We aren't supposed to leave our tents at night without an escort. Well, no one tells you how to get their attention. We were told they will know. So, I was up at 3:30am for a 4:30am pick up. When I was ready to walk from my tent to common area no one around and pitch black. I flashed my flashlight but nothing. So, I looked around and listened and stomped off as quickly as I could. Got through the reception area, crossed little bridge into common area in search of some tea. I pass 4 Maasai warriors fast asleep in chairs and couches. I tried to be quiet and all of the sudden one guy appears with a very concerned look on his face. Then they are all standing around me not knowing what to do. So one guy got assigned to me while I waited in the reception area. These areas are all open. So, critters can walk through at will.
45 minute drive via what's known as the African massage...VERY bumpy, curvy roads. The kind I used to hate mapping!
A giraffe crossed the road right in front of us. No Pic but happened.
Only 6 going up and I'm first one here. Ian is our pilot. Learned in Phoenix and actually heard of St. Louis... or maybe Minneapolis🤣🤣 he knew the Arch.
Hot air balloon ride started off with the pilot, Ian, trying to figure out how to get me in the basket. We watched it fill with air and I attempted to climb in. Not fast enough so about 17 Maasai picked me up and put me in. Hmmm...same way out! But they made it work and I am grateful.
Take off was smooth in the start of sunrise. And Kilimanjaro was right there just waiting for us to take pics. If you squint you might see snow! Lots of zebra, giraffe, Maasai cows and goats, and one elephant. You will need a microscope to see him!
The landing was a hard slam but we didn't tip. They made us breakfast with a champagne toast and certificate of survival. Once back at camp while fixing tea there are 9 giraffe and several elands at the camp watering hole.
Only 9:50am and I've had a full day!
Enjoy
Kilimanjaro just waking up...and advertisement 🤷♀️
Silhouette of balloon filling up
Kilimanjaro before we board
Maasai cattle enclosures made from Acacia branches
Shadow of us
Giraffe?
Village
The group. Ian, pilot, in back. Two crew on left and the Italians
Driving back to balloon camp for breakfast. I thought this was something 🤔
Elephants heading off for their breakfast
Could be something in the bush or just another Kilimanjaro pic
Maasai cattle heading out to graze
Back at camp with Elands and giraffe at waterhole
Was supposed to be my solo breakfast spot but Italians invited me to join them after pic. It was fun. I mostly observed and listened. The ancient Spanish helped a bit with understanding them.
One of the families of the driver...he has three wives and nine children. As we headed back to Camp Elerai
And his cows...more precious than the children
His father in the cowboy hat
Collapsed building. They leave it and people use to fill in holes in road or houses Oh, did you see the giraffe?
Another giraffe or 3
Giraffe getting a drink...long way down
Official
Amazing morning. Now relax before lunch and evening drive
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