TANZANIA – The hot air ballooning company met us the night before our excursion over the Serengeti to go over where and when to meet and also what to wear/bring.  They made arrangements with our camp for an early wake up call.  The suggested clothing for ballooning is dress warm.  They probably suggested this  because when you first start out it is 5:30am and chilly, but once you’re in the balloon bucket, the heat from the burners keeps you quite warm and toasty. In fact shorts were comfortable.

The launch site was about half hour drive from Kira Wira (give or take with game viewing along the way.  We came across lions with their kill right next to the road, so we watched them for a few minutes).

The hot air balloons have different size “buckets” depending on how many people they have.  In Western Serengeti (Kira Wira), they have an 8 & 16 passenger bucket.  I believe in the Seronera (central part of Serengeti) they even have a larger bucket.  The buckets start off lying sideways on the ground and you climb into the bucket section and lay (like astronauts) flat until the balloon inflates and gradually lifts the bucket up straight.

We followed the Grumeti River spotting hippo, giraffe and even warthogs for about an hour while we were in the air.  The pilots are usually from the USA.  Ours, Don, was from Indiana.  Upon arrival at our destination, the pilot slowly started to release air to land in a designated area that he has radioed to his crew.  When landing, you can land two ways, either straight up or laying down again.  You have to prepare for landing by sitting down in the bucket (they have seats inside).  We were able to land straight up.  Then the trick is getting out of the bucket without falling on your face!  There are people there that help you out if you might have trouble.

The staff met us with Champagne and we celebrated our flight.  While enjoying the Champagne we watched the staff pack up the balloon and bucket to be taken back to their headquarters.  When we were finished with our Champagne, we got into a vehicle to be taken to our bush breakfast located just down the road.

There we were greeted by a server dressed in the Out of Africa style who took us to a table to wash our hands with hot water and soap.  They also have a “loo in the bush” for those that might need one. 

Afterwards we were taken to a table set with white linen and china!  They have a chef with a complete setup to cook breakfast.  Our first course was juice, Champagne and fruit.  Then to the main course of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato and potatoes.  While enjoying breakfast, the pilot shared stories with the guests.  Afterwards, the pilot passed out the ballooning certificates to each passenger.  There is time to visit the souvenir table (t-shirts, polo shirts, and hats for the most part—cash only).  Your guide will meet you around 9:30am to take you on a game drive back to the lodge or continue on to your next destination.  He will collect your luggage from your lodge before picking you up from the ballooning site if continuing on. This is a truly amazing journey not to be missed.  Everyone must do a hot air ballooning flight at least once in their life!!