You can’t tell me that flying high over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon isn’t something you have dreamed of! It is a slightly terrifying prospect to put your life in the hands of a chap with a Bunsen burner and a large nylon bag, but what is life without the odd moment of extreme fear?
I was lucky enough to go hot air ballooning in the Serengeti. We arrived at the launch site at 5am. They tell you that the early launch is because the air conditions are the most stable in the cool morning air, although I am convinced it is because if you weren’t half asleep, there is no way you would get into a flying basket. But into the basket we got! The basket has numerous sections and lies perpendicular to the ground. You have to sort of slide into your slot, which is interesting when you don’t know your traveling partners! As soon as everyone is loaded, the balloon is inflated and pulls you upright and into the air.
It’s an amazing feeling, floating silently above the landscape, watching the animals go about their business. Hippos in pools of water, elephants trumpeting. It is magical. And after you come down from your high, you are served an al fresco Champagne breakfast to celebrate your extraordinary feat.
Hot air ballooning is offered on both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, so no matter where the Great Migration is positioned, you have the possibility of seeing it from the air. But you have to be clever and book a lodge in the right area for the time of year. The animals move in a circular pattern, through out the year, so you need to check where they will be before you book.
The Sossusvlei Desert in Namibia, the Chobe River in Botwana as well as the north-western region of the Okavango Delta all offer hot air ballooning as well. Again, only a few lodges offer this activity, so if it is on your bucket list, make sure to book the correct camp.
Start saving your coins for your hot air balloon adventure!