Maasai Mara Holidays

Take to the skies on the Governors' hot air balloon safari, where you’ll watch the sunrise over the Maasai Mara and get an aerial view of African wildlife. You’ll lift off around 6am in time to see the sunrise from the balloon, painting the sky in buttery shades of orange. At that time of day, the grazing animals are just waking up. Elephants are munching in the forest, hippos are heading back to the river, and the trees are filled with birds. It’s particularly busy during the Annual Great Migration when massive herds of wildebeest roam the plains.

Governors’ has the best flight path in the region, drifting along the Mara River above beautiful riverine forest where rhinos graze, before ending in the open savannah where you might see giraffe, zebra, and lion. Guests love the serenity of the balloon ride and the fantastic opportunities for photography. You’ll also have the chance to drop seedballs from the balloon, as part of a conservation scheme to replant indigenous African olive trees.

At the end of the hour-long flight, the balloon will land near a bush breakfast site where tables are set up under trees in the middle of the savannah. Here you’ll enjoy a lavish breakfast spread including eggs, sausages, pancakes, fruit, muesli, and of course Champagne! It’s a laid-back, picnic-style feast where your pilot will share bush stories and explain the history of ballooning in the Mara.

Take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari, where you’ll watch the sunrise over the Maasai Mara and get an aerial view of African wildlife.

A private balloon safari is available at many of our recommended properties in the Maasai Mara. Starting just before dawn, you’ll enjoy a hot drink while watching the balloon slowly inflate at the launch site. Take off is around 6.00am as the sun rises over the plains, bringing the landscape into colourful life. The aerial views over the Maasai Mara are just magical, with the chance of seeing large herds of elephants, buffalo, and gazelles from above, as well as giraffes and zebras wandering the plains. Guests are amazed by how vast the savannah looks from this elevated angle, it’s a totally different perspective from a game drive in the Maasai Mara.

When you land there will be a table all set up with camp chairs and a tablecloth for the bush breakfast. The first thing you’ll get is a glass of Champagne – who doesn’t want some bubbly in the middle of the Maasai Mara? Then you’ll enjoy a hot and cold breakfast spread. Your pilot will join you to answer questions, share bush stories, and explain the history of ballooning in the Mara. Or you can just sit back and take in views of the Maasai Mara as it wakes for the day.

Take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari, where you’ll watch the sunrise over the Maasai Mara and get an aerial view of African wildlife.

Starting just before dawn from Mara Bushtops, you’ll watch the balloon slowly inflate at the launch site. Take off is as the sun rises over the plains, bringing the landscape into colourful life. The aerial views over the Maasai Mara are just magical, with the chance of seeing large herds of elephants, buffalo, and gazelles from above, as well as giraffes and zebras wandering the plains. Guests are amazed by how vast the savannah looks from this elevated angle, it’s a totally different perspective from a game drive in the Maasai Mara.

Upon landing you can enjoy a wonderful Champagne breakfast in the bush before either returning back to camp or heading off on a game drive.

Walking safaris offer guests a close encounter with animals in their natural habitat, as well as a chance to learn about the local flora and Maasai culture. You’ll be guided by one of the expert camp naturalists and a Maasai warrior, who’ll provide fascinating insights into Kenya’s wildlife and landscape. The safaris are accompanied by an armed Kenya Wildlife Service Ranger and followed closely by a vehicle. The walk starts directly from Mara Bushtops and takes you through the private conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Park. There are six different walking routes to choose between, from short leisure walks to more intense trails if you love the thrill of getting up close to animals. You’ll likely see giraffes, as well as herds of zebra, impala and elephants. There have even been occasional sightings of lions. Along the way, your guides will point out animal markings and droppings, you’ll also get to learn about the various medicinal trees and shrubs that the Maasai community has used for generations. One of the routes takes you to the historic Kakiya Cave, which is part of everyday Maasai tribal life and used for rituals, worship, preparing medicines and initiation ceremonies.