A
balloon safari in the Maasai Mara
is a rare treat indeed. An early
morning departure just before the
sun rises over the savannah with
breathtaking views of the plains
game below. Apart from the occasional
hiss of the burners, the flight
above the Maasai Mara plains is
magically silent. At the end of
the flight, the passengers are treated
to a champagne breakfast in the
bush, complete with flowers. China
and crystal are set out on the table
that is placed under a convenient
acacia tree. The finishing touch
to the flight is a game drive back
to the lodge or camp, and the possibility
of seeing the same pride of lions,
or herd of elephants that had been
viewed while ballooning. Over a
dozen balloons depart from different
sites within the reserve. A flight
certificate is issued on completion
of the balloon safari.
