Balloon Safari
So far I had gone on various game drives in the Serengeti Park. I had spotted a lot of animals and had a great time driving through these fabulous natural surroundings.
Today I experienced a completely new perspective on the National Park. Instead of driving around, I watched things from above – sailing in a balloon high above the wide plains.
The history
A balloon safari is actually a great thing to do. It’s not only that you see things from a different angle – the balloon ride itself is also a happening. As balloons were the first flying machines, balloon flights have a long history. One of our pilots told us the whole story beginning with the French King Louis XVI. This king was definitely interested in the balloon-flying project by the Montgolfier brothers. He wanted to put two criminals into the first manned balloon – well, just in case something happened. But on the other hand – what if the flight were successful? Criminals as national heroes? So it was decided that Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier (some claim that the word “pilot” had its origins in his name) and François Laurent d’Arlandes took this first flight and they mastered it successfully.
Balloon flight
My flight with our pilot Mohamed Masudi, of Serengeti Balloon Safaris, was obviously also successful. And not only that – it was fantastic! After an exciting start I enjoyed a very pleasant flight. It is so relaxing gliding through the fresh air, watching the sunrise over the Serengeti.
Actually I was once again on the track of some well-known people! Besides staff from National Geographic, the BBC and the Discovery Channel, Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake had enjoyed a flight with our pilot.
Champagne
After our landing we had the glass of champagne that has accompanied balloon flying from the very first days. It was a tradition to bring a bottle with you from your local winery on your journey to present to the local landowners. The landowners often had no idea what a balloon was and, to prevent them attacking these “monsters”, it was a good idea to share a glass or two of champagne with them - “and now it’s just an excuse to drink champagne at eight o’clock in the morning”, concluded our pilot.
Breakfast in the wild
So after having experienced a new perspective on the Serengeti, we experienced a new perspective on breakfast. It was right in the middle of the Park as well. They arranged a long table and chairs under a huge acacia tree in the middle of nowhere. We had a tasty meal there and we all agreed that this was a memorable day full of fabulous new experiences!
Special
The letter for today is:
01
Serengeti National Park before sunrise
02
Filling the balloon with hot air
03
Serengeti from above
04
Giraffes are looking at the balloon shadow
05
Breakfast in the Serengeti National Park
Comments
Wonderful! I’ll do that as well definitely!
wonderful collections. very nice.
Amazing Jan!! I guess you’re having a great time there?!
I am speechless these photos are absolutely wonderfull and the commentary makes it feel like you are experiencing it yourself. Wish I could experience this myself.
Great stuff, especially the balloon tour… Was in Tanzania a few years back but never made it to the Serengeti and that’s definitelly a part of my bucket list now ….
Hey Jan, just felt like telling you how I envy you, your level of job satisfaction must be 100/100!!
You’re doing an awesome job with the blog. I don’t have the time to read every day, but when I come back I always read the entries I’d missed, and it’s never boring! Plus of course, the photography… which is simply stunning! At the moment I’m saving up for the camera you have - before saving up to go to Bilila Lodge
Should your ways ever lead you to Gozo, come by and say hello (at the Kempinski, of course!)
This is a top program for incentives
wonderful and unusual way to live africa.
Giorgio
C’es Un Tres Bon Sie Web
Between sky and earth - light and dark - no sound - just wonder and magic!
I really want to go there It is breath taking
Breath taking!
Really amazing !
Tanzania - it indescribable creation of the nature!!!
Congratulations Jan, this film just about “tops” it all! I could have watched it all day. Very professionally made and a delight to experience. The photos are also extraordinary. Do you think you will ever want to return home?
More of the same please.
Absolutely amazing, I am speechless!!!!!
Looks absolutely amazing!
Amazing! By watching the video we were glued to the laptop! You are doing an absolutely great job!
yes really amazing, i know more wonderful if you are in that beautiful balloon. God bless you
Beautiful journey, I hope I can do it sometime.
[...] Day 13 | Balloon Safari [...]
what is the music on the video?