Hot Air Balloon Safari Masai Mara Tips By Robert Murigi At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The launch site is in the Masai Mara game reserve. Normally the prevailing winds mean the balloon travels in the North Westerly direction although this can be variable. You have no steering on the balloon as it travels free with the wind. Sometimes, however, there are different winds at different heights and the pilots will do their best to take full advantage of this to improve the flight. On average the flight is approximately 1 hour and approximately 20 kilometers although the distance traveled is completely dependent on the wind speed. If on the very rare occasion you head quickly towards Tanzania border you have to land early. If you fly for less than half an hour you are refunded half your money.

For a good balloon flight we need light winds for less than 15 knots (Ideally less than 10 knots) on the surface with no thermals or adverse weather conditions. Good visibility is needed in order to fly so you are sure of spectacular views

In the Maasai Mara flights only take place in the early mornings when the winds are usually at their lightest and there is no thermal activity. Everybody has to be at the launch site for a 6am start. You aim to see the sunrise while we are in the air!

Most of the time you will be flying below 500 feet, at a height that is conducive to game viewing but on most flights you are able to go up 100 or even 2000 feet to give you a panoramic view of the Mara. Even if you are afraid of heights most people are fine when they are in a balloon. There is a theory that you have to be attached to the ground in some way to be scared of heights and you do have the security of the basket around you which remains very stable during flight.

Most of the year the Maasai Mara is rich with all different types of wild animals, however, on some occasion they do tend to be elusive. Unfortunately, you cannot control their presence here and there is a difference on a day-to-day basis! If this happens to be the case in your flight just simply enjoy the experience of flying a balloon over Mara and its spectacular views.

Please do not wander off, as there can be animals around that may not be too friendly towards you. On some mornings it is very important to get some balloons in the air, as quickly as possible, so avoid confusion so please stay with the group and do not approach a balloon until invited to do so. The pilots briefing is important for your safety, so please do not be distracted by taking video or photographs during the briefing. In general there is not enough light at this time for any worthwhile shots and there will be plenty of opportunity later.

Clients should be fit to climb in and out of the basket unaided. They must be able to hold on to rope handles with both hands, bend their knees to a sitting position and be able to hear any instructions given by the pilot. Clients should avoid flying if they suffer from brittle bones, recent bone fracture, back and neck problems or any previous illness or operation that might be aggravated by a bumpy landing. If in doubt they should consult their doctor and they should notify the pilot before takeoff. If clients suffer from any form of fitting, collapse or heart problems, they must notify the pilot before takeoff and make him aware of any medication they carry to be sure to take the medication with them in the balloon.

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