It was one of those rare moments where you take in the majesty of nature in complete silence, disturbing nothing, saying nothing. In Kenya last month, I had the great pleasure of a balloon safari over the Masai Mara organised by the excellent and highly professional Governors Company.
Interested, well have a look at our selection of Kenya Safaris.
One is used to the early starts in Africa, especially on safari: a cup of tea at 5.30 followed by a briefing with the pilot on the departure field adjacent to Little Governors Camp. The pilot had a distinct Northamptonshire twang: "It is not a plane, I cannot steer her where I want!" he repeated. Yes, that’s right; the winds will take her to where they want with the steady hand of the pilot ensuring that you are not dropped onto a herd of elephants or in the Mara River. The pilot and his quality are important. Ours had over 30 years of experience on his license and they are paid accordingly.
The advantage of the early rise is to see dawn breaking which imbues the landscape with a red tinge. A steady wind speed takes you effortlessly kilometre after kilometre; we sighted a black rhino trotting along the savannah and multitudes of Topi staring up as the shadow of the balloon overtook them. We crisscrossed the intestine like shape of the Mara River, surprising the early morning drinkers of Masai giraffe and buffalo. There is a tranquillity to all this; drifting languidly over the African plain with the only noise provided by the excited chatter of fellow passengers and the occasional blast of the burner to provide more height.
An hour is not much in any time scale and it is soon over.
Following the pilot's instructions, you brace yourself for landing gripping a handle in the secure cocoon of the wicker enclosed shell. I find it quite satisfying that an expensive and relatively high-tech piece of kit should be enclosed still in a wicker shell. Some traditions deserve to be kept. We enjoyed a soft landing which is not always the case but the winds were kind. The adventure was followed by a hearty champagne breakfast prepared by an experienced safari chef on the open plain and then a game drive back to camp.
An hour well spent? Most definitely.
Explore The Masai Mara By Balloon by the team at Uyaphi.Com
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
A quintessential classic safari experience awaits all guests when staying at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, with sweeping views out across the surrounding plains and the Sabaringo River.
A fantastic option for single travellers, couples, families and small groups.
Satao Elerai Camp
Satao Elerai Camp with 9 Luxury tents is located in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5000-acre private conservation area 12 km southeast of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Africa's Largest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
One of the better lodges in Amboseli National Park with outstanding views of mount Kilimanjaro from the swimming pool.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Located on the slopes of Mount Kenya and surrounded by an ancient rainforest, Serena Mountain Lodge offers guests a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience. With only 42 hotel rooms and suites, Mountain Lodge is perfect for single travellers, couples, honeymooners, small groups of friends and families alike.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including climbing to Lenana Peak, exploring the forest and moorlands, sundowners, exclusive trout fishing, Kikuyu dancing and cultural displays, and walking in the forest.
Governors Camp
With its 37 tented suites, Governors' Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Masai Mara; this is undoubtedly one of our most popular lodges in the Masai Mara for good reason, location, location, location.
Sarova Stanley Hotel
The Sarova Stanley Hotel, in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a wide range of accommodation and services with all rooms elegantly furnished with an ambience that remains as friendly and welcoming as it has always been since its humble beginnings in 1902.
One of the more classic options for anyone looking for a hotel in Nairobi, especially one with a long history.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara overlooks the Sand River, the endless plains and the grassy hills of the National Reserve.
Year-round wildlife sightings are nothing short of excellent; should one wish to view the annual migration, the best months for this would be August, September, and October.
Ngare Serian Camp
Ngare Serian Camp, located in the Mara North Conservancy on the banks of the Mara River, offers up a private and intimate safari experience with only four luxurious tented suites on offer.
Ngare Serian is the perfect safari camp for a large family, a small group of friends or couples alike.
Taita Hills Game Lodge
Taita Hills Game Lodge offers a truly exclusive bush experience, being situated in the heart of the Taita Hills Sanctuary, a private conservancy of 28,000 acres at the foot of the Taita Hills and adjacent to Tsavo West National Park.
A more budget-friendly option in the Tsavo West one cannot find.