Out of Africa-February 13- "Up, Up and Away"

Wednesday, February 13

Our morning began early today.  Not only had we jumped ahead 8 hours when we touched down in the Africa time zone but this morning we were leaving at 4:30 a.m. for our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.  We soon found out that there was an added advantage to our balloon ride.  Night time game drives are not permitted in the Serengeti but the balloon transport jeeps are allowed on the roads in the early mornings to take passengers to the launch site.  So, we were on an unofficial night game drive.  On our way we saw at least 5 hippos grazing along the river, 2 with babies.  We also saw an African Hare and a hyena and the black velvet sky with stars so bright they appeared to dance as we bounced along through the grasses on the mud slick road.  The heavens never seemed closer.  We drove for over an hour before we emerged from the trees and tall grasses to the flat and endless plain known as the Serengeti.  In fact, Serengeti is a Swahili word that means endless plain.

Although we saw hippos, I forgot to mention that we only saw their backsides!

I was sitting in the back and had to take my photos through the front windshield.

Pulling in to the launch site.  The sun was just beginning to push above the horizon.

 
It was still dark when our jeep rolled to a stop and we could barely make out the shapes of jeeps, baskets and balloons.  We had reached the launch site.  Barb and I were neophytes, Sharon had been before but I imagine that even that experience was dim in comparison.  Three balloons went up and each basket could hold 16 passengers and the pilot.  Our basket was full and our pilot was from California.  What none of us knew was that we had to climb into the basket while it was laying on its side and snap our safety harness onto the D-ring.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we had to put our cameras away while we were climbing into our appointed spots. We lay on our backs until the balloon filled with enough hot air to first drag then lift us into the air.  Yes, it was another WOW moment!

Notice the basket is laying on its side

Up and Away!

My view above

Two Topi down below

Look closely,  there are at least 25+ hippos visible

After falling behind, our pilot gained some altitude to catch a more favorable current.

These Maasai Giraffe looked even more elegant from above as they glide across the plains.

Zebra

Wart hogs

The Aussie photographer evidently didn't notice the shadows.  Where's that selfie stick when you need it!

On our way down for landing.  We had to assume the position.  In other words, sit down or possibly kiss your #ss good bye!

Our champagne toast to a successful balloon ride.

Our pilot looked like Robert Redford, and gave an Irish toast after we landed.

After our toast we had an English breakfast

 

This was not the first time we had baked beans before lunch.
Truthfully, I must admit, I rather enjoyed them for breakfast!

The bathroom facilities.  It was our loo with a view.  I passed!

Following our breakfast we were transported to a nearby community center to meet up with Steven. Each day it seemed we would see large numbers of one species.  Yesterday it was elephants.  Today was a cheetah day!

A lazy Nile Crocodile

Marabou Stork

A lion with cubs lying under a tree

We made a stop at the hippo pool, a few of them moved occasionally just so we would know that they were actually alive

Blacksmith Plover

 As we were taking photos at the hippo pool, Steven heard a call on his radio.  Of course all the drivers speak in Swahili so we seldom knew what was being said but we knew it must be something big as Steven asked us to sit and he took off at a pretty good clip!  Soon we saw about 15 jeeps and 2 cheetahs.  The cheetahs, perhaps brothers, had just made a kill.  They were oblivious to the growing number of jeeps at the side of the road and continued their feast.  One would sit at the top of a termite mound as a lookout while the other ate and about every 5 minutes they would change places.  Steven expertly maneuvered our jeep into a prime space not more than 20 feet from the cheetahs and the photo shoot began.

I took this to show his beautiful spots, but look at his full belly.  

Once their bellies were full they trotted off into the grassy plains.  But already Steven was drawing our attention to the skies.  Above us, already circling were 2 vultures and a Steppe eagle. 

Steppe eagle in flight

Circling the carcass

The vultures were African White-backed vultures and they did not want to share with the eagle.

Heading back to the Serengeti Serena Lodge for a late lunch. 

Sharon's room was on the lower level and Barb and I stayed in the upper room.  There were 3 rooms in each hut.

 After lunch we just relaxed around the pool.  We had been going non-stop since our feet touched down in Arusha 3 days ago and Steven suggested that we forgo the afternoon game drive and rest.  We all agreed!  We had dinner at 7:30 and were ready for bed by 10.  Tomorrow we would be spending the entire day out on the plains of the Serengeti.  "Lala Salama" (sleep safely)