The flying safari, an unforgettable adventure at Masai Mara

By Pratha Chhatwal 

Flying high up in the sky above Masai Mara, a well-known National Park in Kenya, is the ultimate safari experience. Imagine flying above the never-ending riverine forests, sprawling savannahs, rugged rivers, and towering escarpments. Although the idea of waking up at 4 am during your vacation may sound less than pleasant, the rewards of embarking on this flying adventure greatly outweigh this inconvenience. 

As the guide takes you out in the field towards the balloon launch pad, you’ll feel the excitement grow. Before they take off the pilot gives a short briefing before setting the balloon in motion. The sun begins to rise with fiery reds and golds just as your balloon begins to take off.

 The best time to visit Masai Mara is during the Great Migration, between July and October. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores trek from southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara. The great migration is an iconic safari must-see.  

There’s nothing as magnificent as watching the migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Other exciting sights to behold include watching predators such as lions hunting their prey, and spotting leopards perched up high in the trees. Your pilot will make sure to fly lower at times to allow for the best possible pictures to be taken.

The basket of the hot air balloon is divided into four cushioned sections, with a capacity of four people each. The basket edge comes up quite high so there is no fear of ‘falling out’ off the basket.  Sure the pricing of the hot air balloon ride is more on the expensive side, but a balloon ride isn’t the only thing that you will get at $450/person. After the hot air balloon ride, they transfer from your landing site to a champagne-style bush breakfast where you feast in the middle of the jungle. That itself is a feeling to be experienced. They lay out a big buffet, all you can eat and drink with others in your balloon. It’s a perfect ending to a perfect morning!