In Search Of Elephants - An African Safari (Part 5)

The basket rights itself as the balloon inflates and before you know it you're floating across the Masai Mara 1000 - 1200 feet in the air. I finally stood up and actually videotaped the trip. This was one of the most peaceful and relaxing travel experiences I had in Africa. The only noise came from the release of hot air into the balloon by the captain and the clicks from our cameras.

While floating along we saw zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and yes lots of elephants. We also watched a magical sun rise over the Masai hills. The tradition with hot air ballooning is a champagne toast at breakfast upon landing. Now, think about it, we're on the Masai Mara, in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but wildlife surrounding us. No problem. A team including a chef set up tables, an omelet station, and a feast for us right in the middle of this vast land. We sipped champagne and ate hungrily energized by the whole balloon experience. Only a curious wildebeest meandered by keeping us in tune to where we really were.

More game drives awaited us. We observed lions, cheetahs, and many elephants. The terrain of the Masai was much different than Samburu and the elephants were much easier to spot. Their large gray bodies stood out more clearly among the brush.

With the wide-open space of the Masai, sunsets offered a colorful spectacle at the end of each day. Deep reds, orange, and purples blended in the sky as the sun dropped below the horizon.

Everything seems much more dramatic in Africa. Life in its purest form is there for you to absorb. Little stands between you and the wildlife. It's a treasure to have this opportunity and for this elephant admire, I can't wait to go back.

Hakuna Matata!

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