Looking for that one safari activity that can offer you the most excellent aerial view of wildlife? If there are a handful of unusual wildlife experiences on planet earth, then a hot air balloon safari is one of them! It is one of the most exciting experiences you should count among your bucket-list wildlife adventures if you love photography or in case you want to do some recordings.
Balloon safaris provide a perfect way to explore Kenya’s wildlife species without using a 4WD vehicle. Unlike game drives in 4WD vehicles, balloon safaris involve you floating in a balloon above the extensive plains thus providing you exceptional view of wildlife. This is a dream come true!
How does hot air balloon operate?
What makes balloon flights possible is due to the fact that the heated air is lighter than the usual air. The hotter the furnace, the higher the balloon rises. While in the air, the wind blows the balloon to any direction not until the pilot reduces the heat slowly to allow a smooth landing.
The pilot is always the one in control of the balloon and he can fly the balloon above treetops but Kenya balloon safaris are usually kept close to the ground. This is offer you a great opportunity to take clear views of wildlife. Most important to take note is that the pilot won’t take off in case the wind is at 30kms/hr or even more.
What should you expect on balloon safaris in Kenya?
Normal balloon safaris require you to rise up early to prepare and you leave your lodge or camp. Proceed to the launch site in a 4WD vehicle and unlike the airports, balloon launch sites don’t have fancy gadgets or even runways. The balloons can take off as soon as the sun rises. Amazingly, the balloons can be maneuvered, there is possibility to fly them even above the treetops. Go balloon safari with us and have unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Our balloon safaris include bush breakfast. This is usually prepared over the balloon’s gas burners or firewood. This will be accompanied by a champagne. After your exciting experience, you will be transferred to the lodge in a 4WD rental vehicle. Later, you will be given a certificate of participation around mid-morning.
Note, the actual balloon safari can take you about 1 hour and the most ideal time to enjoy it is during early morning. This is a perfect time to catch the amazing sight of the early morning risers in the savannas as they search for what to feed on in the course of the day.
What to carry on a balloon ride?
To have a memorable balloon safari experience, you need some essentials. Make sure you wear a hat, sunscreen, camera, pair of binoculars, wind breaker, camera bag, backpack, layers, shirts, long trousers and many more.
Where to go for balloon safaris in Kenya?
Most of the hot air balloon flight agencies in Kenya conduct balloon safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve, a home to the big game and a perfect place to witness the wildebeest.
Stretching up-to 1510sq.kms of land area, Masai Mara offers the best balloon safari experience to tourists on an African safari. Balloon rides in Masai Mara cost about US Dollars 410 for adults, persons below 12 years pay US Dollars 300 and the cost excludes transportation, place of stay among others.
Are balloon safaris safe?
Yes, balloon safaris are very safe! There are some restrictions that must be observed if you plan to go balloon safari in Kenya / Tanzania or Uganda. Usually, persons above 7 years are considered eligible to participate in balloon ride.
Note, this experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women or persons with health issues especially heart conditions, brittle bones among others. Those in position to embark on a balloon ride will be required to be fit health wise and fit to climb into the basket.
The recommended weight is 80kgs and those weighing more than 120kgs may incur a charge for 2 places. Essentially, all balloons are kept in their better mechanical state and operated by well-trained professionals. Contact our team and let us plan your balloon safari in Kenya or Tanzania together!
