Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Masai Mara: What It Is Like and How to Book
Drift above the plains at sunrise, then land beside a bush breakfast.
A balloon safari lifts off before sunrise, usually between five and six in the morning, from a launch site close to your lodge. The flight lasts about an hour and travels with the wind, so the route is never the same twice. From the air, herds look like moving patterns, and rivers, trees and tracks form a wide landscape.
After landing, guests usually enjoy a bush breakfast with sparkling wine in the savannah, then return to camp by vehicle, often with a short game drive on the way. The activity is bookable as an extra in most Mara lodges and should be requested early because spaces are limited.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Duration: About one hour in the air
- Start: Pre-dawn pick-up
- Ends with: Bush breakfast
- Weather: Needs calm wind
What to Expect
Pilots brief you on safety before inflating the balloon with burners. Baskets are divided into compartments, and landings can be bumpy but are usually gentle. You will be given seat positions for balance, and the ground crew tracks the balloon to meet you at the landing site.
Who It Suits
Most healthy visitors can take part, with age and height limits that vary by company. Children below a minimum age are often excluded. Anyone with back problems or mobility issues should check with the operator before booking.
Costs and Booking Tips
Balloon safaris are priced as a premium extra, and the cost depends on the operator and season. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, particularly for migration months. Add the balloon on a day when you do not have a long drive afterwards. A Tanzanian equivalent is described in Serengeti balloon safari.
Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Great Migration, Wildlife and Best Time to Visit
- Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari: Sunrise Flight, Bush Breakfast and Practical Tips
- Masai Mara Big Cats and Game Drives: Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs
- Amboseli National Park: Elephants, Kilimanjaro Views and How to Visit
- Tsavo East and Tsavo West: Kenya's Largest Parks, Red Elephants and Mzima Springs
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, Rhinos and Rift Valley Scenery
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda safaris, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.