We were picked up by our balloon expedition team at 4am, for a flight over the Serengeti National Park. It was still dark and we had a one-hour drive to the launch site. When we arrived, they had coffee and tea waiting, as the pilots and their ground crews prepared the balloons. Soon, they were providing us with a safety briefing and our harnesses, so we can be tethered to the basket during takeoff and landing. The baskets held 16 passengers, along with the pilot. Today we were a party of 13 which allowed the six of us on one side of the balloon, which was great. Getting into the basket was interesting, as the basket was on its side. You climbed in and laid on your back, against a seat, like astronauts. We had a good laugh!

Once everyone was onboard and tethered, the pilot started the fans and began firing the butane fuel to raise the balloon. Soon we were off the ground and the balloon uprighted itself. There was a total of 10 balloons, taking off just as the sun rose over the mountains, and it was a spectacular site.

Our first sighting was the rare rhinoceros. Even the pilot seemed excited to see it, as they are becoming more and more extinct. We saw herds of zebras, wildebeest, and elephants. It was very magical to be floating over the animals. The ride was very smooth, and with the exception of when the pilot fired the butane, it was also very quiet. Before any of us were ready, our 1-hour ride was over and the pilot was asking us to “assume the position” and tether in for the landing. The winds were 13 knots and we dropped down pretty easy but then bounced three times across the ground before coming to a complete stop. As we like to say, no one got hurt and no one died.

We piled out, took some photos and then the captain popped two bottles of sparkling wine and we made a toast to our successful flight. Then they presented us with a beautiful breakfast, hot coffee and traditional songs, sang by the ground crew. They also provided a souvenir certificate, in a nice portfolio. This balloon company really delivered and our recommendation is below.

Back with Zamoo, we drove again to the river so see if we could catch the elusive crossing. He had been alerted over the radio that a large contingency of wildebeest had amassed and were looking like they were going to cross. We arrived in time to get a pretty good spot and we waited 45 minutes while 5 or 6 wildebeest at a time would go down the bank to the river, then change their minds and go back up. With the binoculars, we could see a very large crocodile, right next to where they would enter the water, so no wonder they were chickening out.

We were about ready to give up when some brave beasts started running hard down the bank, entering the water. They were going and nothing was going to stop them!! The whole herd followed, running and swimming to get to the other side, and then climbing the steep bank on the opposite side. We did not see any casualties, whether by the crocs, or drowning and we were delighted! Sharon had tears in her eyes and she was not the only one.

We rested in the shade of a tree, had our bush lunch, and relished in the accomplishment of the wildebeests. It was a real honor to see this important step in the migration and we were all grateful. We meandered back to camp, having had a spectacular day!

We will post videos of the crossing and the balloon flight at a later time, when we have better wifi.

Tomorrow: Travel to Central Serengeti

Recommended: Miracle Experience Serengeti Balloon Safari, https://www.miracleexperience.co.tz/