Maralal Safari Lodge Hotel is set in Maralal Game Sanctuary, with beautiful landscapes, a wide assortment of wildlife, and the best place from where to experience the Annual Camel Derby.

The Maralal Safari Lodge is set in Maralal Game Sanctuary, approximately 350 km North of Nairobi and lies 3 km north of Maralal town. The Lodge is easily accessible by air from almost anywhere in Kenya to a landing strip used by the lodge.

By road travel from Nyahururu along the C77 road, Isiolo along the A2, C79 and C78, or from the south-west at Lake Baringo along the eastbound C78.

Guests enjoy the restaurant and bar which afford fantastic wildlife viewing in luxurious surroundings. Apart from having the best stocked bar in the region, the inglenook fireplaces are perfect for chilly evenings.

The lodge has 48 beds, all rooms are ensuite, and most have verandahs. The rooms are built of local cedar and cypress woods, with most comprising a spacious ‘Swiss Chalet’ feel.

Each has its own fireplace, hot showers, comfortable beds and shaded patio decks. The wildlife come right to the rooms – with zebras, monkeys and impala being frequent guests.

Bird watchers will be in heaven too. The lodge amenities are very modest, but we do certainly have the best stocked bar in northern Kenya and we also have the only swimming pool in the region.

* Day Camel Trek
* Bush breakfast/ dinner
* The Annual Camel Derby
* Visit to Losiolo Lookout Point
* Historic Visit to Kenyatta House
* Escorted hiking around the Maralal National Sanctuary
* Drive to the spectacular Rift Valley viewpoint at Malasso
* Cultural Visit to Samburu Manyatta or Stay in a Traditional Samburu Maasai Village
* Escorted game drive around Mugie ranch where all of the major wildlife may be found
* Lake Turkana is within reach for those visitors with a little more time, and should not be missed
* Take a hike with our men and learn to track leopards and hyenas, and discover the traditional arts of the Samburu Maasai warriors
* Elephant watching at our secret reserve known as the ‘Elephant Maternity’ is hugely popular (and the more adventurous might enjoy a camel safari over three nights

Notes
* Pool: free to all guests
* Extra Bed Supplement = 55 US Dollars
* Children aged 5.99 Years stay for free
* Hot water bottle (free) from the reception
* Children aged 11.99 Years or less pay 75% in own room
* Ranger Patrol/ Game Walk 2,000 Kenya Shillings per person 
* Camping with Hot Showers For group of 2 Guest in one Tent
* Children aged 11.99 Years or less pay 50% when sharing with Adults
* Laundry (wash and iron) 1,000 Kenya Shillings per bag of up to 5 Kilos
* Conference room costs 10,000 Kenya Shillings per day and accommodates 50 people or 25 at desks. The main hall can accommodate lunches of 300 people, and this may also be used for single day conferences
* The Full English Breakfast : 2 eggs, 2 sausages, 2 fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, hash browns, 2 slices of toast or 2 slices of fried bread = 500 Kenya Shillings  

Notes
* Pool: free to all guests
* Children aged 5.99 Years stay for free
* Hot water bottle (free) from the reception
* Extra Bed Supplement = 4,250 Kenya Shillings
* Children aged 11.99 Years or less pay 75% in own room
* Camping with Hot Showers For group of 2 Guest in one Tent
* Ranger Patrol/ Game Walk 2,000 Kenya Shillings per person
* Children aged 11.99 Years or less pay 50% when sharing with Adults
* Laundry (wash and iron) 1,000 Kenya Shillings per bag of up to 5 Kilos
* Conference room costs 10,000 Kenya Shillings per day and accommodates 50 people or 25 at desks. The main hall can accommodate lunches of 300 people, and this may also be used for single day conferences
* The Full English Breakfast : 2 eggs, 2 sausages, 2 fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, hash browns, 2 slices of toast or 2 slices of fried bread = 500 Kenya Shillings

Balloon Adventure Aloft Hot Air Balloon Masai Mara Kenya Safari: Hot Air Balloon Rides in Masai Mara (Balloon flights) typically take off at 0600 Hours. Passengers arrive in time to watch the balloon inflation as the pilots torch the colored fabric to life.

The Balloon flight is for one hour, each one different path and following the days prevailing winds. A Balloon flight allows passengers to float over the world’s most spectacular Masai Mara Game Reserve, and offers a magical bird’s eye view of the annual wildebeest migration and the other wildlife the Mara is famous for.

On landing, the balloon crew set up a full champagne breakfast complete with “Bloody Marys” on the Mara plains. Each passenger then receives a certificate from their pilot as a special memoir of their flight. A game drive en route to the lodge or camp ends a special morning.

Balloon Transfers
Adventures Aloft Balloon is able to provide transfers from most of the camps and lodges in the Masai Mara. (e.g. Mara Intrepids, Mara Simba, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa, Sekenani Camp, Explorer, and from the surrounding camp sites).

Information on pick up times for passengers not staying at Fig Tree Camp or Siana Springs can be received from the reception desk at Fig Tree Camp and Siana Springs or from African Spice Safaris office.

Balloon Basket Capacity
Adventures Aloft Balloon has a fleet of Cameron balloons, consisting of two A415 balloons with a flying capacity of 16 passengers each and one A315 balloon with a flying capacity of 12 passengers. Adventures Aloft Balloon is able to fly 44 passengers a day.

Balloon Pilots
All pilots with Adventures Aloft Balloon have over 1000 hours of flying experience and are all commercially rated on the large size balloons. In the fifteen years of operation in Balloon Safaris over the Masai Mara, Adventures Aloft has a perfect safety record.

Notes
* Don’t forget your camera or binoculars!
* Age and health restrictions: The minimum age for ballooning is 7 years
* Maximum group size: The balloon baskets can carry up to 12 passengers at a time
* Duration of excursion: Around three hours. The balloon flight lasts for roughly an hour, and is followed by a bush breakfast
* Start time/ location: You will be collected at around 0500 hours and driven to the launch site, ready for take-off just before sunrise (0600 hours)
* What should you wear: Mornings can be chilly in the Mara so we would recommend wearing long trousers, a warm jacket and a jumper. You may also want to wear a hat to protect your head from the heat of the burners – especially if you are tall.
* There is no maximum age, though passengers must be relatively fit and able to climb in and out of the basket, hold on to rope handles and bend their knees.

Ballooning is not recommended for anyone with health or mobility issues, or for pregnant women

1. Is ballooning dangerous?
Adventures Aloft balloon Safaris use a large modern passenger balloon which gives passengers added stability, security and comfort.

Despite being high in the air, you will be surprised how smooth the flight is, and how secure you feel as safety is our priority and Adventures Aloft ballooning Safaris only fly in perfect weather conditions.

You also feel reassured in the knowledge that ballooning is one of the safest of all the adventure activities. Add to that Our perfect safety record, and you are assured of peace of mind when you fly with Adventures Aloft ballooning Safaris.

2. What weather conditions do you fly in?
In order to fly Adventures Aloft balloon Safaris needs light winds and good visibility with no rain. The launch site is chosen with regard to the wind speed and direction.

If the weather does not cooperate the flight will be postpone and reschedule at the guests convenience, based on availability.

3. How high do we fly?
Adventures Aloft ballooning Safaris flights generally fly from treetop to 3000 feet above ground level.

4. What do we wear?
Dress comfortably based on the temperatures on the ground; remember that temperatures in the air are similar to those on the ground. It is advisable that passengers should wear clothing suitable for the time of year with flat-soled shoes not high heels.

Adventures Aloft balloon Safaris suggest hats, sun glasses and long trousers and sleeves, preferably made of natural fibers.

5. How long does it take and where do we land?
The entire safari takes 3 and a half hours. You will be picked up from your lodge in Masai Mara at around 5.30am and taken to the launch site, where you will begin your ascent a few minutes before sunrise.

The hot air balloon safari will take about an hour depending on conditions and the pilot will land the balloon in a safe place free from animals and trees.

6. What happens after we have landed?
Our crew who has been following the balloon will meet the balloon at the landing site. After a photo session to record your unique flight, we depart for Breakfast, where you will share in the 200 year-old tradition of a complimentary champagne toast.

7. How does the chase crew know where the balloon is going?
The chase crew is in contact with the pilot at all times and follows the balloon while you are in flight. The chase crew is well briefed and experienced.

8. Pilot Briefing?
The previous evening, the pilot will give you the exact time you will be collected at your lodge and all the information that you need to be ready. Keep in mind that ballooning is weather permitting and if the pilot feels it not safe, he will cancel the flight.

9. Where and when do we meet?
We meet approximately one hour before sunrise at your hotel. From there Adventures Aloft balloon Safaris transport balloon guests to one of the launch sites. The launch site is chosen by the pilot, based on wind direction. As passengers, the pilot will give you two briefings.

The first will be just after you have got into the basket prior to taking off. The second will be shortly before landing.

10. Can we bring cameras?
Guests are welcome to bring cameras and binoculars are especially recommended on the flight, however Adventures Aloft ballooning Safaris flights do not accept responsibility for personal belongings.

Hot Air Ballooning Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve; Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon safari with Governors balloon Safaris – Hot Air Balloon safari comapny that launches behind Little Governors’ Camp.

Governors Balloon Safaris provides transport to and from your hotel/ lodge/ camp. Upon your request we may take you on a game drive after the Champagne Breakfast.

Some of the pick up points for Governors hot Air Balloon ride include Mara West Camp, Mara Siria Camp, Governors Private Camp, Little Governors Camp, Governors Il Moran Camp, Andbeyond Kichwa Tembo, Angama Mara, Andbeyond Bateleur, Kilima Camp, Mpata Safari Club, Sanctaury Olonana etc.

You’ll be woken early to meet your driver, who will take you to the balloon launch side. This usually takes around 45–90 minutes, and due to the early hour is mostly driven in the dark. Keep your eyes open for nocturnal creatures as you wend your way through the bush.

You will arrive just as the balloon is warming up, the burner pumping hot air into the balloon so that it slowly inflates. When everything is ready, you climb into the basket whilst it is still safely tethered, securing yourself in with a safety harness.

After a safety briefing, the pilot will increase the output of the burners and very slowly the balloon will start to rise. Catching the wind, it starts to float, rising into the air and above the trees just in time for sunrise.

For the next hour or so your pilot will skilfully manoeuvre the balloon, mostly following the Mara River. He may take it up to incredible heights for seemingly endless views over the national park, then closer to ground level to spot hippos in the Mara River or herds of buffalo heading to the water for a morning drink.

Traverse the river, keeping your eyes open and trying to spot any predators loitering along the river bank, before coming in to land in a clearing on the other side of the confluence.

Landings do vary. When we did the flight the landing was perfect – the balloon barely dragged and the basket didn’t even tip over. If there is a stronger wind, however, the basket can drag a short way and tip over.

With all the passengers inside braced against the basket and hanging on to the handles it can make for an exciting finish! Once you are safely down, the balloon crew will offer you a glass of bubbles to celebrate.

Then it’s time to head off for a cooked breakfast in the bush – and more bubbles if you fancy it. Though there is of course tea, coffee and fruit juice served alongside the cereals, eggs, toast, sausages and bacon. On a practical note, there are toilet facilities at the breakfast site.

Notes
What is Included in the Cost?
* Balloon Flight
* Champagne Breakfast
* Transfers from nearby camps and lodges
* Game drive on way back to Little Governors Camp after breakfast

Maximum group size: The balloon baskets can carry up to 12 passengers at a time.

Duration of excursion: Around three hours. The balloon flight lasts for roughly an hour, and is followed by a bush breakfast.

Start time/ location: You will be collected at around 0500 hours and driven to the launch site behind Little Governors’ Camp, ready for take-off just before sunrise (around 0600 hours).

Age and health restrictions: For Safety Reasons children must be 7  years old and above and taller than 1.2 metres to participate in our hot air balloon safari

There is no maximum age, though passengers must be relatively fit and able to climb in and out of the basket, hold on to rope handles and bend their knees. Ballooning is not recommended for anyone with health or mobility issues, or for pregnant women.

What should you wear: Mornings can be chilly in Ruaha so we would recommend wearing long trousers, a warm jacket and a jumper. You may also want to wear a hat to protect your head from the heat of the burners – especially if you are tall. Lastly don’t forget your camera or binoculars!

Time: All balloon flights begin soon after dawn which means an early start. All flights take off from Little Governors’ Camp. If you are staying at another Governors’ Camp we will arrange your transfer to the take-off site.

We expect to be back at Little Governors Camp by 11 am, if you are departing the Masai Mara the same morning we will arrange to have you back earlier.

Breakfast: A Champagne Breakfast is served on landing and you will enjoy a game drive on the way back to camp.

Other Camps: Guests staying at other camps close to Little Governors Camp can also book the balloon safari. To confirm if you can balloon from the camp you are staying at please contact African Spice Safaris: Email: [email protected]

How to Book: Balloon Safaris should be booked in advance through African Spice Safaris: Email: [email protected]

Booking & Reservations for Hot Air Ballooning Governors Camp Masai Mara National Reserve Contacts;
Booking Office Tel: + 254 718-179-967
Mobile/ WhatsApp : + 254 721-242-711
Mobile : + 254 780-242-711
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.africanspicesafaris.com

Ruaha National Park Hot Air Balloon Safari Tanzania: One of the most tranquil game viewing experiences has to be going on a hot air balloon safari where you float over the flat landscape which teems with wildlife, notably giraffes and hippos, impalas and warthogs.

Hot air balloon rides are accessable as an activity if you are on a safari in the Ruaha National Park. Ruaha Hot Air Balloon flies above the majestic scenery and wildlife of Ruaha, mostly flying over the Ruaha River and its adjacent plains.

0500 Hours: You will be picked at around 0500 Hours and driven to the launch site near Msembe Airstrip, ready for take-off just before sunrise (around 0600 Hours). Our early morning balloon ride is launched east of Msembe, between junction R23 and the river Ruaha which provides the only permanent water source in the area.

Therefore, the wildlife congregates in the valley with many resident species. The open plains, acacia woodlands, the meandering river and its many hippo pools all produce a scenic vista seen from above.

Guests meet 20 minutes prior to sunrise at the launch site and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee as the hot air balloon is prepared for it its early morning flight. A safety briefing on the do’s and don’ts of hot air balloon flying is giving to all passengers and then it’s up into the sky.

In the pre-dawn, your balloon safari adventure begins as you leave your lodge or camp. It is still dark and there’s the chance you might glimpse a leopard or another nocturnal hunter on your way to the launch site.

The anticipation and excitement builds as you meet your pilot and watch the balloon being inflated as the sky lightens.

After a thorough safety briefing and demonstration of boarding and landing position, you board your balloon. Rising as the sun rises, your balloon floats in whatever direction the winds of the day are heading, over this land of baobabs and granite kopjes.

Using varying altitudes and layers of air to navigate, your pilot will skilfully guide the balloon. Each day is different, some of the flights may be low and at other times your balloon may climb to 1,000 feet or more. Nobody can predict, no two flights are ever the same and your balloon safari will be unique.

Eventually, after around one hour, depending on conditions, we must land. Ruaha Balloon lands somewhere near the Ruaha /Mwagusi River confluence, after a variety of low and high flying.

We celebrate in the traditional manner with an excellent sparkling wine before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in “Out of Africa” style, complete with bone china, linen table cloth and Sheffield cutlery.

Replete with breakfast and enduring memories, Ruaha Balloon Safaris Certificate in hand, you’ll rejoin your safari guide to continue the day’s activities.

Duration of excursion: Around 3 hours. The balloon flight lasts for roughly an hour, and is followed by a bush breakfast.

Notes
* Maximum group size: The balloon baskets can carry up to 12 passengers at a time
* Children under the age of seven years old are not permitted. Passengers must be reasonably mobile and fit to fly
* There is no maximum age, though passengers must be relatively fit and able to climb in and out of the basket, hold on to rope handles and bend their knees. Ballooning is not recommended for anyone with health or mobility issues, or for pregnant women
* Pick-up points for passengers include: Ruaha River Lodge, Mdonya Old River Camp, Kwihala, Jabali Ridge, Ikuka Safari Camp, Kigelia Camp, Mwagusi Camp, TANAPA Bandas, Msembe Public Campsites, TANAPA Cottages, and the entrance gate for camps outside Ruaha National Park
* The balloons are Cameron & UltraMagic A340, A450, and N415, and are coloured acacia green and savannah gold. The burners are state-of-the-art ‘whisper & stealth'

0500 Hours: Wake up before dawn with a quick cup of tea or coffee and a snack before setting off on your balloon adventure. Wrap up warm and enjoy the drive to the launch site in the dark, as you may be lucky enough to encounter some nocturnal animals.

0630 Hours: On arrival at the launch site, meet your pilot and watch as your balloon is inflated ready for lift off. Launch as dawn is breaking, rise up in the sky as the sun rises. Witness the magnificent spectacle as darkness lifts, the sky is painted orange and the ground’s silhouette begins to take form.

Float along the vast plains, following the whims of the wind, watching the mighty herds below. The launch site is in a fixed location, however the landing site is always an added adventure, for everyone, as it is determined solely on the wind direction and speed.

Your pilot uses various altitudes and air layers to navigate the balloon across the rolling plains. Each flight is novel. Go from skimming the tall grass, to just missing the flat table tops of the acacias trees, to soaring high above the plains at 1000 feet in the land of eagles and vulture.

Fly over areas inaccessible to vehicles. Appreciate the awesome vistas as you float silently above the undisturbed game. No two flights are ever the same, making for a really magical experience. The flight usually lasts for about an hour, depending on conditions.

0730 Hours – 0745 Hours: Celebrate your landing in the traditional way, with some chilled champagne before heading off to a celebratory bush breakfast. Indulge in fresh fruit and a freshly cooked breakfast complete with crisp tablecloth, bone china and shiny silver ware, in the company of your fellow passengers.

0915 Hours: A fitting finale to the morning. After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the rendezvous point to meet your guide to continue on a game drive back to camp.