Frequently Asked Questions

Our balloons launch from a custom-built balloon camp in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the edge of the greater Amboseli ecosystem in Kenya. From here we usually enjoy views of Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park, local Maasai communities and the surrounding plains. The exact flight path changes each day depending on the wind.

Ballooning is an early-morning activity. Guests normally check in at balloon camp around 5:15–5:30am, with lodge pick-ups arranged to suit your location. We aim to be airborne just before sunrise so you can watch the first light over Amboseli and Kilimanjaro.

From pickup to drop-off you should allow around 4–5 hours, depending on where you are staying and the weather on the day. The flight itself is usually about one hour (often 45–90 minutes), plus time for check-in, safety briefing, inflation, a game drive to and from the launch/landing areas, a champagne celebration and a made-to-order breakfast back at camp.

We provide complimentary pickup and drop-off from lodges and camps in the Amboseli area, on request. When you book, simply let us know where you are staying (or ask your guide or lodge to book on your behalf) and we will confirm your pickup time.

Every morning is different, but this corner of Kenya is famous for elephants and big views. On many days you’ll see Mount Kilimanjaro appearing above the clouds, herds of elephant and other wildlife moving across the plains, Maasai manyattas and bomas below, and the wetlands of Amboseli National Park in the distance. We can never guarantee specific animals or views – that’s part of the adventure.

Ballooning is an outdoor activity and the ground can be dusty or dewy. We recommend:

• Comfortable clothes similar to what you would wear on a game drive or nature walk
• Closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground (no sandals or high heels)
• Layers – the early morning can be cool but it warms quickly after sunrise
• A hat or cap, both for warmth and to protect from occasional burner heat or drips

Cameras, phones and binoculars are very welcome, and you can bring a small bag or daypack. For safety reasons, weapons, aerosols and similar items are not allowed on board, just as on a commercial flight.

Our current rates for international and resident guests (adults and children) are listed on the Our Rates section of the website. Prices are per person and quoted in USD.

The easiest way is to book through your safari tour operator, guide or lodge – just ask them for Kenya Balloon Safaris in Amboseli. You can also contact us directly by email or WhatsApp (details below) and we’ll coordinate with your travel provider.

Yes – if your plans change, please contact us (or your tour operator) as early as possible, ideally at least three days before your scheduled flight. We’ll do our best to move you to another suitable date, subject to availability and our cancellation policy.

Once your flight is confirmed, you’ll receive a written confirmation (usually via email or WhatsApp) with your flight date, pickup time, lodge details and contact information. If you haven’t seen it within a short time, please check your junk/spam folder or contact us and we’ll resend it.

For safety, guests need to be reasonably fit and mobile. You must be able to climb in and out of the basket (about 1.3 m / 52" high), stand unassisted for around an hour, and bend your knees to take the seated landing position while holding on to the handles. You must also be able to understand and follow the Captain’s instructions quickly.

Children should be at least 4 years old and accompanied by a responsible adult. We do not have a strict maximum weight limit, but every guest must be physically able to participate safely. If you are unsure, please contact us in advance so we can advise you.

Unfortunately, for safety reasons we are unable to fly guests who are, or may be, pregnant. Please speak with your doctor and consider other safari activities instead.

You should be confident that you do not have any medical condition that could be made worse by ballooning or could prevent you from taking part safely. If you have had recent major surgery, heart or back problems, mobility issues or other concerns, please seek medical advice and let us know before booking. In some cases we may request a doctor’s note confirming you are fit to fly.

We try to accommodate guests with disabilities wherever it is possible and safe to do so. Because every situation is different, we ask that you contact us in advance to discuss your needs before booking. For safety reasons we cannot fly anyone who must remain in a wheelchair or who cannot stand for at least an hour without the assistance of a medical device.

Amboseli is one of the best places in the world for ballooning, and we are able to fly on most days of the year. However, we do depend on calm winds, no rain and good visibility. If the Captain believes conditions are not safe, we will cancel the flight – safety always comes first.

If we have to cancel because of weather or safety, we will work with you and your tour operator to re-schedule your flight to another day, if possible. If you cannot rebook during your stay, our refund policy (see below) will apply.

Yes. If your flight is cancelled by us for weather or safety reasons and you are unable to fly on another day, you are entitled to a full refund, in line with the booking conditions agreed with your tour operator or agent.

Our standard cancellation charges are:

• 14 days or more before flight date – no cancellation fee
• 13 to 7 days before flight – 50% of the fare charged
• 6 days to 48 hours before flight – 75% of the fare charged
• Less than 48 hours, or no-show – 100% of the fare charged

Some tour operators may apply their own terms as well, so please check your booking confirmation for full details.

Hot air ballooning is a very safe and highly regulated activity. Our operations are overseen by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. All of our Captains hold commercial pilot licences and undergo regular training and checks. Our balloons and equipment are maintained and inspected to strict standards, and we will only fly when conditions are suitable.

Yes. All balloons and chase vehicles are fully insured in line with Kenyan regulations, including cover for passengers. We still recommend that guests travel with comprehensive personal travel insurance that includes hot air ballooning as an activity.

Our balloons stand roughly as tall as a ten-storey building when fully inflated, with large baskets designed for comfort and stability. Depending on the balloon and the day, we typically carry between 12 and 16 passengers, giving everyone plenty of space and great views.