Things to do in Kenya

Float over the Maasai Mara on a balloon safari

Our balloon safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you’ll get to drift over the Maasai Mara at sunrise…

By Nicholas Jalega

Mara Bushtops Safari Guide

Mara Bushtops Balloon Safari

Our balloon safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you’ll get to drift over the Maasai Mara at sunrise, spotting some of the famous African Big Five. The trip is even more spectacular during the Great Migration, when you get an aerial view of thousands of wildebeest along with zebras and several antelope species flooding across the plains.

You’ll be picked-up early from camp for the ride to our balloon launch site, where our friendly pilot will give you a pre-flight briefing. We lift off at sunrise, as the first warm rays of light start to hit the Maasai Mara. During the one-hour-twenty-minute flight, you’ll get to take in views of the wonderful Maasai landscapes; the savannahs, watering holes and grasslands. I love seeing how wowed guests are by the view, it’s like all of their Africa dreams have come true.

During the flight, there’s a high probability of seeing elephants, lions, leopard, rhino and plenty of different plains game. I’m always amazed to watch the huge herds of wildebeest from the air, I’ve also seen a pride of over 20 lions feeding before. When we land, a delicious champagne breakfast is laid out on a table not far from the Mara River. You can enjoy breads, croissants, cereal and hot dishes accompanied by fresh fruit, juice and champagne while taking in views of the Maasai landscape.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Kenya SkySafari
by Vicki Bramley

Length10 Days

Price range£10,295 - £12,090
Itinerary

Luxury Samburu and Maasai Mara Fly-in Safari
by Dagmar Marrocco

Length8 Days

Price range£6,995 - £9,250pp

Alfred & Nicholas Jalega

Nicholas Jalega hails from Kenya’s Rift Valley and has been working as a safari guide since 2010. He joined Mara Bushtops in 2013 as a certified silver level guide, accredited by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. Nicholas loves to host guests on guided safaris in the Maasai Mara Reserve and says the best part of his job is surpassing his guests’ wildlife spotting expectations.

Nicholas Jalega, Mara Bushtops Safari Guide

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the rangers who'll ensure you'll spot the best wildlife in the Mara, the village chiefs who'll give you a genuine insight into local life and the camp managers who can recommend the very best spot for your sundowner.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.