The Most Unique Safari in Kenya with Kilimanjaro Views
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Most people travel to Kenya for a traditional safari experience. Early-morning game drives, long days spent spotting wildlife across the plains, a break for lunch, and then doing it all over again in the evening.
But what if you could do something different and experience the thrill of a safari from above?
At first, I thought this experience with Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris would be like every other hot-air balloon ride, but I quickly realized I was wrong. Floating over Amboseli at sunrise with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and animals moving below you felt absolutely surreal. It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words until you experience it for yourself. But trust me, there were a lot of “pinch me” moments during my time in the basket!
I recently had this experience with Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris during my time in Amboseli, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done! Let’s dive into what a hot air balloon safari actually is, logistics, what the experience is like, and how much it costs.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Amboseli?
A hot air balloon safari is pretty much what it sounds like. Instead of driving through a reserve or national park in a vehicle, you’re floating above the plains and seeing it all from a bird 's-eye view. It gives you a completely different view of the landscape compared to a traditional game drive.
You can see how expansive the plains really are, how animals move across the land, and how everything connects in a way you just don’t get from the ground. Plus, you get gorgeous views of Mount Kilimanjaro that you can’t get on land.
A balloon safari is quieter, more intimate, and a little more off the beaten path than most travelers picture when they think of a safari in Kenya. You won’t get those up-close moments with the wildlife that you may get on a traditional safari, but a hot air balloon safari is much more serene. In my eyes, a balloon safari doesn’t replace the experience of a traditional safari; it’s more of a supplemental experience that enhances your overall time in the region.
What’s Included in This Hot Air Balloon Safari
Early morning lodge pickup and drop off at nearby accommodations
4-hour total experience
About 1 hour in the air
Professional pilot and experienced crew
Post-flight breakfast and champagne toast
How Far Is Amboseli from Nairobi
There’s only one international airport in Kenya, so if you’re traveling from outside of the country, you’ll be flying into Nairobi.
From there, Amboseli is about a 4-5 hour drive, depending on road conditions and your exact lodge location. It’s a bit of a journey, but it’s absolutely worth it once you arrive.
Most people will either:
Book a guided safari that includes transportation
Arrange a private transfer or flight through their lodge
Book a private transfer on their own
There’s also the option of taking a short domestic flight, which many travelers choose when they’re tight on time or have a bigger budget. This was already a more expensive trip for me, and I had a friend living in Nairobi, so we opted to drive in order to save a little money.
My Experience with Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris
Early Morning Pickup and First Impressions
The day started early with a 4:30am pickup. Was I tired? Absolutely. But I was also so excited to begin my day in a hot air balloon.
The company splits guests into smaller groups for pickup, and I was the first pickup in my group. During my time in Amboseli, I stayed at Elephant Gorge Camp, which is on Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris' approved list of nearby lodges from which they offer pickups. We stopped at one other nearby lodge to pick up two more guests before heading to the basecamp, and we arrived there around 5:30am.
From the start, everything felt incredibly smooth and very well organized. My driver, who stayed with our group throughout the morning, was so friendly and genuinely excited to get to know everyone. He even helped take photos and videos for each of us, which was immensely appreciated by everyone, since we all wanted to capture the special moments leading up to takeoff.
After checking in at the main office and signing our waivers, we walked down to the launch site for a quick safety briefing before getting ready for takeoff. At this point, it was still dark, so we were escorted down the trail with our guide and his flashlight to where the balloon was being rolled out and set up.
We were in one of their larger balloons, which holds about 16 passengers. Even though that sounds like a lot of people for a hot air balloon, it never felt that way. The basket is very large and split into four sections where the passengers stand. I never felt crowded throughout this experience.
Taking Off at Sunrise
We loaded into the basket and lifted off around 6am, just as the sky was starting to lighten.
By 6:30am, the sun was coming up, and we were high in the sky. The entire landscape started to glow, and the colors in the sky shifted quickly. The morning clouds around Mount Kilimanjaro began to burn off, and the majestic mountain came into clear view. Everyone at this point was in awe.
It was one of those moments where everything just felt still. I kept thinking about how I’d heard about Kilimanjaro my entire life, but seeing it like this, in person, from a hot air balloon at sunrise, felt completely surreal. Our entire group was chattering with excitement leading up to this moment, and then, when the sun glowed onto the mountain, everyone was quiet, soaking it in.
Our pilot kept us floating at a higher altitude for a while so we could really soak in the mountain views, and on the way up, you could see animals moving below us, which made the whole experience feel even more magical.
Safari From the Sky
Eventually, our pilot began lowering the balloon so that we could see the animals more clearly. We floated over the plains, spotting zebra, giraffes, and ostrich below us. Seeing them from above gave such a different understanding of how they move and interact with the landscape.
We also flew over Maasai villages, where you could see the layout of their traditional dwellings from above. It’s something you hear about when traveling to the area, but you’d never be able to fully grasp it from the ground.
Our pilot was fantastic. He had great jokes, kept things light, and pointed out interesting landmarks and wildlife along the way. But what I appreciated most was that he also gave us space to just take it all in.
Landing and Breakfast Experience
After about an hour in the air, we landed smoothly back on the ground, where all of the drivers were waiting for us.
From there, we were taken back to the basecamp for breakfast, and it was honestly such a nice way to end the experience. We stayed with our designated small group for the drive back, and our guide made pit stops to point out wildlife. This was a real treat because it was like a mini traditional safari that I wasn’t expecting.
When we arrived back at base camp, cereals and juices were waiting for us, along with menus. To be honest, I was expecting a very subpar breakfast, but Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris knocked it out of the park. Someone came around to take orders for made-to-order breakfast. I had scrambled eggs, toast, roasted tomatoes, and bacon.
They also served traditional Kenyan mandazi, which was one of my favorite parts. It’s similar to a beignet but without the sugar, and it was so good!
Our entire group sat under the gazebo, enjoying breakfast for about an hour. Halfway through, our pilot came out, thanked us for joining, and then passed out certificates for completing the flight. We also had a champagne toast to celebrate our flight. This is traditional after all hot air balloon rides, and one of my favorite parts.
How Much Does It Cost and Is It Worth It?
The experience costs:
$450 per adult
$350 for children ages 4 to 11
It’s definitely a splurge, but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it! This isn’t just another activity to add to your itinerary. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll remember long after your trip is over.
Most people go on safari in Kenya. But to experience it from the sky, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background? That’s something completely different and worth every penny.
Who This Experience Is Perfect For
This is such a great fit for:
Travelers looking for something unique
Bucket list travelers
Anyone who wants to see Mount Kilimanjaro without hiking it
First-time safari travelers who want a different perspective
Tips for Your Hot Air Balloon Safari in Kenya
Dress in layers. Early mornings are chilly, but it warms up quickly once the sun rises
Bring your camera or phone with plenty of storage
Don’t stress about motion. The ride is slow and incredibly smooth
Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
Be ready for an early start, but trust me, it’s worth it
Make sure you stay at one of the approved accommodation options on Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris’ website. I stayed at Elephant Gorge Camp & it was absolutely amazing. Tawi Lodge is another fantastic option in Amboseli.
This was easily one of the most unique experiences I’ve had while traveling in Kenya. There’s something about seeing a place from above that completely shifts your perspective. And in Amboseli, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and wildlife moving below you, it feels even more special.
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya and want to do something beyond the typical safari, this is it!
Because safari from the ground is incredible. But safari from the sky? That’s something you’ll never forget!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!