Majestic Kenya Safaris

4-Day Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari

Starts from

$1,700 pp (USD)

Overview

4.3 (26)Reviews
4.3/5

Welcome to your unforgettable 4-Day Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari adventure! Prepare to be immersed in the raw beauty of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, where endless plains teem with Africa’s most iconic animals. Your home for the next three nights will be the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, perched high on a bush-cloaked hill with sweeping views of the Mara River. This lodge seamlessly blends dramatic architecture inspired by a traditional Maasai manyatta (homestead) with modern luxuries, ensuring your utmost comfort without compromising on authenticity.

Each room at Mara Serena is a haven of tranquility, featuring handcrafted wooden furniture, vibrant textiles, and a private balcony where you can sip your morning coffee while watching the sun paint the savannah in golden hues. The lodge’s infinity pool seems to merge with the horizon, offering a refreshing respite after exhilarating game drives. As night falls, gather around the roaring fire pit, sharing stories of the day’s sightings under a canopy of stars.

Accommodation:

  • Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

    Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive

    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

    Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Board your comfortable safari vehicle and set off for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscape. Your driver-guide will make stops at scenic viewpoints, allowing you to stretch your legs and capture photos of the dramatic escarpments and valleys.

    As you approach the Masai Mara, the landscape transforms into rolling grasslands dotted with acacia trees - the classic East African savanna. Arrive at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch, where you'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a brief orientation. After settling into your accommodations, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring both international and local cuisines.

    In the late afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. As the day cools, animals become more active, increasing your chances of exciting sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants moving majestically across the savanna, or perhaps a leopard hiding in an acacia tree. As the sun begins to set, enjoy sundowner drinks at a picturesque spot in the bush before returning to the lodge for a gourmet dinner under the stars.

  • Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Rise before dawn for the highlight of your trip - a hot air balloon safari. Float silently over the awakening plains, watching the sunrise paint the landscape in breathtaking colors. From your lofty perch, spot wildlife stirring below and gain a unique perspective on the vastness of the Mara ecosystem. After a gentle landing, toast your adventure with a champagne breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

    Return to the lodge to freshen up, then set out for a full day of game viewing. Your skilled guide will take you to prime wildlife spotting areas, sharing insights about the animals' behaviors and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic location, perhaps near a hippo-filled river or under a shade-giving acacia tree. As the afternoon progresses, search for the more elusive creatures like cheetahs on the hunt or rare black rhinos. Return to the lodge in the evening, where a delectable dinner awaits, followed by the option to join a talk on Maasai culture or simply relax on your balcony, listening to the night sounds of the bush.

  • Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara with an Optional Visit to a Maasai Village

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    After a leisurely breakfast, you have the option to visit a nearby Maasai village. This cultural experience offers insight into the traditional lifestyle of these semi-nomadic people who have lived in harmony with the wildlife for centuries. Learn about their customs, see intricate beadwork, and perhaps join in a traditional dance. If you prefer, you can instead enjoy a morning game drive or relax at the lodge, taking advantage of the spa facilities or simply soaking in the views from the infinity pool.

    In the afternoon, venture out for another game drive. Your guide will focus on areas you haven't yet explored, maximizing your chances of spotting all of the "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. As the golden hour approaches, find a prime location to watch the sunset, perhaps witnessing a pride of lions beginning their nightly hunt. Return to the lodge for a special farewell dinner, featuring Maasai-inspired cuisine and entertainment, a perfect way to reflect on your Mara adventures.

  • Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi

    Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive back to Nairobi

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    Make the most of your final morning with an early game drive. The cool dawn air often reveals predators returning from their night's hunting or herbivores gathering at waterholes. This last excursion is a chance to fill any gaps in your wildlife checklist or simply soak in the magic of the Mara one last time. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and time to pack.

    After checking out, begin your journey back to Nairobi. Your driver will stop at a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, allowing you a final glimpse of the stunning Rift Valley scenery. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, filled with memories of your extraordinary Masai Mara adventure.

Accommodation

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge swimming pool and animals zebras in background
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Giraffe walking around Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Swimming pool at Mara Sopa Lodge
Mara Sopa Lodge
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$1900$1850$1800$1750$1700
Jul - Dec$2000$1950$1900$1850$1800

Includes & Excludes

A Family Safari to Remember

Our Kenya safari exceeded expectations! Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Kenya safari testimonial - The smiths

The Smiths

USA

An Unforgettable Solo Adventure

Solo traveler, felt safe and well-cared for. Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Mark Davis testimonial of our Kenya safaris

Mark Davis

Australia

Honeymoon Paradise in Kenya

Honeymoon was a dream come true! Luxurious accommodations, personalized service, and romantic atmosphere. Perfect!

The Harris Testimonial

David & Emily Harris

UK

Budget-Friendly Safari Adventure

Budget-friendly safari with incredible wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations. Highly satisfied!

Family-Safari-Review (1)

Théo Martin

France

A Luxury Safari Experience

Best safari experience ever! Saw the Big Five, learned about Maasai culture, and enjoyed delicious food. Amazing!

Jennifer Lee Testimonial

Jennifer Lee

Canada

Luxury Honeymoon in the Wild

Our Kenya safari was unforgettable! Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and incredible wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Testimonial by David and Emily Johnson

David and Emily Johnson

United States

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