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Hot air ballooning in the Masai Mara

One of the 'classic' safari experiences that Africa has to offer - here is my run down of whats involved from start to finish.

Ben
Ben
Africa Specialist and CEO
Published on
14 May 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Governors Camp Hot Air Balloon

A Masai Mara safari experience in Kenya is one of our favourite holidays, but to make it truly unforgetable, you might want to add a hot air balloon safari.

It's just before dawn and your hot air ballooning adventure is about to begin. Bleary eyed, your senses are awoken by the sound of roaring flames and the sight of a the balloon being inflated before your very eyes.

Whilst your craft is being prepared you'll have a briefing from the crew. Dawn breaks and your flight is ready to takeoff.

Governors Balloon Getting Ready To Launch
Time to get the balloons ready
Governors Ballon Ready For Takeoff
Ready for takeoff at Governors

As you rise slowly above the Masai Mara you'll appreciate the vastness of the landscape and the great vantage point you now hold. Enjoying this totally new perspective wildlife viewing and photo opportunities become priority.

Governors  Balloon  Guests
Governors balloon selfie!!
Girl Hot Air Ballooning In The Masai Mara
Memories to last a lifetime

Then relax! enjoy the view as you float effortlessly through the air suspended underneath your beautiful craft. Take in all the views and sights during your 45 - 60 minute flight. Moments to cherish for a lifetime.

Take in the view on a Governors balloon
Taking in the view
View Of Governors Balloon
Floating over some wildebeest
Governors Balloon Guests
Silently gliding over the Masai Mara

As your balloon comes in to land and you think your adventure is over, don't fret, it's not!

Whilst you've been up in the air the ground crew have been keeping tracks on you. Once they've worked out your landing location they create the traditional end of flight meal, a beautiful champagne breakfast. Take in the experience over a nice chilled glass of champagne.

Governors Champagne Breakfast
Getting ready for arrival of the guests
Governors Balloon Breakfast
Preparing breakfast

It's still not over. You need to get back to camp, and the best way to do that is on a game drive! The rest of the morning is spent slowly heading back to your accommodation taking in all available wildlife viewing.

Governors Balloon Spectator
View of a Governors Balloon
The View From A Governors Ballon
Birds eye view

Hot air ballooning the in the Masai Mara can be arranged from any camp in the Masai Mara. Governors Camp, Little Governors Camp, and Il Moran Governors Camp are three of the best to start your adventure.

The Details...

  • How much does it cost... £470 - £530 per person
  • Age restrictions... Must be 6 years +
  • Timings... Depart between 06:00 - 06:30. Arrive back in time for lunch

Whats Included...

  • 45-70 minute balloon flight
  • Champagne breakfast
  • Game drive
  • Park Fees
  • Unforgettable memories

*Please note that if you're in a remote camp there may be some additional transfer costs.

To arrange your hot air balloon flight in the Masai Mara call us on 01768 603 715

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This was our 2nd trip organised via Far & Wild from Australia - previously Africa and now Sri Lanka. Nia and the rest of the team were great - excellent itinerary, happy to modify the trip based on my suggestions and research, and they handled some last minute changes caused by a health issue without any problems at all. They were very quick to reply to all messages - and the trip went really smoothly. If you want an up-market holiday, this is a great organisation to organise that sort of trip!

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Alistair took time to understand what we were after and came up with an unforgettable Kenyan safari and beach holiday which we will all remember for a very long time. Real memory making trip with our 10 and 12 year old boys. Exactly what we hoped for and more!

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Sue S

Otti organised a superb holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for my husband and I and our 2 adult daughters. It was our first safari and we only had a vague idea about where to start. Otti made the process so simple for us, suggesting an itinerary which she tweaked following discussions about the camps and hotels, and was really quick responding to my many queries; she was friendly, helpful and gave me complete confidence we were in excellent hands throughout. Far and Wild clearly have knowledge about the places they are recommending and work as team to provide the best service - definitely a 10 out of 10 for customer service and organising an amazing holiday for us.

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We can't thank the Far and Wild team enough for the most incredible trip we just had in Kenya. Otti really took into account what we were after and delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. It was the trip of a lifetime! We had the most beautiful and unique time while on safari at the Instinct of the Mara. We really wanted to visit a camp that took ethical and sustainable practices seriously without compromising on the experience... and wow, it was truly wonderful and special! We'll definitely be returning. Our time at Diani beach was also lovely and very relaxing. Every step of the trip was seamless and we didn't have to worry about a thing. We had 4 domestic flights and a handful of car rides to take and everything was extremely organized and ran smoothly. We can't wait to book our next big trip!! Very grateful.

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Ben and Tamara at Far & Wild were exceptional in every respect. They offered thoughtful advice, excellent recommendations, and meticulous planning, weaving together their personal connections to help our family transform a collection of ideas into a magnificent six-week adventure. Every detail was handled with care - no transaction overlooked - which is all the more impressive given the complexity of moving three people across four regions of the country by every mode of transport imaginable. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind and allowed us to simply enjoy the journey. I have already recommended Far & Wild to friends and would not hesitate to do so again.

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So great to be able to leave the details to the professionals at Far & Wild. Our two-week tour of Buenos Aires and southern Uruguay was pitch-perfect to our requests and goals. Amanda understood clearly what we were after, and crafted an idyllic itinerary with our style of hotels, guided tours, and transfers. Complementing Far & Wild's first-person knowledge of the territory were the excellent resources "on the ground" in Argentina and Uruguay to handle last-minute changes and requests. We've found our travel partner!

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We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

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Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

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Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

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