Africa Safari Day 3: Hot Air Ballooning to Night Game Drives and More in the Masai Mara

Getting the balloon ready for flight. It was a cool process to watch.

Believe it or not, it is usually around Day 3 of the African safari that you start driving past zebra, impala, and even groups of elephants without stopping. You start to look deeper and search for smaller species you didn't even know existed a few days ago. The exotic bird species keep adding up and you start to really understand the magnitude of biodiversity of animals here in Africa. There really is no other place on Earth quite like it.

Today started with something special. A real bucket list item. We woke well before sunset with a delivery of freshly brewed coffee to our tents, and soon were bumping our way outside the park to the start of our hot air balloon safari adventure. After a safety briefing, which really stressed the proper landing position, we watched as the pilot and a host of local helpers blew up the balloon. When the balloon was upright and full, the 11 of us climbed into the basket. There were four sections, with room for 12 people total. The heat from the flamethrower felt pretty nice, although Greg was a bit closer and was wishing he had a hat to protect his head from the heat.

The pilot and the helpers worked together to maneuver the basket and balloon into the middle of the field, and then up, up, and away we went! We followed a river, filled with hippos, before setting out over the vast savanna of the Masai Mara. We stayed nice and low so we could really spot the animals. It was so fun flying over parts of the park that no vehicles are allowed in. The pilot was had several ways to direct the balloon. He could release the fire to go up, or release a bit of air out of the top flap to go down. He could direct the flamethrowers and he had four flamethrowers to choose from. He expertly maneuvered us at tree, and sometimes bush level.... like he was playing a game trying to skirt the tops of the trees. I would probably do the same in his place.

Here we go! Hot air ballooning across the Africa plains.

We spotted elephants, giraffes, waterbuck, and more. But the big spotting was a couple of female lions with the tiniest of baby cubs. They hadn't been seen yet as they were still in hiding from the pride. They probably won't be revealed and introduced to the pride for some time.

As the balloon came in for a landing, the pilot reminded everyone to get into landing position. Just before getting down, I looked around and thought to myself, 'sure looks like a lot of bushes down there.' Then he said 3, 2, 1.... and there was about five more seconds of him furiously pulling on lines and doing things before 'bang' we hit with a jolt, then airborn again for a second before a slightly less jarring 'bang', then we dragged through some bushes before every so slowly tipping over. Everyone did great and no one fell out, so all went according to plan. I think?

And this is how the hot air balloon ride ended! All smiles.

Then we all had to celebrate with a wonderful champagne breakfast, deep in the bush of the wonderful Masai Mara.

After our hot air balloon adventure, our guide David took us on a morning drive with the goal of seeing big crocodiles. Then an afternoon game drive with more dramatic storm clouds and a brief rain which seamed to refresh the entire savanna. And then we even went out after dinner, on our first night game drive. Heading out at night with a huge spotlight gives you the opportunity to see nocturnal animals who's eyes light up when reflecting your spotlight. We were lucky enough to spot a Jackson's chameleon, a spotted gennet, and fifty or sixty grazing hippos.

We've been going pretty non-stop, but a place like the Masai Mara is just an experience not to be missed. Greg mentioned that we were the first ones out of the gate in the morning, and the last ones back in at night. That is my kind of safari right there!

We were so used to seeing huge eagles and vultures, that a smaller bird of prey really surprised us. This is a type of goshawk that turned and posed just as I snapped this photo.

The grey crowned crane is one of my top birds to find on safari here in East Africa. It is the national bird of Uganda, and after seeing them in person it is easy to see why.

One of the goals today was to find some big crocodiles for Greg and Sue. Mission accomplished. The Mara river is filled with huge, ancient crocs, especially this time of year during the migration.

We have already had some good encounters with little bee eaters, but they are just too beautiful to pass by. Check out the colors. This is why birding in Africa is second to none!

A spotted genet hides in the darkness during our night game drive just inside the Kichwa Tembo Camp gate.

This male giraffe walked right past our car. At 18ft tall, they are the tallest animals on earth.

If you want beauiful birds, look no further than everyone's favorite, the lilac breasted roller. This one was on a bush very near the road.

Seeing giraffes is always a pleasure, but seeing giraffes fight is a real experience. The males will fight by standing side by side and slamming their horns into the body or neck of their opponent.

This was my only fleeting image of a red tailed monkey. This is rare sighting, as they are found only in the river forest around Kichwa Tembo.

We found plenty of hippos out of the water at night, when they come out to graze in the grassy fields. Finding them out during the day is a rare pleasure.

Huge troops of baboons stroll through the African savanna here. Sometimes they can be found right next to the road. I thought this family was a cute portrait as you get three different ages.

A wonderful African scene at the end of the day.

This is how you start a day of adventure here in the Masai Mara! The fire is blowing up our hot air balloon!

Giraffes into the storm.

The heat was real from just under this flamethrower. I was so impressed that the lines and the balloon are fire resistant enough not to burn.

Our pilot, Ali, handled the balloon expertly. He was pretty impressed with our animal spotting as well.

I know Ali had to be hot underneath these flamethrowers.

Stir fry night back at Kichwa Tembo, our luxury tent camp.

The crew gave us a welcome song before our champagne breakfast in the bush.

This was the adventure of a lifetime. The final view from our hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara.

We were really able to get a birds-eye view of the area from our hot air balloon. It is a wonderful new perspective that only this provides.

Waterbucks from above.

These elephants thought they were hidden amongst the trees. Maybe from the cars, but not from above!

As always, keep traveling and keep posting!

• Dai Mar