Hot Air Ballooning Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve

Hot Air Ballooning Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve is offered over the Masai Mara National Park National Park and is an amazing way to experience the vastness of this iconic African park. Taking in stunning views from above, hot-air balloon safaris offer unparalleled photo opportunities and a unique perspective on Masai Mara’s sprawling landscape.  Most balloon safaris begin around 4 am, with pick-up from your accommodation and transport to your launch site.

By around 6:45 am you will be floating above the Masai Mara, breathing the crisp morning air, and spotting wildlife from a bird’s eye view. By 8:30 am, you will be seated at a truly out-of-Africa breakfast table, surrounded by the vastness of the Masai Mara, and eating a sumptuous breakfast feast with your flying party.

Hot Air Ballooning Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve; Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon safari with Governors’ balloon Safaris – Hot Air Balloon safari company that launches behind Little Governors’ Camp.

Governors Balloon Safaris provides transport to and from your hotel/ lodge/ camp. Upon your request, we may take you on a game drive after the Champagne Breakfast.

Some of the pickup points for Governors hot Air Balloon ride include Mara West Camp, Mara Siria Camp, Governors Private Camp, Little Governors Camp, Governors Il Moran Camp, Andbeyond Kichwa Tembo, Angama Mara, Andbeyond Bateleur, Kilima Camp, Mpata Safari Club, Sanctuary Olonana, etc.

You’ll be woken early to meet your driver, who will take you to the balloon launch site. This usually takes around 45–90 minutes, and the early hour is mostly driven in the dark. Keep your eyes open for nocturnal creatures as you wend your way through the bush.

You will arrive just as the balloon is warming up, the burner pumping hot air into the balloon so that it slowly inflates. When everything is ready, you climb into the basket whilst it is still safely tethered, securing yourself in with a safety harness.

After a safety briefing, the pilot will increase the output of the burners, and very slowly the balloon will start to rise. Catching the wind, it starts to float, rising into the air and above the trees just in time for sunrise.

For the next hour or so your pilot will skillfully maneuver the balloon, mostly following the Mara River. He may take it up to incredible heights for seemingly endless views over the national park, then closer to ground level to spot hippos in the Mara River or herds of buffalo heading to the water for a morning drink.

Traverse the river, keeping your eyes open and trying to spot any predators loitering along the riverbank, before coming in to land in a clearing on the other side of the confluence.

Landings do vary. When we did the flight the landing was perfect – the balloon barely dragged and the basket didn’t even tip over. If there is a stronger wind, however, the basket can drag a short way and tip over.

With all the passengers inside braced against the basket and hanging on to the handles, it can make for an exciting finish! Once you are safely down, the balloon crew will offer you a glass of bubbles to celebrate.

Then it’s time to head off for a cooked breakfast in the bush – and more bubbles if you fancy it. Though there is of course tea, coffee, and fruit juice served alongside the cereals, eggs, toast, sausages, and bacon. On a practical note, there are toilet facilities at the breakfast site.

Governors’ Balloon Safari flight includes:

Balloon Flight + Champagne Breakfast + Transfers from nearby camps and lodges + Game drive on the way back to your camp/ lodge after breakfast + Landing Fee & AMREF

Notes

Maximum group size: The balloon baskets can carry up to 12 passengers at a time.

Duration of excursion: Around three hours. The balloon flight lasts for roughly an hour and is followed by bush breakfast.

Start time/ location: You will be collected at around 0500 hours and driven to the launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp, ready for take-off just before sunrise (around 0600 hours).

Age and health restrictions: For Safety Reasons children must be 7 years old and above and taller than 1.2 meters to participate in our hot air balloon safari

There is no maximum age, though passengers must be relatively fit and able to climb in and out of the basket, hold on to rope handles and bend their knees. Ballooning is not recommended for anyone with health or mobility issues, or for pregnant women.

What should you wear: Mornings can be chilly in Ruaha so we would recommend wearing long trousers, a warm jacket, and a jumper. You may also want to wear a hat to protect your head from the heat of the burners – especially if you are tall. Lastly don’t forget your camera or binoculars!

Time: All balloon flights begin soon after dawn which means an early start. All flights take off from Little Governors’ Camp. If you are staying at another Governors’ Camp we will arrange your transfer to the take-off site.

We expect to be back at Little Governors Camp by 11 am, if you are departing the Masai Mara the same morning we will arrange to have you back earlier.

Breakfast: A Champagne Breakfast is served on landing and you will enjoy a game drive on the way back to camp.

Other Camps: Guests staying at other camps close to Little Governors Camp can also book the balloon safari. To confirm if you can balloon from the camp you are staying at please contact African Spice Safaris: Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com

How to Book: Balloon Safaris should be booked in advance through African Spice Safaris: Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com