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Our pilots hold commercial pilot licenses and undergo stringent annual checks by experienced examiners, as required by Kenyan law. They possess excellent knowledge of the local wildlife, environment and Maasai culture.

Chief Pilot and Head of Operations - Riz is a Kenyan aviator, and has been with Africa Eco Adventures Hot Air since we started operations in 2011.

Rizwan Jiwa

Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot and Head of Operations - Rizwan Jiwa is a Kenyan aviator, and has been with Africa Eco Adventures Hot Air since we started operations in 2011. His flying career began with a fixed wing pilots’ license, followed some years later by his Hot Air Balloon Certification, and most recently he had added on a Commercial Helicopter rating to his resumé.

David is also a Kenyan Pilot and has been involved in ballooning in Kenya since a few years after he left High School.

David Eris

Head of Maintenance

David is also a Kenyan Pilot and has been involved in ballooning in Kenya since a few years after he left High School. He started as a member of the chase crew and as a driver, rising to take charge of ground grew teams as the Crew Chief for many years.

Captain Mervin is South African and also our Head of Safety. He is an ex-Air Force Officer with a background in the Defence Forces.

Captain Mervin DeSouza

Head of Safety

Captain Mervin is South African and also our Head of Safety. He is an ex-Air Force Officer with a background in the Defence Forces.

Murat was originally a historian who has an insatiable curiosity of ancient civilisations. This led him to Cappadocia in Turkey, home to a plethora of the world's great civilisations.

Murat Ozdogan

Captain

Murat was originally a historian who has an insatiable curiosity of ancient civilisations. This led him to Cappadocia in Turkey, home to a plethora of the world's great civilisations.

The Experience

An adventure of a lifetime

Start your day hot air ballooning in Maasai Mara, it is one of the most magical ways to experience Kenya’s vast savannah and wildlife.

Discover more about Hot Air Safaris

As you rise the Maasai Mara plains opens up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains-game below as the winds gently blows the basket deeper into the reserve.

The Experience

The Experience

Hot air ballooning in Maasai Mara is one of the most magical ways to experience Kenya’s vast savannah and wildlife.

Location

Location

The Maasai Mara is stunning and free, and the abundant wildlife can make for spectacular viewings from above.

Hot Air Safaris
"It was an early morning, but well worth it! Captain Mervin was knowledgeable and a great pilot. We were able to see the rivers and wildlife… simply gorgeous. I highly recommend this balloon ride!"
Debra G
"Stunning sunrise and views of the Mara as well as many animal sightings including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and so many more. Captain Riz was very informative about the land and animals and ensured a smooth take-off and landing. After landing, we were treated to a lovely champagne breakfast and the facilities included a ‘loo with a view’. Highly recommend taking this flight when in the Mara!"
Payal S
"An amazing experience and a great opportunity to see the Masai Mara from another perspective! Lions, elephants, ostrichs, pumba and the big migration, we’ve seen it all :) Captain Marvin is a lovely man who sees and knows a lot and also the rest of the staff, food etc is friendly and well organized. So this is something you have to do!!"
Yvette