Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris | Amboseli & Mount Kilimanjaro Views

What your Kilimanjaro Balloon Safari experience entails

Envision yourself stepping into the basket as a gentle breeze begins to hoist you, the sun is just rising, and the warm air of Amboseli cuts through the fresh, clean air as you feel its warmth on your face.

A variety of wild and magnificent animals crisscross the open wood savannah grasslands as you continue to ascend and begin to drift over them, dotted with Acacia tortilis (Vachellia tortilis) trees.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, dominates one side of the park as you look across the vista. Views of Lake Amboseli, vast savannah grassland, and verdant wetlands await you on the far side.

The perfect way to cap off an incredible day is by being taken away for a delicious champagne brunch as you continue to float over gorgeous wilderness until it’s time to descend and land.

Step 1 – Arrival

CAMP/LODGE PICK-UP

Your balloon safari’s pickup time will change based on the season and the camp or lodge you’re staying at. Our guests are expected to arrive at the Balloon Camp by 5:15 in the morning, thus all pick-ups are organised accordingly. Early morning pick-ups may start as early as 4:15 in the morning to guarantee a well-organised flight, depending on the time and distance from your camp or lodge.

The following camps offer pick-up and drop-off services:

These are some of the Amboseli accommodations: AA Lodge, 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, Porini Amboseli, Satao Elerai, Sentrim, Serena Safari Lodge, Tawi, Tortilis, and Zebra Plains Amboseli.

BALLOON CAMP CHECK-IN

Everyone visiting our Balloon Camp must adhere to the COVID-19 protocols that have been approved and established by the KCAA. This includes taking a temperature, wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, and maintaining social distance. Before you join the rest of our guests in the Guest Pavilion, where they can enjoy complimentary morning biscuits, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, you will need to visit the Reception Desk to complete the Passenger Information Waivers. The Guest Pavilion has both male and female restrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi and USB charging stations for all visitors.

Step 2 – Preparation

PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY BRIEFING

You and your hot air balloon captain will meet at the launch field to go over safety procedures before takeoff. Here you will get all the information you need about the hot air balloon, including how it operates, safety measures, what to expect on the journey, and the chance to ask your captain any questions you might have.

INFLATION

Be amazed as the balloon is heated by powerful burners, causing it to inflate and reach a height of more than 25 meters! Take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime chance to capture breathtaking sunrises with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background!

Step 3 – The Flight

TAKE OFF

After a quick safety warning and everyone has boarded the gondola, the captain will increase the balloon’s heat, and it will ascend into the Amboseli sky with elegance. Get ready for an unforgettable experience atop 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: Since we are “one with nature” and the wind might change directions at any time, we cannot promise a specific flight duration, direction, or the species of animals or games witnessed on any particular day.

Step 4 – Landing

LANDING

Our Chase Crew has been keeping tabs on us while we were in the air, so they will be there to welcome us back to Earth when we land.

GAME DRIVE BACK

Guests will be transported back to the Balloon Camp in our specially designed safari vehicles, where they may have a game drive and learn about the surrounding towns and attractions along the way.

Step 5 – Celebrate with a meal

TRADITIONAL CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATION

Stories, the Balloonists’ Prayer, and the traditional Champagne toast will be started off by the chief pilot at the celebration. There are always non-alcoholic drinks available for those who would like to partake in the Celebration but are underage or do not drink alcohol.

CHEF-PREPARED MADE TO ORDER BREAKFAST

Breakfast items include fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt, coffee, a variety of teas, hot chocolate, juices, and a chef-prepared “made to order” full hot breakfast.

With prior notification, dietary restrictions can be met.

COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT ASCENSION CERTIFICATE

Guests are given a Commemorative trip Ascension Certificate, signed by their captain, as a souvenir of their Kilimanjaro Balloon Safari experience after breakfast, while remembering the morning’s magical trip.