Ride in a hot air balloon over the earth before? As you rise, the ground quickly disappears, and you can see the scenery around you. You are the only one in the gondola, and your pilot is directing your “ship” farther away as the wind blows you along.

Now picture yourself on an African adventure, rising in a hot air balloon above the Masai Mara’s rolling hills. With each turn, you’d see a better view of the park below. For those looking out over the gondola, it’s impossible to miss the long lines of wildebeests coming into the area.

An elephant family with their babies in tow is walking out to a drinking hole. This draws your attention. A big cat is out looking for a stray zebra or gazelle nearby.

As you fly through the trees, you see something you never saw from the ground: huge nests hanging from the branches, each with a big white egg inside.

Up here, everything is different. As your pilot shoots the gas jets that lift the balloon and you higher, the light and view are always changing. You can see the sky, the land, and the animals below for miles when you’re sky-sailing on this amazing safari.

Hot air balloon safari in Africa and really get up with the sun. You will rise in your rocket at the same time that the sun starts to move across the sky. As you rise above the grassland, you’ll see the sun break over the hills, rivers, and forest. Animals will be waking up to the new day.

So, we need to start our adventure early.

The ballooning tour company will pick you up from your safari lodge or tented camp around 5 a.m. in one of their special safari jeeps and drive you to the hot air balloon launch.

Wear warm clothes because the air is still chilly from the night, but it will get warmer soon. We’ll get to the launch spot in the Masai Mara in about an hour. There, your pilot and the team on the ground will slowly raise the balloon by firing jets of hot air.

Our famous coffee is ready for you to enjoy while you get to know your fellow guests. Soon, your pilot will talk to you about safety and get you ready for the balloon ride.

Now, just as the sun starts to rise, the gondola is connected to the balloon, and you and your fellow travelers will be helped into the big, strong basket. This will be your home in the sky for the next hour.

Take off in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara.

The balloon rises and your gondola edges up from the ground. With a “OK” from the crew on the ground and a quick blast from the gas jets above, you are quickly in the air. After a short time, you’ll be above the trees and be able to see the faraway hills in the distance.

In a short time, the shady park will fill your view, and you’ll be able to see the animals below. Along with important locations and animal spots, your pilot will also tell you where to look.

You won’t have to plan your route; the African currents will do that for you. You can just relax and enjoy this new view of the world on your unique journey.

Then there’s breakfast.

As you float above the ground, you’ll feel like you’re one with this huge natural area. Everything in the park will glide along below you slowly, and soon your guide will bring the balloon to a smooth landing. Your ground crew will meet you and help you get back into your Jeep. They have been following your trip.

At the launch site, someone else has been busy making a big jungle breakfast. You and your fellow travelers will sit down at long tables in a beautiful place and talk about new experiences from your flight.

Now servants dressed in traditional Kenyan clothes will show up and serve you fresh juice, eggs cooked any way you like, fruit, scones, different kinds of bread, and champagne.

In the end, this perfect meal will make what must be the best trip ever even better.