Skip to main content
Balloon Safari — Kenya safari experience
Kenya Highlight
🎈

Balloon Safari

Float over the Mara at sunrise — champagne breakfast in the bush after landing

📅

Best Season

July – October

💰

Starting From

$250/day

📍

Destination

Kenya

Experience Level

All levels welcome

What Makes Balloon Safari Unforgettable

Float over the Mara at sunrise — champagne breakfast in the bush after landing

Kenya is renowned among safari destinations for offering experiences that go beyond the ordinary, and balloon safari stands as one of its crown jewels. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, this is one experience that will leave a lasting mark on your African adventure.

Our expert guides — many of whom have spent decades traversing Kenya's wild landscapes — consistently rate this as one of the most impactful moments for travellers. The combination of untouched wilderness, extraordinary biodiversity, and the raw beauty of the African bush creates something truly magical.

Kenya landscape — Balloon Safari
Kenya

Best Time to Experience Balloon Safari

The optimal time for balloon safari in Kenya aligns with the broader seasonal patterns of the region. July – October

During peak season, balloon safari reaches its zenith — game concentrations are at their highest, visibility is excellent, and the conditions are perfect for photography. However, the green season offers its own unique advantages: fewer crowds, dramatic skies, newborn wildlife, and significantly lower prices.

Our safari specialists will help you choose the perfect window based on your priorities, whether that's optimal wildlife viewing, photography conditions, or the best value for your budget.

Your Balloon Safari Safari Experience

A typical balloon safari experience with Ingwe Africa Safaris is carefully curated from start to finish. You'll be accompanied by expert local guides who know Kenya intimately — from the hidden waterholes to the best vantage points.

The day usually begins before dawn, when the bush is waking up and the light is at its most magical. Your guide will brief you on what to expect, share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, and position you for the best possible encounters.

After an exhilarating morning in the field, you'll return to your lodge for a gourmet brunch, followed by relaxation time. The late afternoon brings another opportunity to venture out, as the golden hour bathes the landscape in warm light — perfect for those iconic African photographs.

Why Choose Ingwe for Balloon Safari

With over 500 safaris coordinated and a team of passionate local experts, Ingwe Africa Safaris delivers balloon safari experiences that consistently exceed expectations.

Our partnerships with the finest lodges and camps in Kenya mean you'll enjoy exclusive access, smaller group sizes, and the most knowledgeable guides in the region. We handle every detail — from seamless airport transfers to surprise bush dinners under the stars — so you can focus entirely on the experience.

Every balloon safari safari is fully customisable. Whether you want a luxury fly-in experience, a family-friendly adventure, or a budget-conscious journey, we'll craft an itinerary that matches your dreams and budget perfectly.

Insider Tip

Book at least 6 months ahead for peak season in Kenya. Our team can often secure last-minute availability at partner lodges, but the best rooms and guides go fast.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Kenya is home to an extraordinary diversity of species

Capture the Moment

Photography Tips

Expert advice for capturing balloon safari in Kenya

Use a 200-400mm telephoto lens for wildlife close-ups. A bean bag on the vehicle door gives steadier shots than a tripod.

Golden hour (first and last 30 minutes of light) creates the most dramatic wildlife portraits. Ask your guide to position the vehicle with the sun behind you.

Shoot in burst mode for action shots — predator hunts and animal interactions happen in seconds.

Where to Stay

Lodges & Camps in Kenya

Handpicked accommodation for your balloon safari experience — from luxury lodges to intimate tented camps

Angama Mara — Ultra-Luxury Safari Lodge in Kenya
Ultra-Luxury Safari Lodge
5
$1,200–$3,500/night

Angama Mara

Angama Mara floats above the Great Rift Valley escarpment, perched 300 metres above the floor of the Maasai Mara where 'Out of Africa' was filmed. Thirty exclusive tented suites are divided between two intimate camps of 15, each designed as a glass-fronted safari villa with uninterrupted views of the Mara Triangle below. Voted the number one hotel in Africa, Angama offers an extraordinary combination of location, design, and personal service. Expert-guided game drives descend to the Mara floor where lion prides, cheetah families, and the Great Migration can be witnessed. A Maasai beading studio, photographic studio, and Shamba kitchen garden provide unique experiences.

View Details
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp — Luxury Tented Camp in Kenya
Luxury Tented Camp
4.8
$400–$900/night

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is an intimate safari camp within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya — the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Six canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms are set along a river where elephants and buffalo drink daily. The conservancy's innovative conservation model — combining wildlife protection with community livestock farming — creates exceptional Big Five encounters alongside unique experiences like chimpanzee visits at the Sweetwaters Sanctuary. Night drives, walking safaris, and behind-the-scenes conservation experiences make Ol Pejeta one of Kenya's most rewarding safari destinations.

View Details
Giraffe Manor — Boutique Heritage Hotel in Kenya
Boutique Heritage Hotel
4.9
$800–$1,500/night

Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is one of the most Instagrammed hotels on Earth — an exclusive boutique hotel set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in Nairobi's Langata suburb. The iconic experience of sharing breakfast with endangered Rothschild giraffes, who poke their heads through the dining room windows, has made this a bucket-list destination worldwide. Built in the 1930s, the manor's colonial architecture, antique furnishings, and lush gardens create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. With only 12 rooms, availability is extremely limited — many guests book over a year in advance. The manor's conservation partnership with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife ensures that every stay supports giraffe protection.

View Details
Segera Retreat — Ultra-Luxury Safari Retreat in Kenya
Ultra-Luxury Safari Retreat
5
$1,500–$3,500/night

Segera Retreat

Segera Retreat is an extraordinary luxury safari experience on a 50,000-acre private wildlife conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia Plateau, between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley. Six intimate villas and three exclusive-use homes are adorned with owner Jochen Zeitz's world-class collection of African art and memorabilia — including the original biplane from the film "Out of Africa." The conservancy supports remarkable wildlife including endangered Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, wild dogs, and big cats. Game drives, camel excursions, helicopter flights, and nights spent in the iconic Nay Palad Bird Nest treehouse create experiences found nowhere else. Segera's 4C model — Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce — ensures every stay contributes to the protection of Laikipia's fragile ecosystem and the wellbeing of local Samburu communities.

View Details
Plan Your Journey

Getting There & Travel Tips

Essential logistics for your Kenya adventure

Best Time to Visit

July – October

Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT (EAT timezone)

Malaria prophylaxis recommended for safari areas

Pack layers — mornings and evenings on safari can be surprisingly cold

Kenya shillings (KES) — USD widely accepted at lodges and parks

Recommended Safaris

Balloon Safari Packages

Hand-picked safari experiences featuring balloon safari in Kenya

Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Masai Mara — Kenya safari package
Luxury

From

$450USD

1 day

Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Masai Mara

Float silently over the Mara at sunrise — champagne bush breakfast included

Sunrise balloon flightAerial wildlife viewingChampagne bush breakfastCertificate of flight
View Safari
Great Migration Masai Mara Safari — Kenya safari package
Safari

From

$650USD

7 days

Great Migration Masai Mara Safari

Witness the world's greatest wildlife spectacle — the Great Wildebeest Migration

Mara River crossings1.5 million wildebeestBig cat hunting actionHot air balloon safari
View Safari
East Africa Ultimate — Great Migration, Ngorongoro & Mountain Gorillas — Kenya safari package
Ultra-Luxury

From

$15,800USD

15 days / 14 nights

East Africa Ultimate — Great Migration, Ngorongoro & Mountain Gorillas

Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda in one legendary 15-day journey across East Africa

Great Migration river crossings in the Masai MaraSerengeti big cat countryNgorongoro Crater floor safariMountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda
View Safari
Kenya Safari & Beach — Masai Mara to Diani Coast — Kenya safari package
Luxury

From

$5,200USD

9 days / 8 nights

Kenya Safari & Beach — Masai Mara to Diani Coast

Big Five bush meets Indian Ocean beach — the perfect 9-day Kenya combination

Masai Mara Big Five game drivesGreat Migration viewing (seasonal)Hot air balloon safari optionMaasai cultural immersion
View Safari
Star Bed Safari — Sleep Under African Skies in the Masai Mara — Kenya safari package
Luxury

From

$4,200USD

5 days / 4 nights

Star Bed Safari — Sleep Under African Skies in the Masai Mara

Fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the Milky Way

Two nights sleeping under the stars on a raised platformMilky Way views with no light pollutionMasai Mara Big Five game drivesSounds of the African bush at night
View Safari
Laikipia Conservancy Explorer — Kenya safari package
Safari

From

$580USD

7 days

Laikipia Conservancy Explorer

Discover Kenya's conservation heartland with exclusive wildlife encounters on private ranches

Rhino tracking on footCamel-back bush walksHorseback safaris with giraffesNight drives for nocturnal species
View Safari

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for Balloon Safari in Kenya?

The best time for balloon safari in Kenya is July – October. Our safari experts will help you plan the perfect window based on your priorities.

How much does a Balloon Safari safari cost?

Kenya balloon safari safaris start from $250/day. Prices vary based on accommodation level, season, and group size. Contact us for a free personalised quote.

Is Balloon Safari suitable for families?

Yes! Balloon Safari in Kenya can be tailored for families of all ages. We offer family-friendly options with appropriate activities, accommodation, and pacing. Minimum age requirements may apply for certain activities.

Kenya

Ready to Experience Balloon Safari?

Let our Kenya specialists craft a personalised safari itinerary featuring balloon safari and more.

Free itinerary planning No booking fees Expert local guides