Masai Mara Experience

Hot Air Balloon
Safari

The most breathtaking perspective in all of Africa — drift over the savannah at dawn as the world wakes below you.

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Hot air balloon over the Masai Mara at dawn
49 Years flying
Balloon Safaris Ltd — Est. 1976
Masai Mara · Dawn Experience

Float over the Mara
at first light

Float silently above the Masai Mara at first light — lion prides, elephant herds and the endless savannah spread below you. After 45–60 minutes in the air, your pilot lands for a champagne bush breakfast served on the plains. One of the defining moments of an East Africa safari, and the one experience our guests mention most when they return home.

Pickup from your camp before dawn — transferred to the launch site
45–60 minute flight over the Mara ecosystem
Full English bush breakfast with champagne toast on landing
Certificate of Achievement presented by your pilot
Return drop-off to your lodge or airstrip
Private charter available for honeymoon or VIP groups

Age & fitness: Minimum 5 years old and 1.2m tall. Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with heart conditions or severe back issues.

Weight: A 50% surcharge applies for guests over 120 kg — please flag this at enquiry.

Driver details required at least 4 days before your flight: name, mobile number & vehicle registration. Your guide handles this on your behalf.

Weather-dependent: If the operator cancels for safety reasons, a full refund or rescheduled flight is offered.

Times are briefed by the sales team the evening before your flight and may shift seasonally. Search your camp below.

Camp not listed? Contact us and we’ll confirm your pickup time directly with the operator.

Notice givenCharge
14+ days before flightNo charge
7–14 days before50% charged
48 hours – 6 days75% charged
Under 48 hours / no-show100% charged
Operator cancels (weather/safety)Full refund

To reschedule, notify the operator at least 11 days before your flight. We manage this communication on your behalf.

From $420 per person · non-resident · Masai Mara
Book This Experience
Book Your Balloon Safari

Two ways to add the balloon experience

Balloon safari only

Already staying in the Masai Mara? Book the balloon experience on its own. Tell us your camp and dates and we'll confirm pickup times and availability.

Enquire — Balloon Only →

Book as part of a safari

Add the balloon to a full Masai Mara safari package. We'll build your itinerary with the balloon experience included on the morning that suits you best.

See Safari Packages →
Balloon Only

Enquire about the balloon experience

From $550 per person. Complete the details below and we'll confirm availability, your exact pickup time based on your camp, and any questions you have. This enquiry is for the balloon safari only.

Pickup times vary by camp location — we'll confirm yours.
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We respond within 24 hours · No payment required to enquire

Combine With a Safari

Masai Mara safaris you can add the balloon to

Every one of these itineraries includes time in the Masai Mara — the perfect place to add a dawn balloon flight. Choose one and mention the balloon when you enquire. Keen to photograph from the air and the ground? See our Kenya photographic safaris planner.

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Good to Know

Balloon safari — frequently asked questions

Balloon safaris launch at dawn — you'll be collected from your camp very early, usually between 4:30am and 5:30am depending on your location, to reach the launch site before sunrise. Your exact pickup time is confirmed once we know your camp.
The flight itself lasts approximately one hour, drifting silently over the plains as the sun rises. The full experience — including pickup, safety briefing, flight and a champagne bush breakfast afterwards — takes around four hours start to finish.
The balloon safari is from $550 per person. The exact rate depends on the season and operator. We confirm the price when you enquire.
Yes — for safety, balloon operators apply minimum age and height requirements. Please see the experience details above for the current minimum. Children who meet the requirement are warmly welcome.
You'll be welcomed back to earth with a celebratory champagne toast and a full bush breakfast served in the open — one of the most memorable meals you'll have in Kenya — before being driven back to your camp.
Dress in warm layers — dawn on the plains is cold before the sun rises, then warms quickly. A hat, sunglasses and a light jacket you can remove are ideal. Closed shoes are recommended for the launch and landing.
Balloon flights depend on safe weather conditions. If a flight is cancelled by the operator for weather or safety reasons, it is rescheduled where possible or refunded according to the cancellation policy shown above.
Yes. If you're already staying in the Masai Mara you can book the balloon experience on its own — just use the balloon-only enquiry form above and tell us your camp and dates.

Ready to float over the Mara?

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