Over the years, I do not know how many Hot Air Balloon safaris we have recommended…. It was always a dream to do myself.
The excitement begins the night before when the guides come to brief you, then your (very) early morning wakeup call to then transfer from the camp to the departure site, the bonus is you also get a ‘night’ game drive en route to the departure site!
On arrival, you are welcomed with tea, coffee and snacks – great way to wake up and warm up! The thrill of seeing the fires lit and the balloons inflate is exhilarating and soon after you are in the basket and on your way!
The feeling of gliding silently over the Mara plains can honestly not be described, it has to be experienced. Despite having flown in a plane over the same plains, seeing both the landscape and animals from the balloon is completely different.
In addition to an amazing sun rise and loads of plains game, we were fortunate enough to see a female lion as we were about to descend. Captain Rizwan Jiwa changed the course slightly or we would have landed on her! An amazing way to end an incredible flight….then with a bump on the ground it was over, time had flown so fast.
The culmination of the experience is a champagne bush breakfast. After the flight, this gives you the chance to interact with the people you shared the experience with as well as the captain in addition to an amazing breakfast in the middle of the bush.
Although it is expensive, it is definitely worth the money and an experience everyone should try at least once!
Thank you Hot Air Safaris for an amazing flight.
For bookings, please contact Ibis Tours & Travel on info@ibistourskenya.com
