What your balloon safari experience entails
Picture this – as you climb into the basket, the breeze gently starts to lift you up, the sun just starts to rise and you can feel it’s warmth on your face, cutting through the crisp clean air of Amboseli.
You continue to ascend and slowly start to drift over the open wood savannah grasslands peppered with Acacia tortilis (Vachellia tortilis) trees through which a vast array of wild and majestic animals criss-cross.
Across the vista, you see one side of the park crowned by the magical Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free standing mountain. And on the other side, the view is of lush green wetlands, open savannah grassland and Lake Amboseli.
You continue to float over pristine wilderness until the time comes to descend and land, and you are whisked away for a delectable champagne breakfast – a perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
Step 1 – Arrival
CAMP/LODGE PICK-UP
The pick-up time for your balloon safari varies depending on the Camp or Lodge you are staying at, and the time of the year. All pick-ups are scheduled to ensure that our Guests arrive at the Balloon Camp, at approximately 5:15am. Depending on the timing and distance from your Camp or Lodge, pick-ups may begin as early as 4:15am, to ensure a smooth and well-planned flight.
Pick-ups/drop-offs are available at the following camps:
AA Lodge Amboseli, Amboseli Bush Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Elephant Garden Camp, Elephant Gorge Camp, Kibo Safari Camp, Kilima Safari Camp Amboseli, Kili Springs, Kimana Public Campsite, KWS Campsite, KWS Guesthouse, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Porini Amboseli Camp, Satao Elerai Camp, Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Serena Safari Lodge, Tawi Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Zebra Plains Amboseli Camp.
*Feel free to contact us to inquire about any other camps/lodges.
BALLOON CAMP CHECK-IN
Upon arrival at our Balloon Camp, passengers will be required to observe KCAA Approved and Established COVID-19 protocols, including temperature checks, masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing. You will visit and Check-in at our Reception Desk to complete Passenger Information Waivers, and then join the others in our Guest Pavilion, complete with morning beverages (coffee, teas or hot chocolate) and fresh biscuits. Female and Male Toilets are available, and Wi-Fi and USB chargers are available to all guests in the Guest Pavilion.
Step 2 – Preparation
PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY BRIEFING
Once at the Launch Field, you will join a Pre-flight Safety Briefing with the Captain of your Hot Air Balloon. During this briefing, you will learn how the hot air balloon works, safety features, what to expect during your flight and also your Captain will answer any questions you may have.
INFLATION
Watch in awe as the high-powered burners add heat to the balloon and it inflates and rises to over 25m in height! Take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities with Mt. Kilimanjaro and spectacular sunrises as our backdrop!
A once in a lifetime experience
Step 3 – The Flight
TAKE OFF
Once all passengers climb into the gondola and partake in another short safety briefing, the Captain will add more heat to the balloon, and it will gracefully rise into the magical skies of the Amboseli. Time for your amazing adventure in a hot air balloon!
IN FLIGHT
Once we are In-flight, you will experience a spectacular 360° view of:
- The earth coming alive, as the sun rises to the East,
- The many variations of the Amboseli ecosystem,
- Kilimanjaro to the South,
- Amboseli National Park to the North,
- Plentiful wildlife Kenya is famous for throughout the area,
- The local Maasai Manyattas and Bomas in the area,
- Remember to bring your camaras and/or binoculars! Flights generally last about 1-hour, but actual flight time can vary from 45-minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on the weather of the day, and the conditions ‘Mother Nature’ has provided us.
NOTE: We can not guarantee a flight length, or direction, or what animals/game are seen on a given day – we are “one with nature” and every day is different, fresh and changes in the wind direction can occur.
Step 4 – Landing
LANDING
After we return to Mother Earth, our Chase Crew will have followed us on the ground and will be there to meet and greet us.
GAME DRIVE BACK
Our custom Safari vehicles will transport all guests back to the Balloon Camp, while taking in a Game drive and experiencing the local communities and points of interest.
Step 5 – Celebrate with a meal
TRADITIONAL CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATION
The Chief Pilot will begin the Celebration with stories, the Balloonists Prayer and Traditional Champagne Toast. For guests that do not drink alcohol or are younger, we always have optional beverages available to join in the Celebration.
CHEF-PREPARED MADE TO ORDER BREAKFAST
Enjoy a Chef prepared ‘made to order’ full hot breakfast, inclusive of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurt, coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate, and juices.
Dietary limitations will be accommodated, with advance notice.
COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT ASCENSION CERTIFICATE
After breakfast and reminiscing about the mornings Magical flight, all guests are presented with a Commemorative Flight Ascension Certificate, signed by their Captain, as a memento of their Kilimanjaro Balloon Safari experience.
Come join us for an exhilarating experience…
Preview the Beauty
