Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai Mara National Reserve from both land and sky on this 2-day, 1-night Balloon Safari Experience.
This adventure combines classic game drives with a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight offering stunning aerial views of wildlife and the sweeping savannah plains. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a short yet unforgettable safari in Kenya’s most iconic wilderness.
Itinerary
Morning:
- Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 7:00 AM.
- Depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley with a brief photo stop at the viewpoint.
- Continue across the rolling farmlands and arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch.
Afternoon:
- After lunch and check-in, enjoy your first game drive in the Maasai Mara.
- The Mara is famous for its diverse wildlife — lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more — all thriving in this world-renowned reserve.
- As the sun sets, return to your camp for relaxation.
Evening:
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
- Optional: Enjoy an evening bonfire or cultural dance performed by Maasai warriors.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
Accommodation: Mara Serena Lodge, Zebra Plains Camp, Basecamp Explorer, or similar
Early Morning:
- Around 4:30 AM, you’ll be picked up for your Hot Air Balloon Safari adventure.
- Arrive at the launch site before dawn to watch the balloon being inflated - a mesmerizing sight under the early morning sky.
- Take off at sunrise and float silently above the Mara plains for approximately one hour, spotting wildlife from a bird’s-eye view.
- During migration season (July–October), witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River from the sky - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
After Landing:
- Celebrate your flight with a champagne toast, followed by a bush breakfast in the middle of the savannah - freshly prepared by your balloon crew.
- Receive your Balloon Flight Certificate as a souvenir of your adventure.
Mid-Morning:
- Enjoy a short game drive en route back to your camp.
- Check out and depart for Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon (around 4:00–5:00 PM).
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water
- All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
The Cost Excludes
- Accommodation on the day before the tour departs
- Accommodation on the last day
- Drinks & laundry during your stay
- International flights (from/to home)
- Hot air balloon safaris USD 450 PP
- Masai Village visit USD 30 per person
- Tips to the guide
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc
FAQs
A typical safari tour includes:
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Accommodation: Comfortable lodges or tented camps, depending on the tour package.
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Transportation: We provide a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
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Park Fees: All entrance and conservation fees for the parks or reserves included.
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Meals: Most of our tours include full board, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the accommodations.
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Guided Safari: Experienced safari guides who are knowledgeable about wildlife and conservation.
Tour lengths vary depending on the type of safari or package you select. Our tours typically range from 3-day weekend getaways to 14-day extensive safaris exploring multiple parks and regions. We also offer flexible itineraries to suit your time frame.
Most visitors to Kenya require a visa. You can apply for an eVisa online through the official Kenyan government portal. Citizens of certain countries may be exempt or eligible for visa-on-arrival privileges. Be sure to check the latest travel requirements before your trip.
Here’s a basic packing list for your safari:
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Light-colored clothing: Safari-specific clothes (neutral colors like beige, khaki, or brown) are best for blending into the environment and not attracting bugs.
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Comfortable shoes: Sturdy shoes for walking tours and flip-flops for relaxing.
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Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Binoculars and camera: To get the best wildlife sightings.
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Insect repellent: Especially for the evenings.
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Personal items: Medicines, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes! We cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and more. Please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements with the accommodations and during your safari meals.
Yes, we offer airport pick-up and drop-off services. Whether you’re arriving at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Mombasa’s Moi International Airport, we can arrange for a driver to pick you up and transport you to your accommodation or safari starting point.
Kenya is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:
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The Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino.
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Other animals: Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Hippos, Crocodiles, and many antelope species.
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Over 1,000 bird species, including flamingos, ostriches, and eagles.
Yes, children are welcome on safari tours! We provide family-friendly itineraries with kid-friendly accommodations and activities. Some parks even offer special educational experiences for children. Be sure to inform us if you’re traveling with young children so we can recommend the best tours for your family.
