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Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Amboseli
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Amboseli

 

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Amboseli

 

Experience a fantastic hot-air balloon safari over the Amboseli National Park admiring Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest Mountain at eye-level.

From the hot air balloon, you can see wildlife traversing the plains below and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between Amboseli National Park and its surrounding communities.

From the sunrise to the East, the magnificent Mt.Kilimanjaro to the south, the Amboseli National Park immediately to our north, you will see a full array of game including the areas renowned elephants, lions, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, eland, waterbuck, jackals, warthogs, fox and more than 400 species of birds in the immediate area, depending on the day. As Mother Nature dictates where we fly daily, “We Walk the Winds” in Man’s Oldest form of flight.

The Hot Air Balloon Safari in Amboseli is a once in a lifetime experience

Imagine this: you gently ascend in a hot air balloon basket, the rising sun warming your face as you glide above the breathtaking Amboseli landscape.

Drift effortlessly over the open savannah, a tapestry of Acacia tortilis trees and grasslands teeming with wildlife. Witness majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and a myriad of other animals roaming freely below.
To one side, the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, dominates the horizon. On the other, the serene beauty of Lake Amboseli and lush wetlands unfolds before you.

Soar above this pristine wilderness, enjoying the tranquility and unique perspective. Then, descend gracefully and savour a delightful champagne breakfast, the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Amboseli hot air balloon safari.”

Amboseli Balloon Safari Pickups

Amboseli Balloon Safari
Amboseli Balloon Safari

Meeting Time – We aim to have all guests at the Balloon Camp by 5:30 am and hence the meeting time varies depending on the camp or lodge you are staying at. Depending on the timing and distance from your Camp or Lodge, pick-ups may begin as early as 4:15am, to ensure a smooth and well-planned flight.

It is also important to note that the pickup time and location will be reconfirmed with the guides and hotel the afternoon before the flight.

We offer pick-ups/drop-offs at the following camps:

AA Lodge Amboseli, Amboseli Bush Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Elephant Garden Camp, Elephant Gorge Camp, Kibo Safari Camp, Kilima Safari Camp Amboseli, Kili Springs, Kimana Public Campsite, KWS Campsite, KWS Guesthouse, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Porini Amboseli Camp, Satao Elerai Camp, Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Serena Safari Lodge, Tawi Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Zebra Plains Amboseli Camp.

*Please feel free to contact us to inquire about any other private camps/lodges.

Hot Air Balloon Camp Check-In

Upon arrival at our Balloon Camp, passengers will be required to Check-in at the reception desk to complete Passenger Information Waivers, and then join the others in the Guest Pavilion, complete with morning beverages (coffee, teas or hot chocolate) and fresh biscuits. Female and Male Toilets are available, and Wi-Fi and USB chargers are available to all guests in the Guest Pavilion.

Pre-Flight Safety Briefing

Once at the Launch Field, you will join a Pre-flight Safety Briefing with the Captain of your Hot Air Balloon. During this briefing, you will learn how the hot air balloon works, safety features, what to expect during your flight and also your Captain will answer any questions you may have.

Hot Air Balloon Inflation

You will watch in awe as the high-powered burners add heat to the balloon and it inflates and rises to over 25m in height! Take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities with Mt. Kilimanjaro and spectacular sunrises as our backdrop!

Balloon Take Off

Once all passengers climb into the gondola and partake in another short safety briefing, the Captain will add more heat to the balloon, and it will gracefully rise into the magical skies of the Amboseli. Time for your amazing adventure in a hot air balloon!

IN FLIGHT

Once we are In-flight, you will experience a spectacular 360° view of:

  • The earth coming alive, as the sun rises to the East, The many variations of the Amboseli ecosystem, Kilimanjaro to the South, Amboseli National Park to the North, Plentiful wildlife Kenya is famous for throughout the area, The local Maasai Manyattas and Bomas in the area, Remember to bring your cameras and/or binoculars! Flights generally last about 1-hour, but actual flight time can vary from 45-minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on the weather of the day, and the conditions ‘Mother Nature’ has provided us.
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NOTE: We can not guarantee a flight length, or direction, or what animals/game are seen on a given day – we are “one with nature” and every day is different, fresh and changes in the wind direction can occur.

Landing

After we return to Mother Earth, our Chase Crew will have followed us on the ground and will be there to meet and greet us.

Game Drive

Our custom Safari vehicles will transport all guests back to the Balloon Camp, while taking in a Game drive and experiencing the local communities and points of interest in the Amboseli ecosystem.

Champagne Celebration

The Chief Pilot will begin the Celebration with stories, the Balloonists Prayer and Traditional Champagne Toast. For guests that do not drink alcohol or are younger, we always have optional beverages available to join in the Celebration.

Balloon Safari Breakfast

Enjoy a Chef prepared ‘made to order’ full hot breakfast, inclusive of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurt, coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate, and juices. Dietary limitations will be accommodated, with advance notice.

Balloon Certificate

After breakfast and reminiscing about the mornings Magical flight, all guests are presented with a Commemorative Flight Ascension Certificate, signed by their Captain, as a memento of their Kilimanjaro Balloon Safari experience.

What to wear for a hot air balloon safari experience in Amboseli.

  • Hot Air Ballooning is an interactive experience so it is best to wear clothing that can get dusty or dirty and is suitable for hiking:
  • Some mornings can be quite cool so layering clothing is recommended so it can be removed as the morning warms
  • The hot air balloon burners produce radiant heat, so it is recommended to wear a hat. The burners can sometimes drip water mixed with carbon. KBS will not be responsible for clothing damaged or stained
  • We recommend closed toe shoes because the launch and landing can be in rough terrain and high-heeled shoes, or open toe shoes are NOT suitable for all guests.
  • Bring a camera to capture stunning photos of the flight!

History Of Balloons

Hot Air Balloons Flying Over the Maasai MaraFlying in a balloon was once a dream to author Jules Verne. But a century later in 1962, his dream came true and has since gained a following, with a few Balloon Safari organizations in Kenya expressing plans of reviewing their offers to accommodate more balloon enthusiasts.

Flying in a balloon is considered a breathtaking experience by many, as it serves as a great opportunity to see wildlife and beautiful landscapes like mountains and rivers from an aerial view. Since its birth in East Africa in the 1960s, millions have engaged in the adventure over the years in during holidays such as the upcoming Easter holiday.

The balloon safaris all began some 100 years After Jules Verne wrote his book “Five weeks in a Balloon”, say historians.

Hot Air Balloonist Antony Smith and photographer cum movie director Sir Alan Root, successfully flew in a Hot Air Balloon from Zanzibar to the inner parts of Tanzania and later, through the Serengeti and the Great Rift Valley. That inspired Sir Alan Root to produce the film, “Safari by Balloon” watched by an estimated 98 million people in 28 countries.

But their desires didn’t end there. In January 1976, Smith felt that people visiting the Maasai Mara could enjoy fantastic sights from a Hot Air Balloon. That year, the first-time flight took off from Keekorok Lodge in the Mara in which to date, thousands have since noted down the wildlife they saw while in the skies.

Other areas became popular too, for the balloon safari adventure such as Mara Sarova, Mara Safari, Mara Serena lodge and other camps along the Great Rift Valley.

On the day of departure in the wee hours of the morning, guests receive a wakeup call in their tented camps or lodge. And after a hearty breakfast of local teas and bitings, with expectations and curiosity on what to expect, guests are whisked of to the departure site of the grand hot air balloon.

Usually, about 12 to 14 people enter the balloon’s basket. Guests are advised to wear warm clothing and bring along a camera and a notebook to list the animals and other attractive sites they would see.

And once guests are in, the pilot lights up the banners and as the flames flare, the balloon begins to inflate and then it rises to the skies. Suspended in a basket beneath the balloon, guests receive a clear aerial view of the wildlife, plantation, rivers beneath them.

Amazing about the balloon safari, is the absolute stillness and silence as it glides through the skies. Occasionally sounds below can be heard such as elephants bustling through bushes, baboons screeching from trees, a lion’s roar to mention a few lively activities.

And once the hour period is over, when the balloon lands, guests are treated to a celebration with a few bitings and even champaign depending on the organisation.

Certificates are then awarded to guests that have had an opportunity to fly in a balloon.

Maasai Mara Balloon Safari

A Hot Air Balloon Floating over the Masai Mara. - Balloon Safaris
A Hot Air Balloon Floating over the Masai Mara. – Balloon Safaris

Hot Air Balloon Safaris In Masai Mara

 

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari. Soar silently above the vast African savanna and witness breathtaking views of the iconic Masai Mara wildlife. This unique adventure offers unparalleled perspectives of the Great Migration, with herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles stretching as far as the eye can see.

Why Choose a Masai Mara Balloon Safari?

  • Unforgettable Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the sprawling grasslands, winding rivers, and acacia trees. Witness wildlife from a bird’s-eye view, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
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  • Unique Perspective: Experience the magic of the Masai Mara in a truly unique way. Gliding silently through the air provides a sense of tranquility and awe that ground-based safaris simply cannot match.
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  • Champagne Breakfast: Celebrate your adventure with a luxurious champagne breakfast served amidst the stunning African bush. Enjoy gourmet treats and sparkling wine while savoring the memories of your flight.
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  • Professional Guides: Experienced and knowledgeable pilots and guides ensure a safe and unforgettable journey.
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How the Balloon Safari Works:

 
  • Early Morning Start: Your safari begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your accommodation.
  • Flight Briefing: After a welcome coffee and a safety briefing, you’ll board the hot air balloon.
  • One-Hour Flight: Enjoy a thrilling one-hour flight, marveling at the breathtaking scenery and observing wildlife from above.
  • Champagne Breakfast: After landing, indulge in a delicious champagne breakfast served in the bush.
  • Return to Lodge: Relax and reminisce about your adventure as you return to your accommodation.

“There is nothing quite like a Masai Mara balloon safari. The absolute peace of immense vistas, muted colors and crisp fresh air…and the ever present promise of something wild…. as the balloons float you silently above it all “like a dream come true””

Booking Your Masai Mara Balloon Safari:

 
  • Your Location: Identify a camp or lodge in Masai Mara and our team will choose the best balloon launch site.
  • Make Reservations: Book your safari in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Inquire About Packages: We offer packages that include accommodation, transfers, and other activities.
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Important Considerations:

  • Weather Conditions: Balloon flights are weather-dependent.
  • Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, warm clothing in layers.
  • Bring a Camera: Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters.

 

A Masai Mara balloon safari is an experience you will cherish forever. Book your balloon safari adventure today and discover the magic of the African savanna from a whole new perspective.

Serengeti Balloon Safari

serengeti-1Probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world and the ultimate Safari Experience. We provide bookings for Balloon Safaris in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania . Book your Serengeti Balloon Safari online.

5:00 am, Serengeti Balloon Safaris will collect you from your Central Serengeti, Western Corridor, or Serengeti South lodge or camp, and transfer you by Landrover/Landcruiser to our launch site.  Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon.

At dawn we take off, rising as the sun rises and float whichever direction the winds of the morning take us.  Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.  At other times our pilot may ascend to 1000 ft or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Serengeti.  From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners.  In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour depending on conditions, and eventually you must land.  You celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in “Out of Africa” style with bone china, linen table cloth, King’s silver etc.

After breakfast you receive your Serengeti Balloon certificate and later meet up with your safari driver ready to continue your day’s activities.

Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

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The most famous game reserve in the world, the awe-inspiring Maasai Mara is what safari dreams are made of – rolling grasslands, wide open savannah and rich in wonderful African wildlife. Here is the place to witness the incredible annual wildebeest migration between June and October as over a million animals thunder across the plains in search of water and grazing – but the Maasai Mara has mass appeal all year round. Spot prides of lions basking in the shade or seek out an elusive solo leopard. And a magical hot-air balloon safari here is a must – gently drift over the plains as the sun rises, with game roaming below.

Maasai Mara Highlights.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley in southwest Kenya, bordering Tanzania, 45 minutes’ flight or approx. six hours’ drive from Nairobi. It offers incredible wildlife viewing among st stunning African landscapes of rolling plains and wide open savannah. Around July each year, herds of wildebeest and other grazing herbivores travel over the border from the Serengeti to the Mara during the Great Migration.

The reserve offers fantastic chances of seeing the Big Five – and even better opportunities for viewing big cats. The BBC’s Big Cat Diary team have been following the lives of the Mara’s resident lions, leopards and cheetahs here since 1996. Other wildlife to spot includes elephant, giraffe, zebra, hyena, impala, wildebeest, topi and buffalo.

The landscape is predominantly open grassland, with areas of acacia woodland and occasional bushes. The Mara River bisects the reserve – its waters are inhabited by crocodile and hippo, and many a wildebeest has come into danger when making the crossing during the annual Great Migration.

As Kenya’s most popular reserve, the Mara can become busy at times – but even experienced safari-goers admit that the game viewing opportunities here can be wonderful. The conservancies outside of the reserve boundaries also offer excellent – and often less crowded – wildlife viewing. There are no fences so the wildlife roams freely throughout the Mara region. The land on these surrounding conservancies is owned by local tribes, with camps and lodges leasing the land from them. This system benefits the local community and also allows for activities that are not permitted within the reserve, such as Maasai-guided bush walks.

Balloon Safaris

Experience the Magic of the Masai Mara with an Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Safari

Embark on a truly romantic and evocative adventure with a hot air balloon safari in East Africa. Glide silently over the vast plains of the Masai Mara, witnessing breathtaking panoramas of wildlife in their natural habitat.

A Dawn Ascent and a Wildlife Spectacle

Your hot air balloon safari typically begins at dawn, around 6:00 AM, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the African savannah. Ascend gently into the air and enjoy approximately one hour of awe-inspiring flight, observing magnificent herds of animals scattered across the sprawling plains.

Eco-Conscious Flights and Convenient Logistics

Hot air balloon flights in the Masai Mara are conducted daily from designated launch sites, carefully chosen to minimize disturbance to the delicate ecosystem. Your safari vehicle will conveniently transport you to the launch site and collect you from your landing point after the exhilarating flight.

Champagne Brunch: A Fitting Finale

After your unforgettable aerial adventure, indulge in a luxurious champagne brunch amidst the stunning African bush. Enjoy a perfectly laid-out table with attentive service, savoring the culmination of your magical hot air balloon safari experience.

Unparalleled Views and Diverse Wildlife Encounters

The scenery from a hot air balloon is simply breathtaking. Soar above the diverse habitats of the Masai Mara Reserve, witnessing the majestic Mara River, lush swamps, dense forests, and the iconic African savannah. This unique perspective offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of the Masai Mara.

Gentle Flight, Incredible Wildlife Sightings

The serene and silent nature of a hot air balloon flight allows for peaceful observation of the incredible wildlife below. Encounter the legendary “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes – alongside a diverse array of other fascinating creatures. Spot hippos wallowing in the river, crocodiles basking on the banks, graceful giraffes browsing on acacia trees, herds of zebras grazing, and a myriad of antelope species. Keep your eyes peeled for a kaleidoscope of birdlife, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the African wilderness.

Book Your Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari Today

Experience the magic of the Masai Mara from a unique and unforgettable perspective. Book your hot air balloon safari today and create a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

The Serengeti

Probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world and the ultimate Safari Experience. We provide bookings for Balloon Safaris in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania . Book your Serengeti Balloon Safari online.

5:00 am, Serengeti Balloon Safaris will collect you from your Central Serengeti, Western Corridor, or Serengeti South lodge or camp, and transfer you by Landrover/Landcruiser to our launch site.  Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon.

At dawn we take off, rising as the sun rises and float whichever direction the winds of the morning take us.  Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.  At other times our pilot may ascend to 1000 ft or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Serengeti.  From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners.  In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour depending on conditions, and eventually you must land.  You celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in “Out of Africa” style with bone china, linen table cloth, King’s silver etc.

After breakfast you receive your Serengeti Balloon certificate and later meet up with your safari driver ready to continue your day’s activities.

Masai Mara

The most famous game reserve in the world, the awe-inspiring Maasai Mara is what safari dreams are made of – rolling grasslands, wide-open savannah and rich in wonderful African wildlife. Here is the place to witness the incredible annual wildebeest migration between June and October as over a million animals thunder across the plains in search of water and grazing – but the Maasai Mara has a mass appeal all year round. Spot prides of lions basking in the shade or seek out an elusive solo leopard. And a magical hot-air balloon safari here is a must – gently drift over the plains as the sun rises, with game roaming below.

Highlights

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley in southwest Kenya, bordering Tanzania, 45 minutes’ flight or approx. six hours’ drive from Nairobi. It offers incredible wildlife viewing amongst stunning African landscapes of rolling plains and wide-open savannah. Around July each year, herds of wildebeest and other grazing herbivores travel over the border from the Serengeti to the Mara during the Great Migration.

The reserve offers fantastic chances of seeing the Big Five – and even better opportunities for viewing big cats. The BBC’s Big Cat Diary team has been following the lives of the Mara’s resident lions, leopards and cheetahs here since 1996. Other wildlife to spot includes elephant, giraffe, zebra, hyena, impala, wildebeest, topi and buffalo.

The landscape is predominantly open grassland, with areas of acacia woodland and occasional bushes. The Mara River bisects the reserve – its waters are inhabited by crocodile and hippo, and many a wildebeest has come into danger when making the crossing during the annual Great Migration.

As Kenya’s most popular reserve, the Mara can become busy at times – but even experienced safari-goers admit that the game viewing opportunities here can be wonderful. The conservancies outside of the reserve boundaries also offer excellent – and often less crowded – wildlife viewing. There are no fences so the wildlife roams freely throughout the Mara region. The land on these surrounding conservancies is owned by local tribes, with camps and lodges leasing the land from them. This system benefits the local community and also allows for activities that are not permitted within the reserve, such as Maasai-guided bush walks.

Balloon Safari

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