Flying in a balloon was once a dream to author Jules Verne. But a century later in 1962, his dream came true and has since gained a following, with a few Balloon Safari organizations in Kenya expressing plans of reviewing their offers to accommodate more balloon enthusiasts.
Flying in a balloon is considered a breathtaking experience by many, as it serves as a great opportunity to see wildlife and beautiful landscapes like mountains and rivers from an aerial view. Since its birth in East Africa in the 1960s, millions have engaged in the adventure over the years in during holidays such as the upcoming Easter holiday.
The balloon safaris all began some 100 years After Jules Verne wrote his book “Five weeks in a Balloon”, say historians.
Hot Air Balloonist Antony Smith and photographer cum movie director Sir Alan Root, successfully flew in a Hot Air Balloon from Zanzibar to the inner parts of Tanzania and later, through the Serengeti and the Great Rift Valley. That inspired Sir Alan Root to produce the film, “Safari by Balloon” watched by an estimated 98 million people in 28 countries.
But their desires didn’t end there. In January 1976, Smith felt that people visiting the Maasai Mara could enjoy fantastic sights from a Hot Air Balloon. That year, the first-time flight took off from Keekorok Lodge in the Mara in which to date, thousands have since noted down the wildlife they saw while in the skies.
Other areas became popular too, for the balloon safari adventure such as Mara Sarova, Mara Safari, Mara Serena lodge and other camps along the Great Rift Valley.
On the day of departure in the wee hours of the morning, guests receive a wakeup call in their tented camps or lodge. And after a hearty breakfast of local teas and bitings, with expectations and curiosity on what to expect, guests are whisked of to the departure site of the grand hot air balloon.
Usually, about 12 to 14 people enter the balloon’s basket. Guests are advised to wear warm clothing and bring along a camera and a notebook to list the animals and other attractive sites they would see.
And once guests are in, the pilot lights up the banners and as the flames flare, the balloon begins to inflate and then it rises to the skies. Suspended in a basket beneath the balloon, guests receive a clear aerial view of the wildlife, plantation, rivers beneath them.
Amazing about the balloon safari, is the absolute stillness and silence as it glides through the skies. Occasionally sounds below can be heard such as elephants bustling through bushes, baboons screeching from trees, a lion’s roar to mention a few lively activities.
And once the hour period is over, when the balloon lands, guests are treated to a celebration with a few bitings and even champaign depending on the organisation.
Certificates are then awarded to guests that have had an opportunity to fly in a balloon.
