Skyship Co. Balloon Safaris
Skyship Co. Balloon Safaris
Skyship Co. Balloon Safaris
4.5
Full view
About
An amazing experience flying over one of the best preserved areas of the planet. Our equipment is what's best on the market in security matter, and our pilots have extensive flight experience in the "Mara Triangle." At the end of the flight join us at the "coffee savanna," where our chefs prepare a delicious meal, accompanied by a toast with champagne ... You deserve it!
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Skyship Co. Balloon Safaris
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
192
Very good
10
Average
5
Poor
8
Terrible
4
ankeet_sinha
Ahmedabad, India2,834 contributions
Sep 2020
We had a wonderful experience with SkyShip. This was my first ride with them but my second overall in the Mara and compared to the earlier lot, they were more professional. My 5 year old daughter and wife had a good time and we saw lots of animals like serval cats, hyenas, giraffes, jackals and many more. We saw a lot of breathtaking views of the Mara and the pilot was very professional.
On our way to the breakfast site after landing, they showed us 3 lionesses killing a Zebra only to have it taken away by 25 hyenas who appeared out of nowhere and finished the kill within the hour including bones.
The breakfast itself was amazing and they even took care of my wife who is allergic to eggs. Safe to say the experience was amazing.
We even saw one more male lion on our way back and a couple of lioneses more who were being collared and we walked right upto them to see how it was done.
Cost wise, they were reasonable with 380 USD per adult and 250 USD per child and the pen drive with the images from the balloon cost us around 25 USD.
On our way to the breakfast site after landing, they showed us 3 lionesses killing a Zebra only to have it taken away by 25 hyenas who appeared out of nowhere and finished the kill within the hour including bones.
The breakfast itself was amazing and they even took care of my wife who is allergic to eggs. Safe to say the experience was amazing.
We even saw one more male lion on our way back and a couple of lioneses more who were being collared and we walked right upto them to see how it was done.
Cost wise, they were reasonable with 380 USD per adult and 250 USD per child and the pen drive with the images from the balloon cost us around 25 USD.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review.
We are so happy to have professional staff to give you an exceptional experience. We are glad that you and your family had a great time and enjoyed the vast array of the wild animals taking their nature course.
We are very keen in providing a fresh and good breakfast according to your preference to suits your needs.
The memories you had on that day will last a lifetime and we thank you for flying with Skyship company and for the good review.
Lucy.
Written January 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen B
Hampshire, UK8 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
After a 20-30 minute drive to skyship base we were offered
coffee or tea and met our professional Pilot Ali for a briefing . A short walk and toilet stop later we were climbing into the basket with the first tinges of morning light .
Lift off was gentle and controlled and we magically drifed in silence not too far above the savana as we watched the sun rise over the Masi Mara .
Floating gently over the savana , forests and crossing the Mara River several times, Ali demonstrated his experience by dropping us low over the savana and river allowing us to see elephants, tophi, ostriches ,crocodiles and hippos as the balloon seemingly effortlessly rise as trees approached.
A climb to height to give us a overview of the park before a really gentle landing 50 meters from the road where the ground crew were waiting for us to take us for breakfast completed our 17 km trip .
The second half of this experience was equally impressive. 30-40 minutes later ,after stopping to photograph a beautiful marabou stork we arrived at the picnic spot , the site used to film "Out of Africa " .
A table set under shade with stunning views over the park . We were served champagne, coffee, tea with juice and water available. 2 chefs from a kitchen area cooked eggs or omelettes on demand which you can mix with pre prepared waffles, pancake, sausage , bacon and beans .
A table of fruit , muesli and yogurts along with toast and marmalade made the breakfast enjoyable and filling.
Ali was friendly and informative as the group chatted about our adventure .
A proper flushing toilet tent with associated wash basin, soap and hand towels took any other anxiety away .
A magical experience with clearly very competent Pilot ,happy and friendly crew makes this a experience that you shouldn't miss .
I would highly recommend.
coffee or tea and met our professional Pilot Ali for a briefing . A short walk and toilet stop later we were climbing into the basket with the first tinges of morning light .
Lift off was gentle and controlled and we magically drifed in silence not too far above the savana as we watched the sun rise over the Masi Mara .
Floating gently over the savana , forests and crossing the Mara River several times, Ali demonstrated his experience by dropping us low over the savana and river allowing us to see elephants, tophi, ostriches ,crocodiles and hippos as the balloon seemingly effortlessly rise as trees approached.
A climb to height to give us a overview of the park before a really gentle landing 50 meters from the road where the ground crew were waiting for us to take us for breakfast completed our 17 km trip .
The second half of this experience was equally impressive. 30-40 minutes later ,after stopping to photograph a beautiful marabou stork we arrived at the picnic spot , the site used to film "Out of Africa " .
A table set under shade with stunning views over the park . We were served champagne, coffee, tea with juice and water available. 2 chefs from a kitchen area cooked eggs or omelettes on demand which you can mix with pre prepared waffles, pancake, sausage , bacon and beans .
A table of fruit , muesli and yogurts along with toast and marmalade made the breakfast enjoyable and filling.
Ali was friendly and informative as the group chatted about our adventure .
A proper flushing toilet tent with associated wash basin, soap and hand towels took any other anxiety away .
A magical experience with clearly very competent Pilot ,happy and friendly crew makes this a experience that you shouldn't miss .
I would highly recommend.
Written January 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curt M
New York121 contributions
Jun 2022
On the most amazing, 5 national park trip of a lifetime, our balloon trip at dawn over Masai Mara was my highlight. The views were amazing, and the pilot (Serkin) had full control as he lowered and raised the balloon, and tracked the herds and other animals of interest that we saw.
A fantastic experience, capped off after, by a champagne breakfast outside, by the company too!
A fantastic experience, capped off after, by a champagne breakfast outside, by the company too!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The people were very friendly the breakfast was fantastic but the actual balloon ride was very disappointing. It only lasted 40 minutes and there was no game to be seen. If you are taking a balloon ride for any other reason other then going up in the air a few hundred feet I would recommend to pass on this experience, It is not worth the cost. Also there are two baskets one on each side of the balloon each basket holds 8 people so you are with quite a large group of people.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari Souls
Barcelona, Spain64 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Wonderful morning balloon flight with Nigel the well travelled pilot. What a great way to start our safari in one of our favourite parts of Kenya. Seeing a vulture in its nest alongside the top of a tree was magical. Champagne bush breakfast was superb.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanking you for the review.
We pride ourselves in giving the best bush breakfast in the Maasai Mara after the balloon flight experience, we are glad you enjoyed it.
We are glad you enjoyed the beautiful nature during the safari.
We thank you for flying with Skyship and glad you enjoyed every bit of the experience :)
Lucy.
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracy N
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had the best experience...being the first time Captain Serkan made this a very memorable moment we got very close up views of the wildlife and watched the beautiful sun rise. Oh and the champagne breakfast was A1. I'd highly recommend Skyship for a balloon Safari.We'll definitely do this again and again anytime we visit Mara😍😍
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MimiPiLoCa
Rotterdam, The Netherlands53 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We have had a great flight with Skyship with our family (2 adults & 3 teenage daughters). It was our first balloon flight and it was spectacular!
It starts with a very early wake-up call, balloons are blown when it is still dark. Take-off is in horizontal positions and went very smooth. And then…you float very smooth over the beautiful landscape of Masai Mara, spot some wild life; running away for or trying to impress elephants lifting their trunk to the big balloon.
After the flight, there is a champagne breakfast; very well organised, nice and more then enough food & drinks and very friendly people!
It is not a cheap tour but we think it is worth the experience; if you planning to do a balloon tour, Masai Mara is the best place to do so!
We recommend Skyship because of the spectacular and safe trip!
It starts with a very early wake-up call, balloons are blown when it is still dark. Take-off is in horizontal positions and went very smooth. And then…you float very smooth over the beautiful landscape of Masai Mara, spot some wild life; running away for or trying to impress elephants lifting their trunk to the big balloon.
After the flight, there is a champagne breakfast; very well organised, nice and more then enough food & drinks and very friendly people!
It is not a cheap tour but we think it is worth the experience; if you planning to do a balloon tour, Masai Mara is the best place to do so!
We recommend Skyship because of the spectacular and safe trip!
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! We appreciate you! It was so nice to have you and your wonderful family. We are grateful for your kind words. Lots of Love from Masai Mara!
Written September 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel R
Nairobi, Kenya421 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
You should absolutely fly the hot air ballon while in Mara. We did it with Sky Ship and it was fantastic. They picked us up early morning from our camp and by 6:30 we started the flight.
We flew over savana and Mara river, the view from above is unforgetful especially for the young ones. We seen all kid of animals from above.
After the flight they drove us to a bush Champaigne breackfast which was perfect.
They cooked fresh breackfast on the spot, the Sevice and the food where perfect.
Your safari will not be completed without a hot air balllon ride.
We flew over savana and Mara river, the view from above is unforgetful especially for the young ones. We seen all kid of animals from above.
After the flight they drove us to a bush Champaigne breackfast which was perfect.
They cooked fresh breackfast on the spot, the Sevice and the food where perfect.
Your safari will not be completed without a hot air balllon ride.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melinda H
Boynton Beach, FL18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
On its web site, Skyship Balloon states that the average flight duration is one hour. Initially, the pilot made about thirty people from various camps wait, seated outside (we had been picked up at 5 am.) for him to decide whether the wind blew in the right direction.Then we were told how to enter the two balloon baskets. The pilot told our group of ten from Karen Blixen Camp that we would be in the air one hour to one hour ten minutes. The actual flight lasted 30 minutes. We also did not see the wildebeest migration or the diverse variety of animals listed on the company's web site: "The quiet, relaxing ride allows you to view an amazing assortment of wildlife from a unique bird’s-eye view. The lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo can be seen frequently along with other animals such as hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, birds, and many more." Our group disputed the charge for the balloon ride. The balloon company agreed to provide a credit for half of the charge.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Melindah. Thank you for taking the time to review us. I'm sorry to hear you are disappointed. We strive to always provide the best balloon safari experience. The wind speed and direction is usually pretty good from our camp, but it varies by the day. Our pilots do the very best to ensure the balloon can lift at a safe wind speed and to stay at a strategic height to view the most animals at the time. We really hope to get the opportunity to improve your experience. We value your patronage and appreciate you.
Written September 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
italy-nuts
Castle Rock, CO239 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were loaded to capacity, 16 normal- size people, but with so much obesity now, this company should either reduce the number of passengers or buy large baskets. My normal-size wife and I were jammed in to a corner, and when I commented to the pilot before launch that we were not comfortable, he very defensively replied that “each compartment was designed for 4 people!” My reply was “….but not all people are the same size.” He became ugly and infuriated, with no apologies. This company clearly puts profit before before customer satisfaction. Otherwise, they would have split the group into separate balloons or offered us the option to go another day.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry to hear you are disappointed. I sincerely apologize for the negative experience. Your satisfaction is our top priority here at Skyship. Your concerns have been acknowledged and dealt with. For whatever it is worth, I would like to assure that your comfort will be considered before every flight. We really hope to get the opportunity to improve your experience. We value your patronage and appreciate you.
Written September 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you give me some idea of prices for a balloon ride? If we fly to Maasai Mara the night before a ride, is there overnight accommodations you recommend?
Written June 3, 2019
can we have a hot air balloon ride in nairobi?
Written January 28, 2015
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