Sunrise over the Mara, from 300 metres up
An hour drifting above wildebeest herds, elephant families and prowling big cats, ending in a champagne bush breakfast.
Everything looks different from up here
Wildebeest lines stretching to the horizon, an elephant family heading to a waterhole, a big cat on patrol below - all visible at once from the gondola.
Look into the treetops and you'll spot something rarely seen from the ground: large stork nests cradling a single white egg. Your pilot points out landmarks and wildlife as the light shifts with every metre of altitude.
Add this to my safariFrom lodge pick-up to bush breakfast
Collected from your lodge or tented camp and driven to the launch site - roughly an hour, dress warmly for the pre-dawn chill.
Meet your pilot and fellow passengers over fresh coffee while the crew inflates the balloon. A safety briefing follows before boarding.
The balloon rises as the sun breaks the horizon. Within minutes you're above the treeline with the whole park opening up below.
Drift with the wind over the plains, following whatever route the currents set - your pilot narrates landmarks and wildlife along the way.
An easy landing, then a full breakfast at long tables in the bush - eggs any style, fresh juice, pastries and champagne, served by staff in traditional dress.
What it costs
| Guest | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €425 per person |
| Child (5-12 years) | 75% of adult price |
Pick-up time from your lodge varies depending on distance from the balloon launch site.
Balloon safaris - your questions answered
How much does a Masai Mara balloon safari cost?
€425 per adult, with children aged 5-12 charged at 75% of the adult price. The flight, transfers, and bush breakfast afterwards are all included.
How long does the flight last?
Around one hour in the air, though the full morning - pick-up, briefing, flight and breakfast - takes about 4-5 hours from start to finish.
What time does pick-up happen?
Around 5:00am from your lodge or tented camp, timed so the balloon launches right as the sun rises. Exact pick-up time depends on distance to the launch site.
What's included after the flight?
A full bush breakfast at the landing site - eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit, pastries, juice and champagne, served at tables set up in the open.
Can I add this to any Masai Mara safari?
Yes - it's a popular add-on to any Mara itinerary, road or flight safari. Let your travel advisor know when planning and we'll build it into your schedule.
What should I wear?
Warm layers - early mornings in the Mara are cold before sunrise. Temperatures rise quickly once the sun is up, so layers you can remove work best.