Is a Masai Mara Balloon Safari worth it?
Is a Masai Mara Balloon Safari worth it?
A hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara is one of the essential experiences to include in a Kenya safari. Imagine floating above the vast savannah landscape, surrounded by nothing but the sound of the burners and the occasional call of birds or animals.
As the early morning light begins to peek over the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the grasslands. As you rise higher and higher in the sky, the view becomes more and more breathtaking.
About Masai Mara National Reserve:
Masai Mara National Reserve is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, and a hot air balloon safari is a perfect way to see it all (in a birder’s eye view).
Masai Mara National Reserve is a must-visit for every traveler; the reserve is one of the largest game reserves in Kenya, widely considered to be Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve. Also known as The Mara, the reserve stretches 1,510 square kilometers and rises 1,500–2,170 meters above sea level. It is contiguous with the plains of the Serengeti.
Masai Mara National Reserve is worldly known for a wide range of wild animals, such as the Big Five—lions, leopards, African elephants, cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros—and other popular species like hyenas, giraffes, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, eland, and Thomson’s gazelles.
The reserve is named in honor of the Maasai People – the ancestral inhabitants of the area and their description of the area when looked at from afar. “Mara means Spotted” in the local Maasai language of Maa, due to the many trees that dot the landscape.
Balloon Safari in Masai Mara:
There is nothing really quite like the feeling of freedom and exhilaration you get when flying high above the African plains. The idea of waking up at the crack of dawn during your safari holiday may sound less than pleasant; however, the rewards of embarking on this flying adventure greatly outweigh the inconvenience of waking up early.
As your guide takes you to the balloon launchpad, you will begin to feel the anticipation grow. While you enjoy a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea, the balloon crew will inflate your balloon and prepare everything for takeoff.
Once the balloon is filled and you have climbed into the basket beneath it, your pilot will give you a short briefing before setting the balloon into motion. As the sun begins to rise in a stunning color show of fiery reds and golds, your balloon will slowly rise to the skies.
As you float along, your pilot will point out different landmarks and give you a brief history about the area. You will learn about the Maasai people who have lived in the Mara for generations and about the various conservation efforts that are in place to protect the wildlife and the environment. Your pilot will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
One of the best things about a hot air balloon safari is that it is an entirely unique and unforgettable experience. Unlike the traditional safari, where you are confined to a vehicle and can only see what is directly in front of you, a hot air balloon allows you to see the Mara in its entirety. The views are astounding, and you will feel like you are part of the landscape, floating along with the animals below.
As the sun begins to rise higher in the sky, the colors of the savannah change from soft oranges and pinks to bright yellows and greens. The grass ripples in the wind, and the animals below begin to stir from their slumber. It is a magical experience that you will never forget.
After the balloon flight, you will touch back down on the ground and enjoy a delicious breakfast cooked by the crew, prepared with fresh ingredients, and served in the middle of the savannah with the most picturesque views.
Also, you will have a chance to take a more in-depth look at the wildlife and landscapes that you saw from the sky. Your pilot and ground crew will be more than happy to show you around and point out anything you might have missed.
Hot air Ballooning and the Great Migration
If you decide to visit the Mara between the months of July and October, you will have a chance to catch the Great Migration while flying above the African plains. There is nothing quite like this phenomenon of migrating herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.
Flying above the herds in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to witness the enormity of what is taking place. Other exciting sights to behold include watching predators such as lions hunting their prey, spotting leopards perched up high in trees and seeing active hyena dens.
Every hot air balloon flight brings with it the opportunity to see new and exciting sights below. Your pilot will make sure to fly lower at times to allow for the best possible pictures to be taken.
In conclusion, a Masai Mara Balloon Safari is worth it. It is a bucket list experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The views are magical, the wildlife is incredible, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. A Masai Mara Balloon Safari.
