Reviews: Balloon flight over the Mara

"The balloon ride was a highlight of not only the Mara, but of the whole trip. It was absolutley worth getting up at 3:50am and driving over an hour on bumpy, bumpy, bumpy roads. Launching at sunrise, drifting across the Mara alternating silence with the blast of the baloon's burners, and having a birds eye view was a lifetime highlight. The perspective it gave us on the wildebeest migration was stunning." Read more about this whole safari

"Perhaps the highlight of our 3 week trip to Africa.

A one hour drive from Naboisho Camp to the balloon launch site over simply awful roads. But it was worth every bump.

A beautiful African sunrise seen from the serenity of the balloon. We were fortunate that the wildebeest migration had started. We flew quietly and gracefully over thousands of wildebeest with other animals interspersed. Breathtaking in its beauty. Words really can not begin to describe the experience.

And a nice, hot breakfast buffet with omelettes made to order awaiting you at the end of your balloon ride.

Perhaps the highlight of our trip…" Read more about this whole safari

"Truly stunning!" Read more about this whole safari

"The flight itself was excellent, and the balloon pilot was friendly.

I wish I had understood the sheer number of people and balloons involved. I was expecting something slightly less large-scale commercial, especially given the price.

The breakfast was good, although we drove for at least half an hour to get to it.

I would suggest that people be advised that it takes a certain amount of dexterity to get into the balloon basket while it is lying on its side.

It was not a problem for me, but it certainly was for others." Read more about this whole safari

"The balloon flight was good, excellent views of the mara and champagne breakfast afterwards." Read more about this whole safari

"This was so much fun, and beautiful overview of the Mara River area." Read more about this whole safari

"This experience was disappointing. The balloon ride was very well organized from start to finish, including an excellent breakfast in the bush, but with only a minimal number of animals visible from the air, the landscape alone, on a somewhat dismal morning, was not enough to make it a memorable time.

I can imagine that doing a balloon ride during the migration, with thousands of animals, would be a really exciting experience, but in general I would not recommend a balloon ride in the Mara at other times." Read more about this whole safari

"Gorgeous, thrilling, incredible - all the superlatives!

This was our second balloon flight from Governors Camp, the first in 2014 (also excellent) and it was even better this time! Our pilot Ray was personable, professional and inspired confidence, flying only ten feet from the ground, then rising to sail over the treetops. Such beautiful views of the landscape and close proximity to many kinds of wildlife. Very exciting.

We also enjoyed the champagne breakfast, with an incredible offering of hot and cold offerings. Impressive!
Can't wait to go again!" Read more about this whole safari

"fantastic" Read more about this whole safari

"Despite a very early 4am start to get to the launch site, an excellent trip well organisd and delivered.

An hour flight provided a very different perspective on the MAra and an added bonus was landing in the MAra Triangle which allowed a game drive back to camp via the Masai Mara NP providing a different game drive experience with Lion, Cheetah and Leopard sightings.

Breakfast out on the plains was excellent and good quality food delivered by a well trained team. Sergei the Balloon pilot was experienced and friendly and knowledgeable." Read more about this whole safari