Wednesday 7 October'26 - Masai Mara Game Reserve (Kenya)/Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Take 2 - the balloon flight. Another attempt meant another 0530 pick-up and we were at the launch site by 0545. The inflation of the balloon was proceeding nicely but before we jumped into our "1st class seats", I admired the wonderful sunrise. Then it was time to take-off... As we drifted across the landscape, we got a different perspective of a few of the animals and then it was time for landing. What an experience that was. In our pre-flight briefing, the pilot explained what would happen and just before we "hit terra firma", we were to assume the brace position and remain there until he said it was ok to get out. Well we hit the ground, a number of times but the initial one was at 20k's/hr and about 5 more "bumps" later, it was all over. We actually landed right near the border of Kenya & Tanzania and were then whisked off to a champagne bush breakfast. Very enjoyable and then it was time to be taken to "catch-up" with our tour guide at the national park gates. All went very smoothly
African Safari - 2026
After reconnecting with Michael, away we went and just on 1.5 hours later, we were at the border town of Arusha, where we got to experience Tanzania's fantastic Customs & Immigration (NOT) before being handed over to our Tanzanian guide, Dennis. It was now now just on 1300 so after an hours driving we pulled over and had lunch which was provided by our previous hotel. Another 4 hours after that we arrived at tonight's lodging, Kirawira Serena Camp (glamping I think is the expression). Every "building" on site was a tent and to be honest, our room was fantastic with
all the mod-cons and an amazing view. Too top it off, we were the only 3 guests there!
