The cost of a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Kenya can vary depending on the season, and nature of the experience you are after ie there are clients who want an exclusive ride for a special occassion or a family that wants to use the balloon alone…etc.
However, on average, prices can range from around $400 to $550 per person for a standard hot air balloon safari, which typically includes the balloon ride, breakfast, and hotel transfers.
There may be additional fees for park entry, conservation fees, or other optional extras. Please check with us when making the booking.
Yes, a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari is truly a unique and unforgettable experience, and many of our guests consider it to be worth the cost. If you are in the Mara or planning on coming to the Mara, just do it and get it off your bucket list.
The whole experience will take around 4 -5 hrs from when you are picked from the hotel to when you will be dropped back at the hotel.
The length of time that a hot air balloon in the Masai Mara can stay up in the air depends on several factors, including the amount of fuel on board, weather conditions, and altitude. In general, most hot air balloon flights last between 45 minutes to one hour.
The pilot of the balloon will control the altitude of the balloon by heating the air inside the balloon with the burner or by allowing the air to cool down. If the balloon is heated more frequently, it will rise higher, and if it’s heated less, it will descend. During the flight, the pilot will monitor wind patterns and use them to steer the balloon to its desired destination.
After the flight, the balloon is usually deflated and packed away, and passengers are often treated to a bush breakfast.
The number of people that can fit in a hot air balloon depends on the size of the balloon itself. Hot air balloons inthe Masai Mara come in various sizes, with the smallest ones accommodating just two passengers plus the pilot, and the largest ones able to carry up to 16 passengers. In general, most commercial hot air balloons used for Masai Mara balloon safaris will carry between 4-16 passengers, plus the pilot. The exact number of passengers that can be accommodated will depend on the size and weight capacity of the balloon, as well as other safety factors. It’s important to note that there are weight restrictions for hot air balloon flights, as the weight of the passengers and any equipment must be carefully balanced against the lifting capacity of the balloon. The pilot and ground crew will ensure that the balloon is properly balanced and that all safety precautions are followed before takeoff.
When dressing for a hot air balloon safari, it’s important to keep in mind that the temperature can vary at different altitudes and times of day. Here are some tips to help you dress appropriately for your hot air balloon ride:
- Layered clothing: Wear layered clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. In the early morning it can be quite cool, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
- Comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction, such as sneakers or hiking boots.
- Hat or cap: Wear a hat or cap to protect your head and face from the morming sun.
- Avoid loose clothing: Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in the balloon’s equipment, such as scarves or loose jewelry.
- Dress for the weather: Check the weather forecast before your flight and dress appropriately for the temperature and conditions.
Masai Mara is always full of animals and the beautiful and landscape isn’t going anywhere. So any day as long as the weather is good is a Hot Air Balloon day!
However if we have to answer the question of when, the best time of year to go on a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara is from June to October. This is the peak of the dry season, which means that the weather is generally sunny and dry, with very little rain. This is also the time when the annual Great Wildebeest Migration takes place, which is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, you may want to consider visiting during the low season from November to May, when the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower. Our Pilots and chefs and crew will make sure your experience is special!
4 years and above . The children must be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket and be able to follow the pilot’s instructions for safety reasons. It’s important to note that hot air balloon rides can be a bit bumpy during takeoff and landing, so younger children may feel a bit scared or uncomfortable during these times. Parents should also consider whether their child would enjoy the experience and be comfortable with the height and motion of the balloon ride.
Yes. We would however need to be notified during the time of making the booking. We will need the client to book an extra seat for a care give to assist the client seat and stand and climb in and climb out of the balloon basket.
We will make arrangements to assist with boarding and disembarking from the balloon basket.
If a wheelchair user is unable to take a hot air balloon ride, there may be other options for experiencing the stunning scenery of Masai Mara from above, such as scenic flights or helicopter tours. These options may be more accessible for passengers with mobility restrictions.
The primary factor influencing pick-up times is the location of your hotel relative to the hot air balloon launching site. We strategically plan pick-up routes to minimize travel time and maximize the time spent aloft. Hotels located closer to the launching site will have later pick-up times since they require less travel to reach the starting point. See more details here
Flight Cancellations: Safety is the top priority for hot air balloon operators. If the weather conditions pose a significant risk to the safety of passengers and the crew, the flight will be canceled. Common adverse weather conditions that can lead to cancellations include high winds, thunderstorms, low cloud cover, and poor visibility.
Refunds and Rebooking: In the event of a flight cancellation due to poor weather, most operators will offer passengers the option to receive a refund or reschedule their flight for another date. The specific refund and rebooking policies can vary between operators, so it’s essential to check with them for their terms and conditions.