Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park : Are you looking for an extraordinary way of exploring Amboseli national park during your Kenya safari, hot air balloon safari experience is the best African safari experience to do.
Amboseli national park is the second popular safari destination and national park in Kenya located in the South – Eastern part of Kenya in the Kajiado district.
Hot air balloon rides are among the memorable and thrilling safari activities offered in Amboseli national park, hot air balloon rides offer the best views of the Amboseli national park and the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro the tallest mountain on the African continent. This activity is carried out on daily but can easily be cancelled in case the weather does not permits.
Hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli national park is operated by Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris with operation offices just outside Kimana Gate which is at the Southeast section of the park.
The cost of hot air balloon experience in Amboseli national park ranges from US$ 500 – US$ 600 per person, this money is used to maintain the balloon baskets and also caters to all the post activities like the bush breakfast and the champagne.
The balloons have limit to the weight they are supposed to carry for example there are balloons that are have a limit weight of 125 kilograms per person, if you weigh more than 125 kilograms you have to book two places. Each hot air balloon ride will have an experienced pilot with a team helping out.
Note: Children who are below the age of 7 years are not allowed to participate in the balloon safari activity.
Commonly asked questions about Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park
How high do the hot air balloons fly?
The hot air balloon rides in Amboseli national park can fly as high as 3000 meters from the ground, this allows you to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and also enjoy the wildlife a different perspective.
What can I bring for the balloon ride?
Since you are going to be floating about 3000 meters above the ground, you will need a few things and the most important things that you can carry include a camera, extra camera batteries and binoculars to help you see everything that is in the distance.
What should I wear for the balloon ride?
You need to wear comfortable attires, unlike as it is commonly thought, the temperatures as the balloon go up change but the truth is the temperatures up are similar to those while on the ground and therefore you need to just dress comfortably and appropriately according the weather.
Is hot air ballooning dangerous?
No, hot air ballooning in Amboseli national park is not dangerous at all, the balloons and baskets that are used in this experience are made using strong and modern material making them safe for riding. The flight is always smooth and the baskets are always checked before and after the ride.
Note: the person (pilots) who is flying the balloons is experienced and will make sure that you are comfortable.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park
The ride might feel a bit bumpy a it starts to rise but later on you get used to the air pressure and start enjoying the ride, do not be afraid to go for hot air balloon rides because they are fun and a once – in- a lifetime experience.
How long does the ride take and what happens after landing?
The hot air balloon ride starts as early as 05:30 am to 06:00 am and will take about a hour after ascent, the pilot will land in an area that is free of wild animals. Upon descent, you will find a tour vehicle waiting for you for where you will find a bush breakfast waiting for your and a champagne toast for everyone who has participated in the balloon ride.
Which direction does the balloon take?
The balloon floats in the direction in which the wind is blowing, the pilot of the balloon and the chase crew is always in touch with each other so that they get to know the direction the balloon has taken. The fact that each balloon ride takes a different direction makes each ride unique and fun.
The balloon Kenya safari step by step
To enjoy your hot air balloon ride in Amboseli national park, the crucial thing to do is to keep time because the pilots are time cautious and in case you are late, you might miss out on the ride. Below is a tentative step – by – step process that is supposed to be followed.
You will have to wake up an hour early at about 5:00 am
Guests are picked from their lodges after taking coffee or tea
The briefing will be done at 6:00 am for the pilots
After the briefing, it is take off time
After an hour, you will land and toast champagne and enjoy a bush breakfast before enjoying other activities around Amboseli national park.
Do we get a briefing on what to expect on a balloon ride?
Yes, a day before the balloon ride, you are briefed about what to expect and the time and the pilots are also briefed about to treat the tourists, the exact time of starting the ride and at what time to pick you up from the lodge. You need to remember and an slight change in the weather can lead to the cancellation of the hot air balloon ride.
What should I expect from the balloon ride?
Hot air balloon rides are some of the ways to explore the beautiful Amboseli national park, in Amboseli there are several exciting things that you will see while on the hot air balloon safari in Amboseli and these include Mountain Kilimanjaro, the observation hill and several animals, birds, Lake Amboseli, swamps, wetlands and the surrounding areas.
The hot air balloon ride in Amboseli national park offers spectacular aerial view of Amboseli National Park and the surrounding areas including the Masai Villages.
When to go for the balloon ride
The best time of the year to go for hot air balloon rides in Amboseli national park is during the dry season which is from June to October and January to February, in this period which is a dry season the winds are more favorable. The dry season is also the best time to watch and observe the animals in the park, hot air balloon rides can also be done in the wet season, however if the winds are heavy, it is cancelled and your money will be refunded or rescheduled to another day in case you still have more days on your Kenya wildlife safari in Amboseli national park.