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5 Best Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Kenya
Imagine the excitement of rising into the sky, seeing the sun over the Kenyan plains, and spotting animals from high above while the breeze carries you along. A hot air balloon safari is an African adventure, and Kenya is the perfect place to experience it. These safaris let you explore Kenya’s wilderness in areas where cars can’t reach. Here are five amazing hot air balloon safaris to consider if you want to see Kenya in a whole new way.
i. Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most known wildlife destinations in Africa, located in southwestern Kenya. It is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti environment and has a lot of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinos).
A hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara offers a unique and unforgettable experience. This allows visitors to rise above the plains and witness the amazing view of the Great Migration. As the balloon floats gently over the savannah, passengers enjoy beautiful views of the landscape . They also see the wide range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and more.
The hot air balloon experience begins before daybreak, as guests are picked up from their accommodations and transported to the launch site. After a safety briefing from the pilot, the balloon ascends into the sky. This offers a peaceful and calm journey over the Maasai Mara as the sun rises over the horizon.
From the air, passengers have the opportunity to capture photographs of the wildlife and landscapes below. The flight lasts approximately one hour, after which the balloon gently descends for a smooth landing.
Upon landing, guests are treated to a bush breakfast in the wilderness. They enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by champagne before being transported back to their lodgings.
A hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara offers a great view of the landscape. This provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife reserve from above.
ii. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is found in southern Kenya. It offers amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. The park has flat grasslands, wetlands, and forests with acacia trees, which give shelter to many different animals.
Amboseli National Park is a great place for a hot-air balloon safari. From up high, you can see the park’s different landscapes, plains, swampy areas, and forests of acacia trees.
From the special view of a hot air balloon, people see many animals in Amboseli. Additionally, travelers see elephants walking around, giraffes moving through the trees, and other animals like zebras and wildebeests.
As travelers float through the sky, carried by the gentle winds, they feel completely relaxed in Amboseli’s nature. The silence of the balloon ride lets you fully enjoy watching the wildlife without any noise or interruptions.
A major reason for going on a hot air balloon ride in Amboseli is getting to see the amazing elephants with the snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro behind them. It’s a really unforgettable sight that gives you a different view of how beautiful the park is.
Taking a hot air balloon ride over Amboseli National Park is a special and unforgettable way to see the park’s beauty and wildlife. You get amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro and can watch elephants in their natural home.
iii. Laikipia Plateau
The Laikipia Plateau is found in central Kenya and has diverse landscapes like hills, grasslands, forests, and rivers. Taking a hot air balloon ride over Laikipia lets you see this beautiful area from above. This gives you great views of nature and animals.
During a hot air balloon safari in Laikipia, you see special animals like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes. These zebras have thin stripes and big ears, while the giraffes have unique coat patterns. From up high, you also spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and different kinds of birds living in the area.
As the hot air balloon goes up, passengers get amazing views of the Laikipia landscape. The plateau gives a feeling of openness and calmness as guests quietly float above the trees and grasslands.
During the flight, the pilot talks about important places and animals, and explains about the environment and how it’s being protected. What’s more, passengers relax and enjoy the quiet morning sky while viewing of the Laikipia Plateau from up high.
Once the ride is over, the balloon lands softly either on the grasslands or in a special spot. Passengers enjoy a toast and a tasty breakfast out in the wild. They eat and drink while remembering their amazing trip over the Laikipia Plateau.
Riding a hot air balloon over the Laikipia Plateau gives you a great adventure to discover one of Kenya’s most beautiful and wildlife-filled areas. You’ll see amazing views of the different landscapes and rare animals. It’s a must-do activity for anyone who loves nature and excitement in this interesting part of Kenya.
iv. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a big area in northern Kenya known for protecting nature and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has wide grasslands, forests with acacia trees, and big mountains. Taking a hot air balloon ride over Lewa lets you see beautiful and diverse wilderness from up in the sky.
As the hot air balloon ascends into the sky, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of Lewa’s diverse landscapes unfolding below them. From the air, they can admire the sweeping plains dotted with acacia trees, the meandering rivers, and the rugged terrain of the nearby Mount Kenya.
One exciting part of a hot air balloon ride in Lewa is seeing lots of different animals that live there. Lewa works hard to protect endangered animals like black and white rhinos, and you might get to see them during your ride. Additionally, travelers also spot other famous African animals like lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many kinds of birds.
Throughout the flight, a knowledgeable pilot provides understanding, pointing out notable landmarks and wildlife sightings. The pilot shares insights into the conservancy’s conservation initiatives and community projects.
Passengers learn about Lewa’s innovative approaches to wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and community development. This approaches has made lewa a model for sustainable tourism and conservation management in Africa.
As the hot air balloon gracefully descends for landing, passengers are greeted with a celebratory toast and a bush breakfast served in the wilderness. They enjoy delicious food and beverages while reflecting on their unforgettable adventure over Lewa.
A hot air balloon ride over Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an amazing way to see and help protect this special place. It’s a fun and memorable adventure that lets you enjoy nature and support the conservation of Kenya’s wildlife.
v. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. The park is around Lake Nakuru, an alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos. It offers beautiful views of the lake and different wildlife and makes it an ideal location for a hot air balloon safari.
While flying over Lake Nakuru National Park, passengers enjoy views of a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from the flamingos, the park is home to numerous other bird species, including pelicans, herons, and eagles. Additionally, the park is a home for both black and white rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and leopards.
A hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective of the park’s landscapes and wildlife. From the air, passengers appreciate the greatness of the lake and surrounding plain, as well as the beauty of the acacia woodlands and rocky outcrops.
The calm atmosphere of a hot air balloon ride allows a peaceful and engaging wildlife viewing experience. With no noise to disrupt the surroundings, passengers enjoy the calmness of the African bush while admiring the beauty of Lake Nakuru from above.
Experienced pilots provide informative explanations throughout the flight, pointing out notable landmarks and wildlife sightings. They offer insights into the park’s environment, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.
A hot air balloon safari over Lake Nakuru National Park offers an unforgettable adventure. It combines beautiful views with exciting wildlife encounters, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Kenya.
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