Bucket list hot-air balloon flight

I have to say that my last visit to the Mara left an indelible impression.

Even though I did not chance on a rhino breathing its first, I was content spotting a black rhino and her calf browsing away — part of the 50 plus-strong populace that has grown from 13 thanks to concerted conservation efforts.

I was also honoured with a live take-down of a warthog by a lioness as well as splendid posturing on termite mounds by Topi antelope that my guide Erick ole Kakui christened “King of the castle.”

The awe and majesty of the visit, however, came as Mara’s nocturnal population slunk into a slumber and the cheery diurnal animals stirred to the rising sun, 5.30am to be precise.

In the company of similarly red-eyed adventurers, I hurdled in a safari vehicle that hurtled eastward from Kichwa Tembo Lodge in the dark for an odd 10 minutes before halting at Skyship Safaris’ natural launch site where pilot Christian Wordsworth and his team received us.

After coffee and a brief flight briefing by the English-born Christian who has been flying in Kenya since 2013, the team clambered onto the basket with a capacity of eight.

This, however, was not before flames from the burners lit the darkness as a hearty crew inflated the craft.

As the Lindstrand manufactured balloon filled, then rose, I with a bravura bird’s eye view of the superlative savannah elatedly ticked off a highlight on my bucket list.

Yes, I finally went on an hour-long, hot-air balloon dream as real as the tree-tops scraping on the underside of the suspended basket beneath the yellow-coloured canopy basket we floated into the horizon in. And yes, I reckon everyone should attempt if only once.

There is nothing quite like a hot-air balloon ride over the Mara expanse.

The absolute peace of immense vistas, muted colours, crisp fresh air, and the ever present promise of something wild wrapped in veiled apprehension ensure an experience you will never forget.

Early morning is the ideal time to see wild animals on the plains and the early start guaranteed sightings that I barely paid attention to, thanks to the overwhelming majesty of the landscape and the snaking Mara River with its Nile cabbage infestation.

In my opinion, even as the ride offers excellent outward photographic opportunities, good “selfie” images are hard to get. I suggest that one seeking this thrill, thus, savour the experience as it passes over rather quickly.

Like all great achievements, a certificate of participation and a champagne breakfast in the bush after you land, adds to the buzz you will get from the early morning air and the sights and sounds that only an eagle enjoys before the bubbly leaves you seeing double zebra stripes.

So, if you are looking to share a romantic moment with that special someone; looking to pop the question impressively; or simply fulfil a lifetime goal, then there is no better way to do it than floating in a hot-air balloon surrounded by beautiful views.

Such are the joys of the emerald season that leave me wondering why we do not take an all-out advantage.