The word “safari” conjures up images of khaki-clad holidaymakers trundling their way through the bushveld, and open-topped game viewers crunching through arid bushveld. You might also have a flood of visuals of traditional mekoros cruising through narrow channels, motorboats gliding across expansive open waters and houseboats moored in game-rich regions. The major aspects of any safari experience include game walks, game drives, boat cruises and lodge specific activities.
Hot air ballooning is an alternative to the standard game viewing activities, and offers an adventure of a lifetime. This bird’s eye view of the landscape and its inhabitants certainly offers an opportunity to enjoy an unusual safari experience. There are a variety of hot air ballooning packages on offer, and trips can include anything from a champagne breakfast to a full day safari experience. Hot air balloon pilots are highly qualified and legally have to own a pilot’s license to fly a balloon.
Hot Air Ballooning Over the Masai Mara in Kenya
The Masai Mara forms part of the Great Rift Valley, and the Mara River cuts through this endless Kenyan savannah dotted with umbrella trees and occasional escarpments. The sheer abundance of game in this region is astounding. The open grasslands give rise to huge concentrations of elephant, wildebeest, zebra and other plains game. The Masai Mara region is a destination brimming with wildlife and it’s no surprise that it has become a sought after safari destination.
Hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring activities to enjoy while on safari in Kenya. Glide slowly over the plains below and let the crisp, fresh air awaken your senses.
One of the hot air balloon outfitters in Kenya is Gamewatchers. Their luxury balloon tours normally lift off at first light (6:15) after a quick briefing and wake-up coffee session. The size of the balloon reaches heights equivalent of a ten storey building, and this particular balloon is among the largest operational balloons in the world. Flights are roughly an hour and on landing you will be whisked away to a secret bushveld destination for a champagne breakfast awaits.
For a hot ballooning safari in Kenya, we recommend staying at Porini Lion Camp or Porini Mara Camp.
Hot air Ballooning Over Mabula in the Malarai-free region in the Waterberg Region
Mabula Game Lodge is located in the malaria-free Waterberg region, and is home to a wealth of game. The big 5 Mabula Game Reserve covers a whopping 12 000 ha of undulating terrain and is only a short 3 hour drive from Johannesburg, making it an ideal destination for those based in the major city.
Hot Air Balloon rides are booked through Bill Harrop, an established hot air balloon outfitter. Flights depart at 6:00 in a suitable area of the reserve, and last for roughly an hour.
After a morning of soaring through the skies, you have the option of traversing the Waterberg region in open-topped Land Rovers, riding horses or heading out on foot for a bush walks.
Hot Air Ballooning Over Hoedspruit and Kruger Region
Hoedspruit is the safari capital of the Greater Kruger, and the town is surrounded by a number of private reserves. The entire lowveld region is quite spectacular, and offers sweeping vistas of mountains and mighty rivers. The Blyde River and the Panoramic route are a must see when visiting the region, and the hot air balloon rides over this region offer scenes of rocky mountains, meandering rivers and Kruger bushveld.
Hot air balloon rides take an hour, and fly over the scenic bushveld, farmlands, Blyde River and the foot of the Drakensberg escarpment. Guests will meet at first light and enjoy a pre-flight coffee and safety briefing, which is standard before embarking on any adrenalin activity.
After your hot air balloon safari, we encourage you to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate your adventure.
