A view like no other: Experiencing Mount Kilimanjaro via hot air balloon

By Wilson Nkya

Kenya’s reputation as a world-class travel destination is well-deserved.

With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and seamless connectivity, this East African gem offers an unparalleled tourism experience that caters to adventurers, luxury seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Having recently explored Kenya during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024, I can confidently say there’s something magical about this country that keeps tourists coming back.

Everyone should try a hot air balloon safari at least once in their lifetime.

It was 3:30 a.m. when my alarm broke the silence, waking me from one of the best sleeps I’d had in a while—thanks to the plush comfort of my luxurious suite at the Elephant Gorge Camp in Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

The alarm message read: "HOT AIR BALLOON." As soon as my eyes registered those words, all traces of sleep vanished, replaced by a rush of excitement for the adventure ahead.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. It was the camp staff with my wake-up coffee—a thoughtful touch that made the early hour feel less daunting.

Kenyan coffee has a magical way of jumpstarting the day, and this cup was no exception.

I headed to the bathroom, a haven of indulgence offering three shower options: a bathtub, an indoor shower, and an outdoor shower with sweeping views of the park.

Though tempted by the outdoor option, the darkness nudged me to choose the indoor shower. By 4:30 a.m., I was ready, and a golf cart arrived to ferry me to the meeting point.

I joined my colleagues—renowned journalists from across the globe, including Andrew from Nigeria, Francis from Ghana, Christine from France, Edgar from Uganda, and Josephat, our Kenyan Tourism Board chaperone.

Together, we headed to the Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris office for a briefing and to sign waivers.

While waiting for other tourists, we sipped more coffee and soaked in the anticipation as staff shared insights about what lay ahead.

This was my first hot air balloon experience. I felt a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, curiosity—but the captain’s reassurance quickly put me at ease.

As dawn began to break, it was time. The massive balloon came to life, inflating gracefully as hot air filled its chambers.

We received instructions on how to board safely and, before long, we were inside—a group of ten, including the captain.

Slowly, the balloon ascended, and with it, the sun rose, painting the sky in warm hues.

Mt. Kilimanjaro revealed itself in all its glory, casting aside the clouds that momentarily tried to obscure its magnificence.

Though the iconic mountain belongs to Tanzania, I have to admit: the view from Amboseli, especially at sunrise, is unparalleled—arguably even better from a hot air balloon.

The sight of Kilimanjaro was mesmerising, but it was only part of the spectacle.

Below us, Amboseli’s wildlife stirred to life. Giraffes stretched their necks, zebras grazed, hyenas prowled, and herds of wildebeest and elephants moved across the plains.

The scene was a vivid portrait of nature’s harmony, best appreciated from a bird’s-eye view.

The entire experience felt surreal. As a travel enthusiast, I can confidently say: "Everyone should try a hot air balloon safari at least once in their lifetime."

After landing, safari cruisers whisked us back to the Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris office, where we celebrated with a champagne toast and a hearty English breakfast.

To commemorate the adventure, we received certificates—a wonderful addition to any traveler’s keepsakes.

With the balloon adventure behind us, it was time to return to Elephant Gorge Camp to freshen up, check out, and prepare for the next chapter of our journey.

The hot air balloon experience costs approximately $485 per person and spans about three hours. While Amboseli is a fantastic location for balloon safaris, the Maasai Mara National Park—renowned for its dramatic landscapes and the Great Migration—is another excellent option for this adventure.

If you ever find yourself in the magical land of Kenya, make sure to explore its breathtaking beauty from the skies.

This unforgettable experience was made possible by the Kenyan Tourism Board as part of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024, where media delegates were invited to explore and showcase Kenya’s remarkable tourism destinations through familiarisation trips.