One of the most magically memorable of the Mara experiences, a balloon safari allows you to drift in silence above the splendour of the plains, dip down to visit the hippo pools of the Mara River, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the wildlife theatre enacted below and descend to a scenic champagne breakfast cooked on the balloon’s burners, and served on the savannah plains.

Awakened by an early-morning cup of tea (around 5.30 am) you will be driven to the balloon take-off point, where you will meet your fully-qualified balloon pilot.

The trip is magical: spend about one hour silently floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon and it will fill you with enough memories to last a lifetime. You take off in the wee hours of the morning, float in the sky, drifting with the whim of the wind, overlooking the plains, just in time to experience a breathtaking sunrise and catch a bird’s eye view of the reserve.

After the flight, you will be treated to a luxurious breakfast to complete the experience as you relax and absorb the moment.

Cost: From $550 per person. This includes the transfers and a bubbly breakfast.

NOTE: Take a hat to protect your head from the heat of the gas burners!