About Us

Skyship Co., L.T.D has been operating in the Masai Mara since 2006.

Our camp is located on the western bank of the Mara River. It is about a 10 minute drive from Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, and a 15 minute drive from Oloololo Gate (the North West gate of the Masai Mara Reserve). See Map.

 
Skyship has 2 balloons: Lindstrand 180 (6 passengers) and Lindstrand 400 (16 passengers).

Our balloons are ordered directly from the Lindstrand factory and are also fitted with seats. Our hot air balloons are made specially for operation in the Masai Mara. 

Lindstrand is considered to be the best balloon manufacturer in the world. 

LINDSTRAND BALLOONS

 
We launch the balloons from our camp at sun rise. Large electric fans cold-inflate the balloon; the electric fans are operating silently so that the guests can hear animals in the serene atmosphere of the Mara. When the balloon is inflated the pilot lights the gas burners and heats the balloon. The heat launches the balloon in to the air. As soon as the balloon is launched, the passengers step inside the basket and the pilot takes off.

The average flight duration is 1hr; traveling approximately 15 to 25 Km depending the wind condition. On 95% of the days the wind takes us south deep into the Masai Mara Reserve where we land. Up on landing a luxurious Champagne breakfast is served followed by a game drive en route your journey back to you hotel, camp, or lodge.

Our Pilots
Our pilots are highly experienced balloon operators and have accumulated numerous hours in the profession. They have also spent a lot of time in the Masai Mara and this has provided them with excellent knowledge of the Masai Mara and made them good tour guides.

Mr. Michael D. McGrath is our Chief Pilot. He started his flying career in 1979 and has since accumulated over 4,000 hours from flying in over 17 countries including crossing the Swiss Alps, the Pyrenees, the Scottish Highlands and assisting in two round the world attempts. He moved to Kenya in 1988 to fly balloons over the Masai Mara.

Mr. Gelbart Shachar is our Director of Operations. He is qualified on both a fixed wing aircraft as well as commercial balloons. He has flown in Canada, America and Kenya. He has been in Kenya since 1993.