Hot Air Balloon Kenya: An Unforgettable Sky High Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating silently above the African wilderness at sunrise, then a hot air balloon Kenya safari in Amboseli National Park with Afrisun Tours and Travel might just be the experience you’ve been waiting for.

Nestled beneath the towering silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers one of the most breathtaking backdrops for a balloon safari anywhere in Africa. From the moment the balloon lifts off at dawn, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of golden plains, wandering wildlife, and the snow-capped mountain glowing in the morning light an unforgettable highlight of any hot air balloon Kenya adventure.

hot air balloon in the mara

Why Amboseli?

While the Maasai Mara gets most of the ballooning fame, Amboseli offers something beautifully unique hundreds of elephants wandering beneath the snow-capped peak of Africa’s tallest mountain. With Afrisun Tours and Travel, your hot air balloon Kenya experience here becomes truly unforgettable. From above, you’ll witness vast herds of wildlife crossing the golden plains, with crystal-clear views of Kilimanjaro piercing the morning mist.

Unlike some parks, Amboseli’s compact size means you see more in less time. The balloon glides over swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains, giving you a bird’s eye view of the park’s dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife concentrations a hot air balloon Kenya safari that combines intimacy, beauty, and adventure in one breathtaking flight.

hot air balloon in the mara

Affordability that Surprises

Afrisun Tours and Travel, your hot air balloon Kenya adventure becomes not only unforgettable but also surprisingly accessible. Compared to the Mara, park entry fees in Amboseli are lower, and packages often include extras like a champagne bush breakfast, private transfers, and certified balloon pilots. It’s luxury made easy.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, honeymoon, or simply crossing off a bucket list dream, Amboseli makes this once in a lifetime hot air balloon Kenya experience beautifully within reach.

hot air balloon in the mara plains

Closer Than You Think

Think balloon safaris are only for those willing to travel deep into the wild? Think again. Amboseli is just a 4-5 hour scenic drive from Nairobi, or a quick 45 minute flight. That makes it ideal for a weekend escape or even a day trip with an early start. No complicated logistics. No multi day commitment. Just pack your spirit of adventure, and you’re good to go.

a Cessna flying from Mara

What to Expect

A hot air balloon Kenya safari is more than just a flight it’s a carefully choreographed adventure, from the quiet pre-dawn hours to the celebratory toast in the wild. With Afrisun Tours and Travel, every detail is handled seamlessly, so all you have to do is enjoy the magic.

1. Early Morning Pick Up and Briefing

Your journey begins just before dawn, when the world is still hushed and the stars shine bright. You’ll be picked up from your lodge or camp by a professional guide and driven to the balloon launch site.
Upon arrival, sip on a light pre-flight refreshment tea, coffee, and biscuits while watching the balloon inflate against the dark sky. It’s the perfect moment to chat with your pilot, snap photos of the glowing canopy, and receive your safety and flight briefing.

2. Take Off at Sunrise

As the first rays of sunlight spread over Amboseli, your balloon gently lifts off. The air is silent except for the occasional burst of the burner, and the wind guides your path.
From above, you’ll spot:

Herds of elephants wandering gracefully across the golden plains
Giraffes browsing treetops, zebras grazing, and if luck is on your side even lions
Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically in the distance, glowing in the morning light
Swamps alive with hippos, crowned cranes, pelicans, and fish eagles

This bird’s eye view offers a fresh safari perspective, revealing Amboseli’s rich variety of landscapes and wildlife habitats.

3. Aerial Wildlife Photography

Bring your camera or phone this is golden hour perfection. The light is soft, the scenery dramatic, and the animals roam freely below, undisturbed by your presence. From above, you can truly appreciate the rhythm of nature: the way herds move, how predators influence their paths, and how life flows through Amboseli’s plains and wetlands.

4. Gentle Landing and Bush Breakfast

After approximately one hour in the air, the pilot will guide the balloon to a safe landing spot, where a luxurious bush breakfast awaits.
Think:

Freshly brewed Kenyan coffee or tea
Eggs cooked to order
Fresh fruits, baked pastries, sausages, and more
A glass of bubbly champagne to celebrate your flight

Breakfast is served under the open sky, surrounded by wilderness, often with Kilimanjaro still visible in the background.

5. Balloon Flight Certificate & Optional Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll receive a personalized flight certificate, a great souvenir to mark your unforgettable journey.
From there, you can choose to return to your lodge or continue on with a half day game drive through Amboseli, guided by expert rangers who know where to find hidden wildlife gems.

6. Memories for a Lifetime

The feeling of drifting across the wild in near silence, watching the sun rise over Kilimanjaro and spotting elephants below it’s a moment that stays with you forever. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, a hot air balloon safari in Amboseli delivers on the magic.