Are Balloon Rides In Masai Mara Worthwhile?

A hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya offers breathtaking views, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable memories. During the great migrational period (end of September 2020), visitors can witness large herds of zebras and wildebeests in the savannah. The luxurious Angama Mara, one of Kenya’s best safari lodges, provides endless views over the Masai Mara with raptors and hot-air balloons.

Bringing a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique perspective on the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of the region. Hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara are considered a luxury experience, with prices ranging from $400 to $600 per person. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for those who want to enjoy the scenery, food, and beading.

The balloon ride provides an excellent opportunity to see the vastness of the Masai Mara, as well as the chance to see elephants, lions, and hyenas. The optional activities, such as the balloon ride, are both fantastic and worth the money.

While hot air balloon safaris do come with a steep price tag, the experience is worth every penny, and even family members not-so-keen on heights had a great time. The breakfast was excellent, and the pilot was great. The Masai Mara – Mara Balloon Adventures – costs $450 (USD) per person. However, booking through a third party may result in additional charges. Overall, a hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Is the balloon safari worth it?

Hot balloon safaris in the Serengeti are a unique and unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by budget and standard travelers. The balloons are large and can accommodate 8 to 16 people per voyage. Children over seven years old are allowed on the trip, but must be accompanied by an adult. The dry season (June to October) is the ideal time for hot balloon safaris, with some companies offering tours during the rainy months of March, April, and May.

However, the actual flight depends on weather conditions, and if it is too rainy or windy, the flight will be canceled and payment will be fully refunded. The dry season is also the perfect time to witness the Great Migration, making it an unforgettable experience. To capture the majestic sights, it is recommended to bring binoculars and a DSLR camera, as well as comfortable clothes and extra layers.

How much does the Serengeti hot air balloon cost?

The cost of the balloon safari in Serengeti is approximately 550 USD and includes the flight, transfers, and a champagne bush breakfast after landing. The flight duration is approximately 1 to 1. 5 hours, commencing at sunrise and departing at 4:45 a. m. Following the hot-air balloon safari, a champagne bush breakfast is made available to guests. Each excursion is supervised by a certified pilot and a sizable support staff. Children aged seven and above are permitted to participate. The cost of the excursion includes a champagne bush breakfast, which is served after the safari has concluded.

Is a balloon ride in Masai Mara worth it?

Flying high above the Masai Mara is an unforgettable safari experience, offering a unique vantage point of the abundant wildlife living below. The landscape is a mix of riverine forests, savannahs, escarpments, and rugged rivers. Hot-air balloon flights in the Masai Mara provide an unparalleled view of the wildlife living below. The experience is akin to the Great Migration from above, offering a feeling of freedom and exhilaration.

The rewards of embarking on this high flying adventure outweigh the inconvenience of setting an alarm clock for 4. 00 – 5. 00 AM. As your guide takes you to the balloon launch pad, you’ll feel the anticipation grow. The balloon crew will inflate the balloon and prepare everything for take-off, and your pilot will give you a briefing before setting the balloon into motion. As the sun begins to rise in a stunning color show of reds and golds, your balloon will slowly rise to the skies.

Is a hot air balloon ride worth it?

Hot air balloon rides are a popular and thrilling experience that can be both adventurous and romantic. Despite their high cost, these rides offer an unparalleled experience that combines adventure, romance, and breathtaking scenery. However, the question of whether hot air balloon rides are worth their price often raises eyebrows. This blog post aims to explore factors that make hot air balloon rides worth it, explore affordable alternatives, and help determine whether the investment is justified. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether hot air balloon rides are worth the investment.

Why is Masai Mara so expensive?

Safari costs at Masai Mara National Reserve are influenced by travel dates and the Great Wildebeest migration. The peak season, from July to October, is a high season, attracting large numbers of visitors and making it more expensive to secure rooms. For budget-conscious travelers, it is recommended to visit during the low or shoulder season (January to March) when prices are lower and rooms are more available. To enter the reserve, an entry fee is required, determined by the lodge or camp location and the visitor’s residence status (Citizen, Resident, Non-resident).

Citizens must present proof of status, such as a valid National ID or passport. Accommodations within the main National Reserve have an entrance fee of USD 70 per adult per 24 hours and USD 40 per child under 12 years of age. For accommodation outside the main reserve, the fee increases to USD 80 per adult per 24 hours and USD 45 per child per 24 hours. Children under 18 years old are also extended the child rate at the Mara Conservancy.

How safe are balloon rides?

Hot air balloons are generally safe, with 775 accidents recorded in the United States since 1964. However, accidents do occur, and while there is always risk involved, hot air balloon rides are rarely fatal. A recent accident occurred in Eloy, Arizona, involving a balloon carrying 13 people, including eight skydivers, four passengers, and the pilot. The skydivers completed their planned jump before any issues emerged, but the balloon crashed to the ground.

Hot air balloon excursions have grown in popularity, with hubs worldwide like Wadi Rum, Jordan, Cappadocia, Turkey, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosting balloon events. The global market for hot air balloons is expected to grow from £288 ($366M) to £444 ($540M) by 20230. The trend is particularly noticeable on social media, with the tag hotairballoon having over 2. 5 million usages on Instagram alone. Travelers should prepare for safety and enjoyment when embarking on hot air balloon adventures.

What are the negatives of tourism in Masai Mara?

The increasing number of tourists in Kenyan protected areas has led to the development of lodges, unplanned road and track expansion, and pushy drivers harassing wildlife, negatively impacting the wildlife and habitat resources that support the tourism industry. A study conducted in Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) aimed to examine the impacts of tourism, including the nature, causes, and consequences of these impacts on habitats and wildlife, the role of law enforcement, knowledge, and adherence to reserve regulations.

Results showed that the major impact is uncontrolled off-road driving in accessible areas, damaging or destroying several square kilometers of grassland. Wildlife was not permanently displaced by tourism, and habituation in heavily visited areas limited disturbance. While drivers and visitors were generally aware of MMNR regulations, they were broken in over 90 of lion and cheetah viewing events. The presence of Animal and Habitat Protection Unit patrol personnel limited some infringements, but not others.

Is it fun to go in a hot air balloon?

Flying in a hot air balloon offers a distinctive sensation of liberty, evocative of the experience of birds soaring through the air with the wind at their backs and the world at their disposal. This experience is unparalleled and indelibly imprinted on the memory.

How likely is it for a hot air balloon to fall?

Hot air balloon accidents are becoming more common in the United States, with 775 accidents recorded since 1964, with only 70 involving fatalities. A 2013 study revealed an increase in incidents between 2000 and 2011, indicating a relaxation in regulations around commercial air balloon flying. The inverse relationship between crash rates and oversight raises concerns about the public health impact of less-regulated commercial air tour operations, such as paid hot-air balloon rides.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken steps to make hot air balloon rides safer, working with the Balloon Federation Of America to develop the “Envelope of Safety” accreditation program. Pilots must be commercially certified for at least 18 months to carry more than 4-6 passengers, recertified every two years, and meet other qualifications. In 2022, the FAA adopted a new rule requiring hot air balloon pilots to hold medical certificates when flying paying passengers, following the same regulations as other types of aircraft. The FAA also increased the number of training hours pilots would need for certification.

What are the disadvantages of hot air balloon?

Hot air balloons are a popular form of transportation, but they have limitations due to their reliance on weather conditions, slow speed, and limited control over the destination. Despite these limitations, hot air balloon rides remain popular for recreation and sightseeing, often at tourist destinations like national parks or scenic vistas. Modern technology has evolved, with advancements in materials science allowing for lighter, more durable envelope materials and burner technology making balloons more efficient and easier to control.

Some modern hot air balloons are equipped with GPS systems and advanced electronics to help pilots navigate and track weather patterns. Despite these limitations, hot air balloon rides continue to be a popular form of recreation and sightseeing worldwide.

Is the hot air balloon worth it in Kenya?

A hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, is a unique and unforgettable experience that many guests consider worth the cost. The cost of a standard hot air balloon safari can range from $400 to $550 per person, including the balloon ride, breakfast, and hotel transfers. Additional fees may apply for park entry, conservation fees, or other optional extras.

The experience takes around 4 -5 hours from pick-up to drop-off at the hotel. The duration of the balloon’s flight depends on factors such as fuel, weather conditions, and altitude. Most flights last between 45 minutes to one hour. The pilot controls the balloon’s altitude by heating the air inside the balloon with a burner or allowing the air to cool down. The pilot also monitors wind patterns during the flight to steer the balloon to its desired destination.

After the flight, the balloon is usually deflated and packed away, and passengers are often treated to a bush breakfast. If you’re in the Mara or planning to visit, consider a hot air balloon safari to add a unique and unforgettable experience to your bucket list.