You will have to rise early, usually before dawn around 4–5 am to be taken from your camp to the ballooning start point. On getting there you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you watch as the balloon is inflated. When they are ready you clamber into the basket and your pilot will give you a short briefing. Then, as the sun rises, so does your balloon. The direction you take will depend on the wind and you may float over forest, plains or rivers. Your pilot will point out the game below and there are ample opportunities for photography. One of the best things about ballooning is that’s totally silent apart from the occasional noise from the balloon’s burners. After around an hour you will land on the plains, possibly with a bump and certainly ready for breakfast.
Champagne breakfast
Once you’ve landed a breakfast will be set up and served for you in the middle of the park. You can enjoy a glass of champagne whilst the table is laid and sausages cooked for you.
Sitting on a camp stool, tucking into breakfast and watching the birds soar overhead is a magical experience. After breakfast you climb into your safari vehicle and enjoy a game drive back to camp.
Sample itinerary
0500 hrs - Wake up call
0530 hrs - Pick up and transfer to the launch site
0600 hrs - Arrival at launch site
0615 hrs - Lift off for a flight of about one hour
Starting from US$ 450 per person
Rates include
- Balloon Flight (approx one hour)
- Transfers from nearby camps and lodges
- Champagne style bush breakfast
- Transfer back to camp after breakfast
- Conservancy Landing Fees
Rates exclude
- Accommodation at the camp/lodge
- Transportation to and from the Masai Mara or Serengeti
