Hot Air Balloon Masai Mara | Prices, Times & Booking

A Masai Mara hot air balloon flight starts before sunrise, giving you an aerial view of the Mara ecosystem. Your morning begins with an early pickup from your accommodation at around 4 A.M., followed by a drive to the launch site. After a safety briefing and watching the crew inflate the balloon, your flight starts with a gentle lift off from the ground. During the flight, the pilot adjusts altitude, sometimes flying low for close-up views of animals, and other times going higher for a wider view. The flight usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Upon landing, enjoy a bush breakfast and a champagne toast before heading back to your accommodation or reconnecting with your driver-guide to continue your game drive.

Best time for a hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara

The best time for a hot air balloon safari in Kenya is from July to October, when the wildebeest arrive in the Mara. During these months, you can watch animals crossing the river and see large herds on the plains. Even outside migration season, the Mara is home to lions, elephants, and giraffes, so a balloon safari is still a great experience year-round.

In the Masai Mara, hot air balloon flights usually take off from set locations inside the reserve or from nearby private conservancies. For example, Governors' Balloon Safaris launches from the Mara Triangle in the northwest, while others fly from the eastern conservancies near Olare Motorogi. Most camps partner with a specific operator, so your launch site depends on where you stay. At Halo Safaris & DMC, we handle all the details so you can simply enjoy your flight.

Price and what's included

A shared hot air balloon trip costs about USD 550 per person, depending on the season and the company. This price usually includes the flight, road transport from your camp, and a bush breakfast with champagne after landing. Tipping is extra; the usual amount is USD 20 to USD 30 for the pilot and USD 10 to USD 15 for the crew.

Shared flight or private charter

On a shared hot air balloon trip in the Masai Mara, you’ll ride in a basket with other guests—usually up to sixteen people, divided into four sections. This option is great for couples or solo travelers who want the experience without booking the whole balloon. Most operators in Kenya offer both shared and private flights. If you choose a private charter, the entire balloon is reserved for your group, which is perfect if you want exclusivity. The route and flight time are the same for both options; the main difference is who you share the ride with and the price. We recommend a shared Masai Mara balloon safari if you’re looking to save on costs.