Exploring Amboseli on a hot air balloon

Our wake-up call is 4.15 am; we have an early coffee session before leaving. Jonathan of Serena Amboseli, our host, Serena, explains we have to be at Kilimanjaro Safaris latest 5.15 am if we have to make it to catch our flight for our scheduled hot-air balloon flight, the only flight for the day. By the time we are driving out of the hotel for Amboseli Balloon Safaris, dawn is setting in, and I get to see a beautiful-lit sky. It is 5.30 am and the sun has not yet shown its golden-yellow face.

Upon arrival, a warm team received us, and Casey, the team leader. We then set off for the take-off station, about a kilometre from the offices and guest pavilion. We arrive at the launch field through what is seemingly an early morning nature walk. As we walk, Captain Casey fills us in on are likely to encounter on this short trip - probably a snake, which makes my skin develop goosebumps.