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
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Sarova Panafric Hotel is idyllically located 5 minutes drive from the Nairobi central business district, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet suburb of Nairobi; 153 hotel rooms in a range of standard, superior, club and suites are all decorated in a vibrant style.
One of the better hotels in Nairobi if you are looking for a more city-based experience with a swimming pool.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Located on the slopes of Mount Kenya and surrounded by an ancient rainforest, Serena Mountain Lodge offers guests a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience. With only 42 hotel rooms and suites, Mountain Lodge is perfect for single travellers, couples, honeymooners, small groups of friends and families alike.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including climbing to Lenana Peak, exploring the forest and moorlands, sundowners, exclusive trout fishing, Kikuyu dancing and cultural displays, and walking in the forest.
Tortilis Camp
Elewana Tortilis Camp is a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The safari camp is located just outside the Amboseli National Park in an unspoilt woodland.
Elewana Tortilis Camp offers up views out across the plains with Mt Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp is set amidst the teeming mass of wildlife in the Masai Mara area, inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve; the Camp is set up seasonally (June - October, December - March) and caters for up to eighteen guests.
Rekero is most certainly one of the best safari camps for viewing the great wildebeest migration.
Turtle Bay Beach Club
Turtle Bay Beach Club is situated on 200 metres of beach on the edge of the Watamu National Marine Park, one of the best in Kenya, the hotel buildings are set in 10 acres of tropically landscaped gardens with 145 rooms.
A beach resort that offers more activities than one could possibly imagine.
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.
Mara Sarova Game Camp
Mara Sarova Game Camp is located within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 75 tents capture the true spirit of the Kenyan wild, in Kenya's richest game reserve, renown for its annual wildebeest migration, Big Five and hot air balloon safaris.
One of the better safari camps for those on a budget.
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.
The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.