Up, Up and Away: A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Kenya

Let’s be honest, most people don’t want to wake up at 3AM for anything. I sleep at that time more often than I wake up. However, if someone suggests waking up in the wee hours of the morning for a hot air balloon ride over the Kenyan savannah, I would do it a thousand times over.

Trust me, it’s worth it. Its one the most exciting and unique ways to take on an African safari.

So what’s it like taking a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular landscapes of Kenya? Read on to find out!

I awake to a sky dressed in a million shimmers dancing around a delicate crescent, imposing a promise of life over the stillness of Kenya’s scenic Amboseli National Park. It is a welcoming vastness to eternal space through which I hope to fly. So, I do.

It’s three in the morning, and I flinch at the tender rustle of leaves as I walk by dark bushes. The thought of coming face to face with glowing eyes accelerates the already rampant pounding of my heart, but facing the alluring darkness, I anticipate a remarkable adventure. 

I strap myself into the vintage Landcruiser and totter over dirt and stone roads, at the end of which, the breath-taking sight of an expanding balloon awaits me. As I climb into the giant wicker basket, the crisp winds of dawn wash away by the blazing fire above me that howls in rhythm with the burner. 

“Preparing for take-off”, the pilot commands into his radio.

Battling potent gravitational forces, the hot air balloon slowly tugs itself upward, launching us into quiet isolation. The sun is rising, and the Earth wraps itself in a stunning collection of vibrant hues as the first rays of light illuminate the dominating peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro. Nothing compares to the calm adrenaline of being pulled gracefully off the ground into the depths of what often feels like an unreachable world. 

The feeling of floating over the savannah with 360-degree views is unparalleled to anything I have ever experienced – and golden hour truly takes on a new meaning when witnessing the natural world awaken to the beautiful touch of a warm glow. Just like the incalculability of the night sky, Amboseli’s endlessness is intoxicating, and as I scan the blissful horizon, I am captivated by the serenity of my homeland. 

But then, a roar cuts through the silence. 

It’s time. 

I clutch the edge of the basket. My tranquillity is overcome by euphoria as animals begin, gradually and then in herds, to wander out of their hiding spots and strut onto the open plains as if re-enacting the opening scene of The Lion King. Giraffes reach for the tallest trees, zebras and wildebeests bow to the grass, and gazelles playfully lock horns. 

I focus my gaze, desperately seeking out an elephant. 

Suddenly, something glistening white catches my eye in stark contrast to the surrounding browns and greens. Two tusks appear, followed by a vigorously swinging trunk. The single, grey figure hypnotizes me as it claims its rightful space in this tropical paradise through majestic and domineering movements. It is surreal observing the indigenous Kenyan wildlife from heights that makes land’s gentle giant seem so small yet remain incredibly prominent within nature. 

Under the brightening African sun, I continue swerving left, sliding right, dropping down and rising, surrendering myself to the ways of the winds, but remain fixated on the spectacular landscape below that allows me to appreciate the timeless coexistence of these animals.

The fire eventually gives way, and I close my eyes as the ground rushes up, awaiting the loud thud of the basket that I wish would never come.  

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A post shared by Sanika l London-based Kenyan Travel Blogger (@saunterwithsanika)

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Tips For Taking A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Kenya

• Dress in layers but not too many. While it is obviously cold in the early morning, once you’re in the basket, the heat of the hot air balloon is enough to keep you warm was you enjoy the views.
• Invest in a really good long lens for capturing great shots because you will be extremely high up. I only had 300mm with me at the time because that’s what I could afford, but if I went back, I’d look for something much better.
• Saddness that accompanies the end of an extraordinary voyage is normal! However, what did help curb these feelings was a delicious, hot vegan breakfast and bubbling champagne. I wouldn’t say that I’m the kind of person to drink alcohol at 8AM but there really isn’t a more perfect way to conclude the morning.

It’s safe to say that the adventure lived up to my expectations. If you’ve done a hot air balloon safari before, what was your experience like and if you haven’t, would you want to? Let me know in the comments!t’s safe to say that the adventure lived up to my expectations.