Governors' Balloon Safaris

Governors' Balloon Safaris pioneered hot air ballooning in the Maasai Mara in the 1970s and has been flying there since 1978. Flights take off at dawn from a sheltered launch site at Little Governors' Camp and follow what is widely regarded as the best flight path in the Mara, drifting over the Mara River, forest and open plains for around 45 minutes to an hour.

The balloons are custom-built in Australia by Kavanagh Balloons for Kenyan conditions, and the team of experienced pilots is backed by a ground crew. After landing, passengers toast the flight with sparkling wine and sit down to a freshly cooked bush breakfast on the plains before a game drive back to their camp or lodge. The flight is recognised as a Magical Kenya Signature Experience.

The company also supports community and conservation projects in the Mara. Its booking office is at Blixen Court in Nairobi. Rates, terms and the booking form are on the Governors' Balloon Safaris website.