Hot Air Balloon Safaris Across Africa.
Experience a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, and in other stunning landscapes over the African continent.
See Africa’s most iconic landscapes from the skies.
Enjoy hot air balloon rides in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. All of which feature Africa’s finest spots for ballooning.
Perfect for honeymooners & photographers.
An unforgettable experience that will set hearts racing for newlyweds and cameras clicking for photographers.
Full refund if bad weather.
If the weather isn’t perfect, get a full refund and still have time to go out on a morning game drive.
The perfect add-on to your African safari.
This pre-dawn excursion takes off, flies for an hour, and lands for a bush champagne breakfast — returning you to camp without cutting into your daily schedule.
See Africa’s most iconic landscapes from the skies.
Enjoy hot air balloon rides in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. All of which feature Africa’s finest spots for ballooning.
Perfect for honeymooners & photographers.
An unforgettable experience that will set hearts racing for newlyweds and cameras clicking for photographers.
Full refund if bad weather.
If the weather isn’t perfect, get a full refund and still have time to go out on a morning game drive.
The perfect add-on to your African safari.
This pre-dawn excursion takes off, flies for an hour, and lands for a bush champagne breakfast — returning you to camp without cutting into your daily schedule.
Choose a local safari expert and start planning.
Our favourite safari hot air balloon rides.
Most of our customers add-on, or think of a hot air balloon safari as one extra joyous trip on a much bigger, multi-centre holiday across Africa. And our specialists regularly put together custom itineraries for our customers, depending on what you want to see, all over Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
Talk to our specialists today about your African dreams. In the meantime, here are some of our favourites to get you started:
Witness incredible game drives from the air with our hot air balloon safari experiences.
You’re already travelling all the way to Africa to witness its iconic wildlife and landscapes. Now, you can go beyond the standard walking safaris and game drives, and experience the beauty of the bush from a whole new dimension.
We offer, to name some but not all:
– Masai Mara hot air balloon rides, and other hot air balloon destinations in Kenya, such as Amboseli.
– Serengeti hot air balloon rides in Tanzania.
– Rides over the surreal geography of Sossusvlei, Namibia, the world’s oldest desert in Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Many of our guests treat a hot air balloon safari as an ‘ultimate grand finale’ experience to cap off one of their final mornings, as an celebratory highlight to their entire African safari holiday.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara, then see the best Africa has to offer.
Most of our customers book a hot air balloon ride as one of several unforgettable experiences on a custom safari trip, planned with help from our specialists.
If you want your safari to include a sunrise balloon flight over the Maasai Mara, we can absolutely make that happen. And if you’d like to combine it with game drives, conservancy stays, Big Five sightings and other spectacular landscapes, we can help shape that around you, too.
We are particularly proud of our Porini safari camps, located in private conservancies deep in the Kenyan wilderness, where the focus is on intimate wildlife viewing without mass tourism or crowds.
From there, we can help you build a wider safari across Kenya, Tanzania and beyond, shaped around the wildlife, landscapes and experiences you most want to see. Simply speak to a specialist today.
Book your dream safari in 5 easy steps:
It really is that easy. You focus on your adventure, we'll take care of the rest.
- Step 1:
- Speak to one of our safari experts for a tailored consultation.
- Step 2:
- Receive a bespoke multi-destination safari package.
- Step 3:
- Refine your itinerary based on your preferences.
- Step 4:
- Book with confidence.
- Step 5:
- Travel with full support before and during your trip.
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
FAQs — Hot air balloon safaris.
Yes, but they must be at least 8 years of age. Children under 8 years are not allowed, although exceptions are possible if your child will be turning 8 very soon, or is exceptionally tall or mature. These special requests can be made and confirmed at time of booking subject to final confirmation by the Pilot on the launch field.
You will receive a full refund, and you’ll typically be driven back to camp for a standard morning game drive instea.
We recommend booking at the same time you book your safari holiday with us, as spaces are limited, especially during the Great Migration.
Yes. ballooning in the Masai Mara is highly regulated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Pilots are highly experienced, and safety briefings are mandatory before every flight.
While we can never 100% guarantee anything, your chances of seeing abundant numbers of wildlife are exceptionally high.
Yes. Our customers tend to book safari experiences all across Kenya and Africa, and we offer hot air balloon safaris as additional experiences to enjoy along the way.
Hot air balloon safari tours in Kenya lift off at dawn (approx 06:15 local time) after coffee and a flight briefing. Early morning is the best time to see wild animals on the plains, and in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, as predators and prey alike move and socialise more in the cool morning air.
The one hour flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the best East Africa has to offer in the magnificent setting of the Great Rift Valley. After you land, you’ll then be treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush.
You can expect a very similar experience wherever in Afica you choose a safari hot air balloon experience with us.
The one hour flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the best East Africa has to offer in the magnificent setting of the Great Rift Valley. After you land, you’ll then be treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush.
You can expect a very similar experience wherever in Afica you choose a safari hot air balloon experience with us.
Yes, a hot air balloon safari is excellent for photographers. As the rides take place in the morning, you will benefit from the golden, soft morning light, wide views and an aerial perspective that you won’t find on a traditional game drive.
1 hour. You can expect to be up in the air for approximately an hour.
The price includes your balloon flight, landing fees and a champagne breakfast after landing. Most of our customers enjoy a hot air balloon safari ride as just one experience as they travel across Kenya and Tanzania, or across a much larger, multi-destination holiday across Africa.
For example, many of our customers opt for a hot air balloon safari while staying at one of our exclusive Porini Camps, which are located on private conservancies away from the crowds deep in the Kenyen wilderness.
We specialise in helping our customers achieve their safari dreams in Africa by listening to their wants/interests and planning custom, luxury and all-inclusive itineraries off the back of that. And in many cases, a hot air balloon ride is one of those exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that capture the wonder of our customers.
For example, many of our customers opt for a hot air balloon safari while staying at one of our exclusive Porini Camps, which are located on private conservancies away from the crowds deep in the Kenyen wilderness.
We specialise in helping our customers achieve their safari dreams in Africa by listening to their wants/interests and planning custom, luxury and all-inclusive itineraries off the back of that. And in many cases, a hot air balloon ride is one of those exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experiences that capture the wonder of our customers.
We highly recommend the Masai Mara for a hot air balloon safari simply due to the sheer number of wildlife and animals all around.
The Great Migration takes place across the Masai Mara, which is like watching a big IMAX movie, or Discovery Channel or National Geographic special — only with your own eyes. The Masai Mara also features some of Kenya’s most iconic safari landscapes.
