Maasai Mara Hot Balloon Safari ; This is an ultimate Kenya safari experience done through flying high up in the skies of Maasai Mara and be able to view the wildlife species in aerial view and scenic landscape below never ending exciting mixture of riverine forests, sprawling savannahs, towering escarpments and rugged rivers. Addition to that, hot air balloon in Mara is impresses with sunrises as well as giving you a unique vantage point of the abundant wildlife living below. The experience is worthwhile.
Hot balloon safaris; This is off beaten life experience which is done in freedom and exhilaration you experience when you fly high above than pleasant. However ,the rewards of embarking on this high flying adventure greatly outweigh the inconvenience of the time of which you need to wake up early ,your driver guide drives you to the balloon launch pad where you will first wait for the pilot to prepare or feel the anticipation grow ,while you enjoy bush break designed with aroma coffee tea and delicious snacks .
Then after preparation is done you will take off ,through jumping into the basket beneath and your pilot will give you a short briefing before you set off the balloon into motion. As the sun begins to rise out in impressive color it will start showing of fiery reds and golds as the balloon will slowly rise to the skies.
The Maasai Mara balloon safari is quite impressive and unforgettable during the great time of Maasai Mara wildebeest event that happens between the months of July and October where you have chances of enjoying the Great Migration while flying above the African plains. There is nothing quite rewarding like migrating close in an aerial view to the herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles among others. Being part of this life experience is the best way to grasp the enormity of what’s taking place as you get exciting sights to behold include watching predators like lions hunting their prey, spotting leopards perched up high in tree and viewing active hyena dens. The hot air balloon experience brings with it the opportunity to see new and gainful sights of wildlife species below. The pilots will make sure you fly lower at times to allow you have best possible pictures to be taken.
Hot air balloon flight prices; In Maasai Mara national reserve the balloon ride Kenya safari starts at USD 450 per person, the fact is that balloon is used for a limited number of hours before they needed replacement. After estimating 850 flight hours, balloon is retired and a new balloon must be purchased in order to guarantee the safety of those who will board a balloon.
What makes hot air balloon flights expensive the cost of fuel and crew to operator the balloon. The crew are made up of six crew member and a licensed balloon pilot. On additional that ten people behinds the scenes are responsible for getting each hot air balloon airborne. This adds up a group of people whose livelihoods depend on the proceeds from balloon flight safaris. Each hot air balloon flights requires recovery vehicles, transfer vehicles and back up operations. On top of this, a large portion of the hot air balloon flight fees are made up of conservation fees.
Maasai Mara balloon safari booking; Travelers who prefer doing a balloon safari, you’re advised to book in advance since it’s a popular activity and gets booked
out early. On visit remember to bring some warm clothing and a bag in which you will protect camera, binoculars and other useful personal items.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the weather is poor on the day of the activity, the activity must be cancelled. And if this happens, you will be scheduled for a later flight if possible and if this isn’t an option you will be refunded back your money.
In general, Maasia Mara National reserve is one of the most famous visited safari destination on African safaris, since it is renowned for its exceptional range of wildlife species, with all the big fives such as white rhinos African leopard, Lion, Cheetah, African bush elephants and Lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles can be viewed in Mara River and great location to see a wide range of wildebeest migration among others . However, the park was established in 1961 with an area covering about 1,510 square kilometers, located in Kenya –Rift Valley Province in the Narok town and its managed by Trans-Mara County and Narok County.