on your hiking shoes because you know the air will be cool.

You gather your final items before leaving, including a hat, binoculars, a camera, a long-sleeved jacket or warm fleece, and a camera. By the 4×4 truck, a member of the ground crew is waiting for you. After boarding, you set out across the wide-open plains. You may learn a lot about animal behaviour in the pre-dawn hours. A gazelle emerges from the meadows, a baby elephant joyfully hunts different birds, and hyenas congregate around the remains of a lion kill. Some of the launch crew can be seen up ahead, where the enormous balloon is partially filled and swells in the mild morning wind. As the crew fastens the hob and basket, you pay close attention. The scene is abruptly illuminated by an orange flame, which contrasts with the gentle pastel hues of the early sky in a way that is almost artistic.

You hop into the basket a few minutes later. As you wait for the launch, your anticipation increases. The pilot continuously lights the burner as the ground team expertly stabilises the balloon. As you watch the ground slide away, you get an odd feeling in your gut. You imagine that the outermost edges of the countryside are visible when you gaze across the area. Beautiful scenery, including gently sloping hills, winding rivers, and verdant grasslands, emerges as you soar through the sky. Giraffes, elephants, gazelles, hippos, and several other grazers and foragers may all be found with minimal assistance when viewed from this angle. You might even be fortunate enough to see lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and other hunters.

You get a better understanding of the Mara ecosystem’s complexities and the interdependent relationships between humans, animals, and plants as you sail over the reserve. You may observe how animals consume foliage and move to find fresh food. You see herds heading for the lake to bathe and drink. Two elephant bulls battle for the right to procreate as you watch. You watch a mother cheetah stride elegantly through tall grasses in search of food for her kids. You watch a fish eagle fly through the air and then plunge to the surface of the river to gracefully catch a fish.

You see herds heading for the lake to bathe and drink. Two elephant bulls battle for the right to procreate as you watch. You watch a mother cheetah stride elegantly through tall grasses in search of food for her kids. You watch a fish eagle fly through the air and then plunge to the surface of the river to gracefully catch a fish. You might also be mesmerised by the Great Migration of massive herds of zebras and wildebeests if your customised Kenya safari tour to Masai Mara Reserve takes place between July and October.

Your one-hour hot air balloon flight is well worth the exorbitant cost because the pleasure you have will last a lifetime. The ground staff assists you in getting out of the basket after landing and takes you to a beautiful location for a bush breakfast. In addition to celebrating your trip, a traditional champagne toast honours the breathtaking beauty you find while on your fantastic dream holiday in Africa.