Viewing wildlife from a hot air balloon at sunrise simply cannot be beaten. Seeing the Maasai Mara’s immense plains and epic wildlife from up in the air offers a truly awe-inspiring perspective of this classic safari destination.

View the iconic Maasai Mara from above

Appreciate the full expanse of Kenya’s savanna

Hot air ballooning, The Serengeti, Tanzania

See the vast plains and wildlife at sunrise

Bush breakfast on the plains

Best Time to Go

Why a hot air balloon is unlike any other safari

Compared with other modes of airborne safari, such as a helicopter or a microlight, a hot air balloon offers a peaceful, serene experience second to none. It’s an early wake-up call, with most groups heading out from camp at 5am. Don’t let this put you off, though, as the experience is undoubtedly worth it.

Imagine slowly rising to tree level, when the landscape is just becoming shrouded in the early morning mists. You clear the treeline with the sunrise, and the Mara River comes into view. Finally, the thickets begin to open up, and the vast plains are illuminated by the tangerine-tinted sky, a photographer’s paradise. A wide array of wildlife is usually visible throughout the flight. Seeing the panoramic landscapes and iconic wildlife of the Maasai Mara from the air is truly a breathtaking experience.

Hot Air Ballooning Little Governors Maasai Mara Kenya 4
Hot Air Ballooning Little Governors Maasai Mara Kenya 4

After 45 minutes, the balloon will start to descend. But your journey isn’t quite over yet! Depending on your itinerary, you could opt for a bush breakfast surrounded by the incredible landscape you viewed from above. A hot air balloon ride above the Maasai Mara is an unforgettable experience, perfect for a special occasion or simply to add something to elevate your Kenya safari to the next level.

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