Maasai Mara hot air balloon safari
Float over the Mara at sunrise, then land for a champagne bush breakfast on the plains.
A balloon flight is the most requested add-on to a Maasai Mara safari. You are collected from camp before dawn, launch at about 05:30 as the crew inflates the balloon, and fly for about an hour over the plains and rivers. The landing is followed by a full bush breakfast with a champagne toast.
At a glance
| Where | Maasai Mara National Reserve and Mara Triangle |
|---|---|
| Flight time | About 1 hour. The whole experience runs 3.5 to 4 hours from camp pickup |
| Typical 2026 price | About USD 450 to 650 per person in a shared basket |
| Private basket section | About USD 800 to 1,200 per person |
| Full charter | About USD 4,500 to 5,500 for a basket of up to 12 |
| Included | Flight, pilot briefing, bush breakfast with champagne, ground crew, camp transfers on most bookings |
| Not included | Mara park fee for the day, tips for pilot and crew (about USD 10 to 20) |
| Book ahead | July to October slots fill 3 to 4 months ahead |
Best safaris to add it to
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| 3-Day Maasai Mara Safari | From USD 1,025 Jan to Jun, USD 1,985 Jul to Dec |
| 4-Day Great Migration Safari | From USD 2,910 (Jul to Oct) |
| 3-Day Fly-In Maasai Mara Safari | From USD 1,525 Jan to Jun, USD 2,690 Jul to Dec |
Tips
- Fly on your second morning in the Mara, so a weather cancellation can move to the next day.
- Migration season (July to October) gives herds below the basket. Shoulder months can be 10 to 15 percent cheaper.
- Wear layers. It is cold before sunrise and warms quickly after landing.
Sources
Checked 6 October 2026. Third-party prices are typical market rates; your written quote confirms the exact figure.
Questions
How much is a hot air balloon ride in the Maasai Mara?
About USD 450 to 650 per person in a shared basket in 2026, including breakfast. Private baskets cost more.
How long is the balloon flight?
About one hour in the air. Pickup to drop-off takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
When should I book?
For July to October, 3 to 4 months ahead. Other months, about 6 weeks.
Get your quote
Send your dates and group. The reply comes on WhatsApp with the camps, the vehicle and every fee.