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.
