3 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari & Big Five Game Drives

This 3-day itinerary adds a different perspective to a standard Masai Mara safari: a sunrise hot air balloon flight drifting silently over the plains, followed by a traditional bush breakfast, alongside classic Big Five game drives. Balloon safaris depend on calm early-morning conditions, which are generally more consistent during the two dry seasons than during the long or short rains.

3 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari & Big Five Game Drives Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara & Afternoon Game Drive

A scenic transfer into the reserve is followed by an afternoon game drive across its varied terrain, from riverine forest to open grassland. Guides on this route often time the drive to intercept herds moving between grazing areas, since movement patterns can shift noticeably within a single day.

Day 2: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Afternoon Game Drive

Before dawn, you’ll board a hot air balloon for a silent flight over the plains as the sun rises, landing to a traditional bush breakfast set up in the open savannah. An afternoon game drive follows to continue the search for the Big Five. Drifting silently at treetop height before rising for sweeping views over the plains, the flight typically lasts around an hour before a gentle landing and a champagne toast at the bush breakfast site.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi

One more circuit through the reserve at first light rounds out the trip before the drive back to Nairobi begins. Because the previous day’s balloon flight already mapped where herds were concentrated, this drive often heads directly for those same areas on the ground.

What’s Included

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
• Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof and professional driver-guide
• Park, reserve and conservancy entrance fees
• Accommodation as specified, on a full-board basis unless otherwise stated
• Game drives as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• All applicable government taxes

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Kenya visa or eTA fees
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Personal travel and medical insurance
• Meals not specified as included in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, phone or internet charges)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary