As you first take to the skies on Kenya balloon safaris, you might feel a bit anxious about the whole thing, even nervous. Ah, but within just a few seconds of take-off, you will be glad that you added this magical experience to your list of things to do in Kenya . Sure, there are scores of rewarding ground African safaris that you can choose from, but should you take to the skies in a hot air balloon in Kenya, you'll enjoy an entirely different perspective that compliments a ground tour very well. If you can do both a ground and balloon safari in Kenya, you will simply get the best of both worlds.

When it comes to Kenya hot air balloon trips, the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve is the main destination. Found just 145 miles from Nairobi in southwestern Kenya, this reserve is easily one of Africa's best, not only for the wildlife viewing, but also for the majestic scenery. The BBC network's "Big Cat Diary" shows were mostly filmed here, and the Masai Mara sets the stage for many a scene in the movie "Out of Africa". Boasting an enviable array of excellent Kenya safari lodges, the Masai Mara reserve is a complete safari destination. It is certainly able to facilitate the scores of visitors who come to enjoy Kenya balloon safaris, especially during the renowned wildebeest migration, which is without question one of the top Kenya events.

The annual wildebeest migration at Masai Mara takes place either in July or August, depending on certain variables, and it's the cream of the crop when talking about Kenya ballooning. There are also balloon trips available over the nearby Serengeti plains in Tanzania, so you might enjoy one of those as well. The wildebeest migration occurs in both the Masai Mara and Serengeti reserves, and it is something to witness, that's for sure. It's hard to prepare oneself for the spectacle that is the East African wildebeest migration, as literally millions of these creatures are on the move looking for greener pastures. From your hot air balloon in Kenya, you'll watch these curious animals from atop, and you'll also spot plenty of zebras, who make the trip as well. Predators such as lions and leopards are known to "join the party", as something like this is a buffet of sorts for them. During your Kenya hot air balloon trip over the Masai Mara, you'll enjoy relative peace, save for the noise from the burners, and your navigator will steer you over dramatic plains and grasslands, dipping down occasionally to get a closer look at the wildlife.

Kenya Map

Kenya balloon safaris begin early in the morning, and usually, if not always, you are picked up before dawn at your safari lodge and returned there afterwards. After a trip to your featured launch site, it's time to inflate the balloon and get it ready, which is something you can assist with or not. Generally, Kenya ballooning trips will take you up to a maximum level of around 1,000 feet, and it's not uncommon for the pilot to take it as far down as tree or grass-top level for extreme close-ups of various plants and animals. It's really quite amazing to experience such a range in elevation during Kenya balloon safaris. Kenya hot air balloon trips usually last around an hour, shoving off around sunrise, and sunrise is truly something to behold over the Kenyan landscape. After your trip, you'll indulge in a glass of champagne and a bit of breakfast while you instantly reminisce about the amazing trip you just had. Flight certificates are usually awarded to those fortunate enough to experience Kenya ballooning, and you can proudly display that at home or in the office. It's sure to be a conversation piece, and chances are you will never tire of telling your Kenya hot air balloon story. Chances are your story will inspire one or more friends to start thinking about their own Kenya vacation.