HOT AIR BALLOONING
HOT AIR BALLOONING
It’s hard to think of a better way to start the day than gliding over the Maasai Mara as the sun rises. Not only is the natural beauty of the landscape jaw-dropping but you will see a surprising amount of wildlife too: vultures perching on their nests, crocodiles basking in the morning glow, lions on the prowl and thousands of wildebeest on their annual migration. To top it off, you will then be treated to a memorable champagne breakfast in the bush.
THE BALLOONING EXPERIENCE
You will be driven from your lodge at around 430am- 500am and driven to the launch site, to arrive by 600AM. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. Your pilot will give a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during the flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site.
The balloon crew will assist as you clamber into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30 am. As you rise, the Maasai Mara opens up before your eyes, allowing you to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, and the wildlife below, all as the winds gently blows the basket deeper into the reserve. The pilot is at hand to point out at the wildlife below, and plenty of photographic opportunities will present themselves. Soar silently through the air, with 360 degrees of spectacular savannah below you. The ride will last approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions.
Upon landing between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope as our vehicles wait for you for a short drive to a hearty breakfast.
Our breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single balanite tree. Sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, sausages, fresh juices, fruits, cereals and, of course, sparkling wine.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely game drive back to your lodge to arrive by around 10:30am.
