• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
She Buys Travel

She Buys Travel

Traveling tips, deals, info for women

  • Destinations
  • Great Stays
  • Travel Gear
  • Deals
  • Disney
  • Travel Tips
  • Packing
  • Adventure
  • Luxury
  • Kid Friendly
  • Beaches
  • RVing & Camping
  • Road Trips
  • Outdoors
  • About Us +
    • Contact Us
    • About SheBuysTravel
    • Ask Us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Website Terms and Conditions
    • Notifications
    • Write for Us

Balloon Safaris Over the Masai Mara in Kenya

Home / Destinations International / Balloon Safaris Over the Masai Mara in Kenya

Lorraine Sanabria Robertson, Updated June 15, 2020

Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, SheBuysTravel may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM
Smooth sailing over the Masai Mara. Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM

Going on an African safari is a trip that tops most people’s vacation wish lists. It most certainly was on mine. I recently had the opportunity to make that wish a reality and spent several days in one of the most popular safari destinations in the world, Kenya. While sitting in an SUV a few feet away from lions, elephants, giraffes and more than 80 other species of animals who make their home in the world famous Masai Mara is truly thrilling, there are other equally exciting ways to see this spectacular region.

DisclosureTMOM

Safari From the Sky
Normally I like to sleep-in during vacations but the 5 a.m. wake up call necessary to take this stunning sunrise balloon ride and enjoy a champagne breakfast on the plains was totally worth it. Eight of us took flight with Captain Elly Kirkland, one of four pilots with Balloon Safaris, Ltd. Her husband, Captain Milton Kirkland, flew another group of people during the same time which made for some extraordinary aerial pictures of the breathtaking scenery including the second balloon.

Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM
Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM

Open heights normally make me slightly uncomfortable so I was a little nervous about taking the ride, but I felt totally safe and at ease once meeting Captain Elly. We had a mandatory safety chat, an easy take off and sailed smoothly across the beautiful Mara for approximately an hour before making a gentle landing. The winds were calm and the gorgeous sunrise made it easy to spot animals moving around the plains.

What you need to know about Balloon Safaris, Ltd.
The balloon baskets vary in size, the largest carries up to 16 passengers plus the pilot. The flight cost is $450 per person and includes the flight, the champagne breakfast (quiche, boiled eggs, plain croissants, pastries, sausages, cheese, yogurt, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and more), and a personalized flight certificate.

Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM
Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM

Balloons don’t take off in winds greater than 15 mph so be prepared to reschedule in bad weather. They’re equipped with a camera to take a shot of passengers in flight; and the baskets allow enough space for you to bring a small bag and/or your own camera equipment with you. Mornings tend to be cooler so even in the summer a blanket or jacket might be needed. The baskets were sturdy, padded, and deep enough (I’m a tall 5’11) where I felt completely safe and secure the entire flight.

I didn’t have my children with me, however kids over a certain age are allowed to ride. You can inquire about age requirements, possible group pricing and other information at the Balloon Safari, Ltd. website, www.ballonsafaris.biz. Reservations can often also be handled by your tour operator/vacation planner or via the camp where you’re staying.

Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM
Photo by: Lorraine Robertson / Marathon TMOM

 

FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn

Filed Under: Destinations International Tagged With: Kenya, outdoors

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Morgan says

    August 12, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    Masai Mara is such an amazing destination. Would love to take a balloon safari during the yearly animal migration, which usually occurs between the month of July and October.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join Women with a Spirit of Adventure!

Trending Posts

Game of Thrones location, Dubrovnik, is a fascinating city

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s Stunning Coastal Gem

Hotel Maria Cristina Review - Classic exterior of Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, Spain

Hotel Maria Cristina Review: Experience the Ultimate Luxury in San Sebastian, Spain 

Cute baby wearing a diaper looking at camera

Changing Diapers on a Plane: 14 Things to Know Before Flying

Must-Have Travel Gear

Couple snuggling in blanket on a romantic getaway.

Best Travel Blankets for Flights, Road Trips & More

two little girls chat with cinderella at a disney character meeting. they are wearing dresses that match hers.

27 Disney Essentials to Buy BEFORE Your Trip for Maximum Savings

Children dressed in full ski gear with helmets in front of snow covered mountain

Best Kids’ Ski Helmets For Comfort & Safety

best portable door locks

12 Portable Door Locks for Safer Travels

Stay Connected Anytime, Anywhere: The 12 Best Satellite Messengers

Copyright © 2023 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved Secured by SiteCare

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Partner With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Terms and Conditions
  • Notifications
  • Write For Us