Hot Air Balloon Safaris Kenya & Tanzania
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris Kenya & Tanzania
Among your list of things to do in Masai Mara, if you’re in for a heart racing experience, fly high up in the skies above the endless wilderness plains, a truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience like no other.
Flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara plains is an exciting experience where you have the chance to watch from the skies this iconic park, a never-ending exciting mixture of forests, endless savannah grassland plains, towering escarpments and rugged rivers.
Wake up before dawn and rise with the golden sunrise as your background lighting up this beautiful wilderness. Float high above the sky with a birds-eye view of the breathtaking savannah plains below.
What will happen is that our 4X4 safari vehicles will pick you from your camp or lodge between 0400am -0530am and drive you to the launch site, to arrive by 0600AM; watch the balloons being prepared for take-off.
Generally, your Hot-Air Balloon flights in the Masai Mara takes off at the break of dawn between 06:15am and 06:30am after a freshly brewed coffee and flight safety brief. Floating silently during the ride over the savannah grasslands below where you may spot a variety of wildlife; keep in mind we cannot guarantee what you will see in any particular flight, every day is different.
The flight lasts an hour (1) and completes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” upon your flight landing at the balloon landing site. Once you land between 7:15am and 7:30am, observe the complete deflating of the balloon before sitting down to a full bush breakfast; the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, sausages, fresh juices, fruits, cereals and, of course, sparkling wine.
After your bush breakfast, enjoy a relaxed game drive as you head back to your safari camp or safari lodge, arriving by around 10:30AM – already recalling the memories of the morning’s flight.
Flying High
Kenya Hot-Air Balloon Flights
Amboseli hot air balloon safaris will offer you an unparalleled 360 degrees views of the Amboseli National Park, and we can see as far as Lake Amboseli while pointing out at the wildlife below as they make their way toward the park swamps for the day. During this time, take advantage of the plenty of great photographic opportunities.
Nothing is more spectacular than launching at sunrise & floating effortlessly in a hot air balloon, and this is definitely one of the best way to view the Amboseli National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, local safari lodges and camps not forgetting the surrounding Maasai homesteads.
Hot-air balloon flights are quite pricey, especially in reserve areas such as the Masai Mara where hot air balloon safari prices start from US$ 450 per person up to US$ 515 per person. Understand more on planning your balloon safaris in Maasai mara or balloon safaris in Amboseli.
What To Expect on Hot-Air Balloon Safaris
Discover top hot air baloon rides and experiences with expert guides.
1. Hot-Air Balloon Wildlife Sightings
As you rise above the skies of the Maasai Mara plains, before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, charming sceneries, with free-ranging wildlife it is likely you will spot elephants, giraffes, various antelope species, and ostriches from the balloon. If lucky you will also see hyenas, lions, and cheetahs, depending on the day’s flight path, you may also float along the Mara River and see hippos and crocodiles.
2. Sightings of Wldebeest Migration Crossing
If you happen to visit the Maasai Mara in between July and October, you will probably see the “Great Migration” of over a million wildebeest, along with large numbers of zebras and gazelles. Witnessing this wonder from the balloon ride is the best way to catch the migrating herds; an experience not to be missed.
3. Champagne Bush Breakfast
Your balloon safari finishes in style whereby you toast your landing to earth with champagne breakfast in the Masai Mara (complete with sparkling wine), served in the bush close to wherever you land.
Catch the Migration
4. Morning Pick-Up
Pickup and transfers; one of our drivers will visit your safari lodge the evening before the flight to agree with you the time for collection in the morning, answer any questions on what to wear and to bring with you. Departure starts from your lodge where you are collected by one of our drivers in a 4×4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle before dawn (generally between 0400am and 0500am).
Top 4 Best Hot Air Balloon Safari Destinations
Discover the best places balloon safaris Kenya and Tanzania. Taking a hot air balloon safari in Africa is one of the best bucket-list experience which allows you safari in unforgettable ways as you experience Africa’s wild beauty, wildlife and nature. Drifting silently at sunrise, you’ll watch as the land becomes enveloped in golden light while herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope roam below. From aerial views of Africa’s wildlife to once-in-a-lifetime moments, like witnessing the Great Migration from above, a balloon ride combines peace, adventure, and romance in equal measure. These are the best places for hot air balloon safaris in East Africa.
New heights above the savanna.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is another best balloon safari destination, especially during the Great Migration River crossings (July to October). Imagine a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Mara River as wildebeest cross below, crocodiles lurk in the water, and lions wait at the banks. Experience the East African landscape from aloft and capture breathtaking photographs as you drift along the air currents over the Maasai Mara.
2. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Admire Mount Kilimanjaro at eye-level and the Amboseli Park from above on a hot-air balloon safari. These hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli are truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. Flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the Amboseli plains is an evocative experience that you have the chance to enjoy during any safari you take to Amboseli. The balloon take offs at the break of dawn, around 6am, gliding silently during the ride over the savannah grasslands below where you may spot a variety of wildlife. The flight lasts an hour and concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing site in the wilderness.
3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
A Serengeti balloon safari is another ideal balloon safari experience, allowing you to soar smoothly over the vast savannahs while spotting sensational wildlife at sunrise. From your aerial vantage point, witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration. Witness as mega herds of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains. Floating above the spectacle offers a rare, uninterrupted perspective of this natural wonder, often described as one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth.
4. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Take to the skies on a hot-air balloon safari at dawn to observe a jaw-dropping sunrise over Tarangire Park, where the landscape tells a different story from that of the famous Serengeti. Tarangire National Park is famous for its ancient baobabs and large elephant herds, both of which make for dramatic views from a hot air balloon. Whether you’re seeking a romantic hot air ballon safari in Africa, unparalleled luxury safari holiday, or the thrill of aerial views of Africa’s wildlife, we are always ready to help you design your perfect experience.
Best Africa Balloon Safari Destinations
Browse some of our favorite places which promise a more intimate adventure especially for travelers longing for a more private safari experience far away from the crowds with plenty of flexible safari activities. Maybe you’re planning your honeymoon safari in Africa or rather you just desire a more private family safari experience just know that you have plenty of options to choose from.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Top Kenya Air Safaris
FAQ’s About East Africa Safaris
Q. Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Kenya?
Yes, you need yellow fever vaccination for Kenya. Kenya is considered a Yellow Fever risk country and you may be asked for a vaccination certificate on arrival, or when travelling to other African countries. The Yellow Fever vaccination is given as a single injection at least ten days before travelling and offers lifelong protection. We highly recommend consulting with your doctor or visiting a travel clinic before you travel.
Q. When is the best time to visit Kenya?
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
Q. How much does a safari in Kenya cost?
The cost for a Kenya safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Kenya safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Kenya safari cost depends on the following factors:
Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
Duration of your stay in Kenya.
Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Kenya safaris or by road, using a comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
Q. What medication do I need for Kenya safari?
About medicine on your trip to Kenya, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Kenya for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
Q. Where to stay on safari in Kenya
With hundreds of excellent luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Kenya – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Our list of the best Kenya safari lodges also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
Q. Where are the places to visit in Kenya?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Kenya Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Kenya Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.