Masai Mara 3. Tag

19.5.2024 Masai Mara

Today I had to get up at 3:30 a.m. because we wanted to leave at 4:30 a.m. After more than an hour's drive we reached our destination: the Skyships site.

Here we were given a coffee and then instructions for our planned hot air balloon ride. We were able to watch two balloons being made ready for takeoff.

Soon the time had come and we could board. I shared a basket with ten other passengers and the pilot. We slowly ascended, flew low over a river full of hippos and then glided leisurely over the landscape with its multitude of animals.

After a wonderful hour we landed. We even managed a standing landing, which meant that we had to leave the basket by going up. I was already outside the basket when I stumbled and landed on my knees in the mud. As the ride continued, the sticky mud pulled one of my shoes off completely and I had the "pleasure" of a mud footbath. Two people from the balloon support vehicle helped me to retrieve my shoe. I didn't look quite as radiant as I felt, but nothing had really happened to me.

The balloon crew had prepared a breakfast for us by the river, with a real selection and chefs for special requests. We had a great time, watched the hippos and were not bothered by a visit from a warthog. In case of emergencies, a Masai warrior with a spear and a female soldier with a Kalashnikov were on hand. After we had received our balloon pilot certificates, we headed towards the hotel.

Before that, we visited a Masai village. We were greeted first with dances by the men, then by the women. We learned a bit about Masai customs and were allowed to visit the chief's modest hut. Afterwards, they tried to get us to buy the works of art on display, but that didn't work for me. I preferred to spend time with a cute village dog.

Afterwards, I had lunch at the hotel, took a shower, changed clothes and had a deep tissue massage. I felt pain in some places, but overall the massage was so relaxing that I fell asleep on the bed.

I was fit again for the safari at 4 p.m.