One of our drivers will normally visit your lodge the evening before the flight to agree the time for collection in the morning, answer any questions on what to wear and to bring with you.

(Departure is from your lodge where you are collected by one of our drivers in our 4×4 safari vehicles before dawn (normally between 4.30am and 5.00am).

Briefing and Inflation

In line with all Aircraft Operators, there is a pre-flight security check before attending the launch site.
The pilot will give a pre-flight Safety briefing either outside of the basket or once you have climbed safely into the basket. He/She will take you through safety aspects and landing procedures for your safety and comfort. These all meet with international standards.

Take off and Flight

You will often be seated in the basket prior to take-off. The pilot will inflate the balloon and when it is safe to do so and the balloon is standing upright, he will tell you to stand-up, your adventure has really begun. The sharp-eyed will spot animals quickly; what never fails to amaze is the natural camouflage African wildlife has. Gently gliding with the wind over the plains of the Maasai Mara, the silence, beauty and magnitude is breathtaking!

The flight lasts around an hour drifting wherever the air currents take you, at different heights the pilot can find different directions.

Celebration and breakfast

Once the balloon has landed, the pilot will ask you to stay in the basket until he has deflated the balloon and the ground crew and drivers have arrived to pack the balloon away.

Your Balloon Safari Maasai Mara finishes with a flourish. In the time celebrated tradition of balloon flights the world over, you toast your return to earth with breakfast in the Maasai Mara (complete with sparkling wine), served in the bush close to wherever you land. Your lodge drivers will collect you from the bush breakfast and return you safely to your lodge/hotel/camp with a game drive.