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Balloon safaris
PARKS AND RESERVES: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE: BALLOON SAFARIS
Another frequent activity in Masai Mara is a balloon flight above the plains to watch the big herds from the air. First, you should know that this experience is astronomically expensive, always above $350 per person. Maybe the organisers wish to discharge ballast from the passengers' pockets so that the balloon flies better. This is possibly one of the things to do at least once in Kenya, specially if you are a returning visitor, but just thinking about the terrible remorse after the cadging, I still haven't gone through it.
Several lodges and camps offer this activity, which always works in a similar way. Tourists are picked up around 5:30 AM and driven to the site where the lift-off will take place. The balloon blow-up is part of the show. Once the balloon rises, passengers have the chance to watch the sunrise high above the plains. The flight lasts 60-90 minutes. Finally, the price usually includes a bush breakfast, made on firewood stoves beneath a tree, frequently served with champagne.
If your lodge does not offer this service, you can lead your steps to one of those that do arrange it and book the day before, as long as there is vacancy. At least the price includes pick-up from your lodge. The flights served by Little Governors' Camp (Mara Balloon Safaris Ltd) are among the most appreciated. Balloons departing from Keekorok (Balloon Safaris Ltd), because of its location and the ruling winds, usually fly at higher altitude, which is better for appreciating the whole landscape. The Fig Tree Camp (Adventures Aloft) and Mara Serena, among others, also offer balloon trips.
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