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
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Sweetwaters Serena Camp in the Laikipia, with 39 thatched and tented rooms is one of only four private game reserves in Kenya, Ol Pejeta near Mount Kenya excels in the provision of privileged seclusion and private game viewing.
Porini Amboseli Camp
Amboseli Porini Camp and her 10 rustic and authentic tented suites are located in the Selenkay Conservancy, which lies a few miles north of Amboseli National Park.
Excellent guiding, fantastic wildlife sightings and an authentic safari camp experience awaits at Amboseli Porini Camp.
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge, with accommodation for only 18 guests, is a small boutique safari lodge located with a private concession bordering the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering the thrill of a real African adventure coupled with the highest standards of style and comfort.
Early morning, late afternoon or full-day game drives are on offer.
Saruni Wild Tented Camp
Saruni Wild Tented Camp is positioned on the Masai Mara plains bordering the private Lemek and Mara North Conservancies, surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness.
A small and intimate camp with only three tented suites available.
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.
Saruni Samburu
Perched on the top of the Kalama mountains with an all-round view of Northern Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari destination.
Galdessa
The riverside location of the lounge and dining room of Galdessa Camp ensure frequent wildlife sightings without the need to leave camp, as the game seeks relief from the heat of the day in the cool waters of the Galana River.
Galdessa Camp, with its amazing swimming pool, is located in the Tsavo East National park on the banks of the Galana River.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
The Mara Serena is the ultimate safari destination, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa's most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.
The astonishing views out of the plains of the Masai Mara from the main guest area are a must-see.