Everything You Need to Know About Kenya’s Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast
A hot air balloon ride in Kenya wasn’t originally part of my itinerary, and honestly the surprise of the experience made it feel even more special. It wasn’t offered directly through my tour company (EF GoAhead Tours), but they coordinated a seamless handoff to a local hot air balloon operator who handled everything from transportation to the flight itself. This became not only one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip, but one of my most memorable travel moments ever.
The Early Wake-Up (It’s Worth It)
This is a very early experience. Pickup and departure in the jeep was around 6:00 a.m., which meant a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call. In the moment, it feels like something you’ll dread, but once you’re moving and then pulling up to the balloon being setup backdropped by a colorful sunrise, it all starts to make sense. Hot air balloon safaris depend on calm morning air, so I had been praying that everything went smoothly, and sure enough, all was well.
Cost and Value
The experience cost around $500, which I know is a lot to pay on the spot for a spontaneous experience. But if you’ve never been in a hot air balloon before (like me), floating over the Kenyan plains is an incredible place to start. You’re paying not just for the flight, but for expert pilots, safety coordination, ground crew support, and the full champagne breakfast experience afterward.
Safety Briefings and the Pilot
We were briefed once at the company office when we paid and again onsite before takeoff. Our pilot, Mohammad, had been flying for 24 years, and his calm, confident (and hilarious) presence made all the difference. He explained exactly what to expect, how the balloon would move, and how we’d board and land.
Boarding and Takeoff
Getting into the basket is one of the most unique parts of the experience. The basket starts on its side, and you lie down inside it with your belongings tucked underneath your legs. Once the balloon fills and lifts, the basket slowly rotates upright. It feels strange for a quick moment, but you forget about it quickly once you’re upright.
We flew at roughly 100 feet above the ground, which was intentional on our pilot’s part. Although this isn’t considered a game drive or aerial safari, flying lower allowed us to clearly see wildlife and take pictures without necessarily disturbing them.
Wildlife from the Air
Seeing animals from a balloon was a bit different than the game drives, but not any less amazing. The only animals that were a bit startled were the elephants, and we quickly saw why. They were protecting what looked like a newly born baby. From above, we also spotted:
A pride of lions
Giraffes
Warthogs
Topi and gazelles scattered across the plains
Landing
Our landing was so smooth that we didn’t even have to crouch, which was a true testament to our pilot’s experience. It was one of those moments where you realize just how skilled a person has to be to guide one of these massive vehicles up into the air and back down again.
The Champagne Breakfast
Just a short distance from the landing site, trucks were already waiting with a full setup:
A buffet-style breakfast
A portable bar with champagne, coffee, tea, and juice
Portable restrooms
Proper dining tables and all the settings right on the plains
Eating breakfast in the middle of the savannah is a surreal experience. This felt peaceful, celebratory, and like the last real moment to take in and reflect on the entirety of the trip all at the same time.
Extras and Keepsakes
After breakfast, there’s time to browse hot air balloon merchandise if you want a keepsake from the experience. It’s a small detail, but one that adds to the fuller adventure. I also encourage everyone to take a moment to tip everyone involved, as it is a full and thoughtfully curated production.
Tips Before You Go
A few things to know that make the experience smoother:
Dress in layers: Early mornings are cold, but the heat from the balloon and the sun will warm you up once you’re in the air.
Wear closed-toe shoes: You’ll be standing and moving around open terrain.
Tie your hair: Your hair cannot be loose during takeoff and landing so be prepared with something to tie it up.
Bring a camera with a strap: The views are stunning and you’ll want your hands free so you don’t have to worry about dropping anything outside of the balloon.
Don’t skip this if you’re nervous: The flight is gentle, controlled, and far calmer than you might expect.
My Final Thoughts
Ending a 10-day Kenya trip with a hot air balloon safari felt like the perfect choice. It’s not necessarily a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it is one you won’t do often, which makes it that much more exciting. Floating above the plains, spotting wildlife from the air, and sharing a champagne breakfast in the middle of it all was a reminder of why I travel. If you’re on the fence, consider this your sign to start at least one morning up in the air.
