This was a tricky one. You are likely to be in the Serengeti once in your life. There is the option of a Hot Air Balloon ride. Many people would consider such an experience to be on their bucket list. However, it is ridiculously expensive. Stuart and I had hummed and hawed over this optional activity but eventually had decided to go for it.
So here we were 4 months later getting up at 4.30am. We are collected on time and taken to the launch There had been a variety of noises during the night but we had stayed put. Somehow, even my weak bladder had decided this was not the night to play up.
We knew only a few things about the ride itself. We had to be in the sky early and for only an hour to an hour and a half. Apparently if you stay up longer, the air gets too hot and the balloon may explode. Well we wouldn’t want that. Another point to note is that you board in an unusual way. the basket lies on its side and you are supposed to slide in – parallel with the ground. Easier said than done if you are on the top layer.
We are then attached with belts to the basket itself. The fan blows in flames to heat the air and inflate the balloon. They feel perilously close to our heads. When the balloon is inflated enough, the basket rights itself and we are almost good to go.
Captain Abab is our pilot. He explains that there are two rules. Always follow his instructions and don’t attempt to get out of the balloon. They seem reasonable enough and I have every intention of following both rules. There are 16 passengers in our balloon and 2 balloons going up today.
We ascend to 7200 feet and the view is spectacular. The Serengeti expands as far as the eye can see in all directions.
In all honesty, the wildlife viewing is not really what we hoped. The balloon is mostly at the mercy of the wind direction. There is a family group of f20elephants but we don’t get cose. We see 2 lions moving in for a kill near a herd of wildebeest but we cant get closer or even stay where we are. Despite all this, it is an enjoyable experience and I am glade we have done it. The landing is bumpy but safe enough.
We are given completion certificates and a glass of champagne. Then we head back for breakfast – more champagne and a full English extravaganza awaits.
It is all set out on long trestle tables, decked in pristine white tablecloths. We are served by staff in old colonial servant dress. It is both slightly uncomfortable ( the servant thing) and quite enjoyable (the food, the hint of times past and the knowledge that they are being well paid) at the same time.
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