Kenya Balloon Safari - Hot Air Balloon Kenya Detailed Guide (2023)

FAQs

How much is a hot air balloon safari in Kenya? ›

Hot air balloons don't have steering wheels, but hot air balloon pilots use the wind direction and speed at different heights in order to steer the balloon. Hot air balloon pilots control their ascent and descent but can't steer the balloon in a different direction without changing altitude.

Absolutely. Even if you consider that the bush breakfast is probably worth $100 per person, whether the money works out for you can only be realized after the experience is over.

Our prices start from US$ 455 per person upto US$ 515 per person depending on the camp or lodge you will fly from in Maasai Mara, valid for 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Conservation fees are worked into the cost of your safari and gets transferred to national parks and private or indigenous landowners. By paying these tariffs you directly finance wildlife conservation and give local communities a tangible incentive to help protect Africa's magical ecosystems.

While it is not a cheap or “local” experience it is without a doubt a once-in-a-lifetime one. Drifting above the plains, forests, and rivers of the Masai Mara feels like a dream. There is no turbulence and no loud motor – just you and your temporary balloon drifting over wild elephants, lions, and giraffes.

Should we tip our balloon pilot and chase crew? Like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated. A typical tip would be 10-20% of the total price. Like the saying: If you like the ride, tip your guide.

In general, there are no toilets or any other bathroom facilities in a hot air balloon. Ballooning is not like riding a car where you can stop in a gas station whenever you need to so you need to make sure that you take a toilet break before taking off.

Like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated. A typical tip would be 10% of the total price. You've heard it before, “If you like the ride, tip your guide”. Tips are shared among the flight team and are greatly appreciated.

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Dress in layers with long pants preferably. Ultimately, if you dress to the ground temperature, you should be comfortable in the air as well!

What are the negatives of hot air balloons? ›

The greatest weather risks to ballooning include: The possibility of being becalmed over unfavorable landing sites. The risk of injury from a high wind landing. The risk of loss of control due to sudden gusts or wind shear. Sudden loss of visibility due to fog or precipitation.

Only 7.5% of people on the planet have some anxiety about heights. The good news is that it does not effect you when flying in a hot air balloon, with almost everyone finding hot air ballooning peaceful and relaxing.

Approximately one hour hot air balloon flight. Transfer from your safari camp or lodge. Champagne style bush breakfast.

You can imagine my joy when I learned that one of the world's cheapest hot air balloon was in Vang Vieng, Laos.

The weight loss pill costs Sh450,000 and so far eight people in Kenya have used it. The procedure requires no surgery, no endoscopy, and no anaesthesia. The balloon reduces food intake by taking up space in the stomach.

The best time to go on safari in Kenya is anytime between June to October. Travel in early September and you can almost guarantee that your trip will coincide with the famous wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara. That said, Kenya is brimming with wildlife throughout the year, so it's tough to go wrong.

It is customary to tip your safari escort on the last day you are with him or her, and the recommended tip is US $8 to US $10 per traveller, per day.

On an organized safari in Kenya, it is customary to tip at the end. The same goes for any pre-arranged tour, in fact. Budget on tipping about US$20 or 2,000 Kenyan shillings per room (or tent) per day. If you're traveling alone when you visit Kenya, you could tip less – 1,000 Kenyan shillings is acceptable.

In which country is hot air balloon famous? Cappadocia, Turkey makes for the most famous hot air balloons as it gives the riders a feeling of being in a fairytale with sun setting and the rocks looking like fairy chimneys' with hundreds of colorful balloons dotting the skyline.

However, there's one place that's known as the hot air ballooning capital of the world and it's right here in the United States: Albuquerque, New Mexico. So, why is Albuquerque known as the hot-air-ballooning capital of the world?

Do you wear a parachute in a hot air balloon? ›

Passengers on a hot air balloon ride do not need to use parachutes for a few reasons. The most important reason is that the balloon itself serves as a parachute. This is because hot air balloons are designed to float and descend slowly, even in the event of an emergency or malfunction.

You should not fly if you have back or leg problems. You cannot fly if you have a cast on. You cannot fly if you are on oxygen. You cannot fly if you are pregnant or suspect being pregnant.

How many persons can go up in a balloon ? The most common model can welcome 1 pilot and 2 passengers. But the ones made for group flights have a bigger capacity: between 4 and 10 passengers. More than 32 passengers can fly in the biggest hot-air balloons ever made !

When is the best time to fly? Hot air ballooning is a year-round sport. Weather conditions for ballooning are best just after sunrise and 2-3 hours before sunset. Light, ideal winds (4-6 mph) often occur during these times.

About the Balloon Flight. How long is the hot air balloon flight? A hot air balloon ride with us lasts for around an hour, depending on prevailing weather conditions and suitability of landing sites, but you should allow at least four hours for the whole experience.

Balloon walks are especially popular at community events and private parties involving young school age children. Additionally, balloon walks can be set up in winds that would keep a tethered balloon operation on the ground. Even so, calm or light winds are preferable.

Dress appropriately.

Because of jostling, close quarters and the like, you'll want to be wearing pants, or shorts, when you go hot air ballooning. Skirts and kilts are a little impractical for the affair. Also dress for the weather.

Do You Get Weighed Before a Hot Air Balloon Ride? All pilots ask their passengers to be weighed before a flight as it is important information for both passengers and pilots. Each has corresponding weight limitations depending on how large the balloons are.

Children five years of age and over would enjoy a tethered ride. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children at all times. Please keep in mind – hot air balloon burners are hot and make a loud sound. If your child is timid or afraid of loud sounds, it may be better to wait until they are older.

Slip-on shoes and sandals are not a good idea here, even if the weather is suitable. Keeping your feet covered means that you will be comfortable for the whole flight.

Where do people sit in a hot air balloon? ›

The Basket or Gondola

This is where passengers sit. Supplies for the hot air balloon are also stored here. Typically, hot air balloon baskets are made of steel or aluminum alloy to ensure that they are lightweight while still being able to hold large numbers of passengers.

First thing's first: we're pleased to inform you that hot air balloons are extremely safe. As per the US National Transportation and Safety Board, only 0.07% of hot air balloon accidents result in fatalities.

Most landings are very smooth, but occasionally the winds can pickup and we can have a fast (sometimes rough and exciting) landing.

A: The balloon would fall to the ground. A hot air balloon stays aloft because of buyancy; warm air is less dense than the air around it, so it rises, pushing up the balloon.

Oxygen Use in Hot Air Ballooning

At around 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters), the amount of oxygen in the air decreases enough to potentially affect passengers, leading to altitude sickness.

There is also no turbulence, and the balloon doesn't have a motor or an engine so there is no noise (apart from the burner occasionally), and no shaking, so it's a much calmer and weightless experience than a helicopter or aeroplane flight.

Albuquerque Balloon Festival

That makes Albuquerque, New Mexico, home to the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world. While you can jump in a basket any day of the week, take part in the photo contest or listen to live music, Mass Ascension days are the best ones to drop by.

1. International Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, NM. Drawing over 900,000 visitors and 600 pilots from seven countries over a nine-day period, this is the largest and longest-running balloon festival in the country.

After 19 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes they successfully landed in North Africa. They became the first balloonists to circumnavigate the globe with a non-stop, non-refueled flight. They travelled a sky breaking distance of 42,810 KM.

Why is hot air balloon expensive? ›

They use a significant amount of fuel per flight and involve a minimum crew of six men plus professional pilot to get them in the air plus a further ten employees behind the scenes for each balloon. In addition, there are the retrieving vehicles, logistics, back up etc. We operate in a remote area.

The cost of a hot air balloon ride depends on a few things. But, generally speaking, each ride will cost around $200–$400 per person. However, with a Groupon deal, you may find a similar hot-air balloon price for as low as $171 per person (like this one).

If socializing is important to you, realize that hot air ballooning is an expensive, potentially time-consuming hobby that typically does not have a lot of followers. You need a license to legally operate a hot air balloon. Hot air balloon licenses generally come in two forms: private and commercial.

It costs Sh450,000. The package includes the cost for the skin tightening procedure, if necessary, a smartwatch, digital scale, and nutritional and psychological counseling for six months.

Till 2022, more than 50 patients have undergone Allurion Balloon Procedure in Kenya. The cost of the Allurion Balloon procedure is approximately KSh 500,000. The hospitals continue to monitor patients and the six-month dietary regimen.

To do a Kenya safari in style with peak season attractions and exceptional guides you can expect anything in the range between US$600 and US$2000 per person per night. Start by figuring out where you want to go and what you MUST see, then decide on your budget.

Price of a 7 day Kenya safari? Expect a starting price of $800 per person for a 7 day Kenya budget camping tour, going up to $1,300 per person for a mid-range lodge tour. Luxury tours start at around $2,000 per person. Safari packages to Kenya span a wide price range, influenced by several variables.

The cost of safari in Kenya in a green and shoulder season starts around INR 30,000 and around INR 33,000 in a peak season for moderate safaris. The premium ones however, cost around INR 37,000 for green and shoulder season and INR 45,000 for peak season for premier, private and fly-in safaris.

What Do Luxury Safaris Cost in Kenya? A luxury safari package is an unforgettable experience, but be prepared to spend around $600+ per person per day. On a luxury safari in Kenya, you will stay in 5-star hotels and lodges that range between $200-$800 per person per night.

How much do you tip a safari driver in Kenya? ›

It is customary to tip your safari escort on the last day you are with him or her, and the recommended tip is US $8 to US $10 per traveller, per day.

One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country's dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation.

For big-budget, luxury safari experiences, there really is no upper limit on what you can book in both countries. But it doesn't matter whether you are after a simple camping safari or a no expense spared luxury lodge holiday, you will pay more in Tanzania than Kenya.

You should spend a minimum of 4 days and three nights at the Masai Mara for you to enjoy the full scope of wildlife in the park. 4 days and 3 nights will allow you to have 4 game drives for the length of your stay and allow you enough time to rest when you arrive at the park.

For a safari experience, we recommend a safari budget that typically falls between $1,000-$2,000+ per person sharing, per night. This safari budget would include accommodations, meals, internal air and most activities.

A safari is a different experience that is really about you, the animals, and nature. The value of an exclusive African safari experience cannot be overstated. It's a chance to truly get away from it all: turn off the cell phone, disconnect from WiFi, say goodbye to people, and get in touch with Mother Nature.

South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya are often considered the cheapest African safari countries to visit. Followed by Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Is safari better in Kenya or South Africa? ›

Kenya is the birthplace of safaris and has a higher percentage of its land dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves than South Africa does. With abundant wildlife, open plains, and temperate climate, Kenya is a year-round safari destination.