Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya

Nothing beats the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that you get on a hot air balloon ride over the African plains. Flying over the vast Kenya Wilderness on Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya offers an ultimate safari experience that allows you to discover Kenya and its natural wonders from a different perspective. Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya allow travelers to witness endless wilderness below encompassing riverine forests, sprawling savannahs, and towering escarpments among others – teeming with abundant diversity and natural wonders. Although most safaris to Kenya are wildlife bases and are majorly conducted on safari game drives in customized safari vehicles, a ride over the vast plains of Kenya’s iconic safari parks and reserves offers a great opportunity to explore these charming locations from a different perspective.

Why Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya? Hot air balloon safaris in Kenya offer a unique experience – its magic lies in its serene yet exhilarating nature. Balloon safaris are conducted at sunrise when the air is still cool, and the wildlife is most active – you’ll ascend silently in the gentle breeze, enjoying a peaceful and intimate encounter with the wild and its inhibitors. The thrill of floating hundreds of feet above the ground, drifting along the wind’s path, offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife below at one of the most unique vantage points – not experienced by most travelers in Kenya. You’ll have an opportunity to witness the vast ecosystems of Kenya on a single balloon ride thus making it even one of the most efficient ways of exploring Kenya’s vast wilderness.

Where to go for Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya – Top Locations for Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s premier safari destinations – renowned for its incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and natural wonders. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is one of the best places in Kenya that offer hot air ballo

on safaris. A ride over the vast savannas of the Mara grant travelers a unique opportunity to witness various attractions including the Big Five Animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas among others. Masai Mara National Reserve is also home to the great wildebeest migration, a natural spectacle where over 1.5 million wildebeest and their entourage move into the serve from the nearby Serengeti National Park.

While on a hot air balloon Safaris in Masai Mara, you can take in the vastness of this iconic landscape, spotting wildlife below, and if visiting during the migration season, witnessing the dramatic movement of thousands of animals in their search for food and water. The view of herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, often accompanied by predators like lions and crocodiles, is truly a sight to behold and one of the most thrilling encounters on a Kenya holiday Safari tour.

After landing, you’ll celebrate the adventure with a champagne breakfast or a bush brunch – often set up in a picturesque spot, allowing you to savor the moments while enjoying the African bush in all its glory.

2. Amboseli National Park

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is another popular destination for Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya. Amboseli National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants and its spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain in the background – one of the best safari destination in Kenya to for wildlife and nature experiences. Hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli takes you over the open plains and swamps, giving you an opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the park and its diversity including elephants, buffalo, and various bird species. During a hot air ride here, you’ll also witness the Mount Kilimanjaro towering majestically in the distance.

3. Samburu National Reserve

Nestled in the far northern part of Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is another top destination for hot air balloon safaris in Kenya. A hot air balloon safari in Samburu National Reserve offers an excellent experience as you get an opportunity to witness its rugged, arid landscape and wildlife from above.

The hot air balloon safari experience in Samburu is equally captivating just like that in Masai Mara National Reserve. Samburu’s terrain is characterized by its rocky hills, acacia trees, and rivers like the Ewaso Ng’iro River that meanders through the reserve. The fertile riverbanks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River are characterized by fertile pockets of vegetation that dot the rugged-arid landscape of this National Reserve. Samburu is also home to unique wildlife including in the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk antelope among others.

A hot air balloon ride over vast Samburu National Reserve offers a unique view of different wildlife species and natural environment. Just like in Masai Mara National Reserve, the balloon ride over Samburu National Reserve offers aerial perspective of this iconic Reserve, highlighting the contrast between the arid landscape and the pockets of lush vegetation around the river. The hot air balloon ride in Samburu usually ends with a peaceful landing, followed by a bush breakfast or Champagne breakfast.

Masai Mara hot-air balloon flight price

Hot-air balloon flights are one of the most expensive activities in remote areas such as the Masai Mara National Reserve. When budgeting for a hot air balloon safari, budget for about US$ 450 per person. One of the reasons why hot air balloon safaris in expensive in Kenya is  because the hot air balloons are used for a limited number of hours before they need replacing. A single balloon can be used for approximately 850 flight hours, before replacement. This is meant to ensure safety of those who board a balloon for a ride.

The other thing that makes hot air balloon flights expensive is the cost of fuel and crew to operate the hot air balloon. The crews are made up of six crew members and a licensed balloon pilot, with an additional ten people behind the scenes (per balloon) who are responsible for getting each hot air balloon airborne.

Embark on a Hot air Balloon safari in Kenya with us and discover Kenya’s iconic wilderness in a unique way. Enjoy a memorable ride over the vast wilderness viewing incredible wildlife, stunning savannas, and natural wonders on a Kenya Hot air balloon safari.