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
Serian Nkorombo Camp
Serian Nkorombo Camp offers guests outstanding wildlife year-round, a classic tented camp with only five tented suites.
Nkorombo is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the banks of the Mara River not too far away from one of the main migration river crossings.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper Bush Camp, this 8-tented bush camp, is tucked away in a prime wildlife area, surrounded by the Masai Mara and her ubiquitous wildlife; it's a seasonal camp, which is taken down for a month or so in the rainy seasons.
Game drives are the highlight of one's stay here at Elephant Pepper, with fantastic wildlife and excellent guides.
Mara Bush Houses
Mara Bush Houses are situated within the famed and wild Mara North Conservancy, surrounded by the best wildlife sightings that Kenya offers.
Two exclusive use three bedroomed Masai Mara houses await, perfect for both families or a small group of friends.
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya's colourful history, and continues to be one of the finest and best-known hotels in Nairobi, all 165 rooms are luxuriously furnished, have plush carpeting and deep velour soft furnishings.
One of the better hotel in Nairobi options for those seeking out only the best.
Mara Plains Camp
Masai Mara Plains Camp, one of only three Relais & Chateaux establishments in Kenya, offers guests a private and intimate safari experience within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The ultimate in luxury while paying homage to that classic tented safari that Kenya is so famous for.
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds is located within the amazing Loisaba Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau that offers guests one of the finest wildlife and safari experiences on offer in Kenya today.
Loisaba Star Beds is poised on top of a kopje offering commanding views out over the plains and valleys of the Laikipia. One of the more unique and in-demand safari lodges in Kenya.
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.
Sanctuary Olonana Camp
Olonana Camp with 14 canvas and extremely comfortable and spacious tents is an award-winning camp on a private stretch of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Olonana Camp is close to the foot of the Siria Escarpment, close to where the last scene of "Out of Africa" was filmed.