We were on the road at 4:45 am, well before sunrise. It was an hour drive to the field where we would meet our balloon pilot. This gave us a chance to do an informal ‘nocturnal’ game ride. The Serengeti park service only permits outfitters to operate vehicles for game viewing one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Our driver stopped and used his lights to help us see some nocturnal animals – we followed several hyenas running ahead of us on the road, spotted a bat eared fox perched in the bush and watched several hippos feeding on grasses far from the water.
It was still dark when we arrived at the field; we watched as the balloon company readied the baskets and balloons. Although I’ve ballooned many times before, I’ve never seen such large baskets. Each basket has eight compartments, holding two people per compartment, for a total of sixteen passengers. The basket is laid on its side and people climb into each cubicle face up – top row first, then bottom. The balloon is inflated and gradually pulls the basket upright and then into the air. Our balloon lifted off as daybreak lightened the sky!
There were multiple balloons flying this morning. As the last balloon ascended, the sun rose, coloring the sky and creating beautiful silhouettes.
We had a bird’s eye view of the Serengeti from our basket. It easy to see why the Maasai call the area siringet, from which the name Serengeti is derived, meaning ‘the place where the land runs on forever’ . Much to our delight, we could spot animals below; hyenas, giraffes, hartebeests, hawks and even a lone elephant! Our pilot, Mohammed, had amazing eyes, would spot an animal in the distance and to the extent possible, maneuver the balloon for a closer look.
We flew for an hour enjoying the wildlife, the beauty of the Serengeti plain with other balloons in the distance and the peace and quiet inherent in ballooning. It was magical!
All too soon it was time to come down. Mohammed landed with the basket upright and we easily climbed out. We noted with other balloons that frequently the basket tips sideways on landing, so we were grateful for the skill of our pilot! While the balloons were being deflated and stored, our pilots made the customary champagne toast with a few Serengeti twists! They balanced the bottles of champagne on their heads, popped the cork, poured a glass and together we cited the Balloonist’s Prayer and toasted an amazing journey.
The winds have welcomed you with softness.
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands.
We have flown so high and so well that God
has joined you in laughter and set you gently
back into the loving arms of mother Earth.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a great English style breakfast in the bush with waiters, white tablecloths and plentiful food! We even had a loo with a view!
Just when I thought the morning couldn’t get much better, we spotted a sleeping leopard draped over the branches of an acacia tree on our drive back to the lodge! Kudos to Enzi, our driver, for his sharp eyes!
