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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I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

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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 Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. 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 (and I believe are) 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!

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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, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - 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. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

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