We got up very early (4 am) on 11/5/2021 for a one hour drive to the launch site of the hot air balloon with Serengeti Balloon Safaris. The sunrise was beautiful. When we signed up for this activity, I didn’t give any thought about how to get in and out of the basket. No ladders. Started with the basket on its side and we had to “slide” in on our backs. My right knee doesn’t really bend that way, but we made it. We were at least twice the age of anyone else on the ride. On the way off they said to use the holes in the side of the compartment to climb out. Lets just say we needed some help with that too.
Beautiful sunrise, but very early.
Beautiful sunrise, but very early.
Beautiful sunrise, but very early. The box in the foreground is the outside restroom. You get to view the Savannah while you do your business.
Sun is almost up
Getting the balloon ready. You can see the basket on it's side for entry.
Almost filled.
Our pilot, Zumo. He had many years of training and has a commercial pilots license.
The jets. Noisy when on, but very quiet otherwise.
There was a photographer on board. If someone says "smile", I seem to grimace.
There were several balloons that left from the area.
We would go up for a bit and then down to get a different perspective.
Look close and you'll see Thompson's gazelles.
Beautiful scenery.
Many Thompson's gazelles
And three Topi in the front standing on a termite mound.
The support crew.
Sausage tree
Look at the top of the tree for two tawny eagles. More in the next shot.
I did not have my long lens with me on the balloon.
Many hippos. Where there is water, there are hippos.
This one did not appreciate us traveling over him/her.
Lousy photo but that is the biggest rabbit/hare I've ever seen.
Coming in for the landing. Yes, we missed all the trees.
Our pilot. He told a very long story about why they drink champagne at the end of every flight. The gist is were ballooning first started in France, they often landed in farmers fields and damaged crops. So they brought champagne along as a token for the farmer. I think the pilot wanted to let the crew finish dismantling the balloon.
Dismantling the basket and jets.
Getting ready to load.
Drinking champagne. Some polluted their with mango or orange juice.
We were then driven to another location nearby for a full breakfast. It was very, very good.
Washing station near the restroom
My flight certificate
Kathy's flight certificate
