We have arrived at home after two weeks. Overall it has been a very, very successful experience!
We’ve met new people, gathered with old friends, and most important we have flown in fantastic places!! It is for sure a trip to remember forever…
Now back to normal, fully energized and thinking on the next Ultramagic Experience!
This morning we’ve had free time to do some tourism around the island.
In the afternoon we’ve prepared the balloons for the shipment while some were getting ready for a night glow in Mnazi na Mmoja, Stonetown.
Before night glow 2 balloons have flown over Chwaka Bay, including tanzanian pilot Abeid Soka who was not able to do it the day before because he was busy managing the permits.
We have inflated 6 balloons at 7.30pm for the city to enjoy the show. In the meantime there has been a local band playing a song for the event. The moment has been extraordinary!!
Amazing flight today crossing Chwaka Bay. Even though we’ve spent all day with preparations we could still enjoy a swim in the ocean.
7 balloons have taken off at the beach and have crossed the bay in a 30 minutes flight. Some have landed in the beach on the other side and some have gone a bit further inland. The retrieve has been smooth with no complications. The views of the balloons over the blue, shallow waters were spectacular.
What an exciting day!! The flight preparations went on all day: refueling, getting the balloons ready, and confirming the permit with the authorities.
Finally at 17.45 we’ve had the go to fly from Kidimni. The take off has been a bit stressful but all balloons have been able to fly. A very intense, 15 minutes flight, heading west over the palm trees.
The retrieve has taken more time than expected and we have finished at midnight. Nevertheless it has been a very good experience, using oxcarts as our retrieve vehicles and enjoying the sunset in the beautiful landing area.
We have arrived to Stonetown, capital of Zanzibar. We are staying in a very nice hotel in downtown, surrounded by little shops and one street away from the beach. It is the perfect place to relax on our free time.
A relaxing day in Lake Manyara lodge.
The 2nd flight in Ngorongoro has been very different. We have taken off at 6am from the east side of the crater and have landed in the west rim. The way down to the crater flying over the bushes has amazed everybody.
The light was spectacular, the sky was clear and there was a thin layer of fog falling down to the crater. All 13 balloons could fly together and it was a perfect day for taking pictures.
The balloons have been loaded to the trucks to be sent to Zanzibar. Tomorrow we go to Manyara and relax for a couple of days before the next flight.
Today’s flight has been very, very special. It is the first time that balloons take off inside Ngorongoro crater! It is also special because everyone has had the chance to fly.
We have crossed the unique landscape of the crater and flown out to the west side. The clouds over the rim of the crater, as well as the animals we have seen there, is an image we will never forget
In the windy landing area we have found many masai villages, and there we have patiently waited for the retrieve. We have all enjoyed a lot the drive back to the campsite.
The day has started with a game drive in Ngorongoro crater. We have been lucky to see many animals in all different landscapes this very special national park has to offer.
After many efforts and with the cooperation of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area director and also the help of tanzanian pilot Abeid Soka, we have been able to carry the balloons down to the take-off site.
The balloons are ready for what is to be the first flight ever out of Ngorongoro crater!
We have arrived to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The views of the crater are spectacular and we are all very excited to fly here.
The camping location had to be changed last minute and so the campsite is not completely set up. Nevertheless the tents are there and we have had a nice dinner.
The plan for today was up to each group. Relax, walk around the area, go to the market…
In the meantime the tanks were refueled in Arusha, ready for the upcoming flights in Ngorongoro.
The day has started at 3am. We got at 4.45 to the launch site and the sky was cloudy. We have prepared the balloons before sunrise and has started to rain during the inflation.
We start to take off as soon as possible, knowing the sky is clear above the clouds. The first image of the Kilimanjaro is breathtaking.
Some pilots have been able to cross the main crater, and all balloons have approached both the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
The views were beautiful, the weather marvelous and warmer than expected, and everyone has enjoyed a safe flight and landing.
The retrieve has taken some time because of logistics but the atmosphere was relaxed and there were no hurries at all. It has been very emotional when we have all gathered at the meeting point.
We have finished at dinner time and we have celebrated with good catalan cava. We are all very excited for today’s success.
FLYING IS MAGIC!!
The second container has arrived and we have spent the day with the final preparations. We have refueled the tanks and set up the oxygen equipment, all in good company and under a bright sun.
Now is everything ready for the big day, and if there are no surprises on weather conditions the flight will take place tomorrow!!
The group has arrived in Marangu, near the take-off area for the Kilimanjaro flight. After a nice meal we have moved to the take-off site to start preparing the balloons. The gas and the oxygen are on site, and one container has arrived.
The second container is still on its way, and since the weather forecast is favorable for Monday it has been decided to finish the preparations tomorrow morning. Now is time to rest and get ready for the Kilimanjaro flight on Monday!
We have landed in Nairobi early in the morning and have been picked up by Savanna Expeditions. After having a nice breakfast we have crossed the border to Tanzania and we have finally arrived to Two Mountains Lodge in Arusha by lunchtime.
In the afternoon we have had the first briefing: there are several possible take-off fields for the Kilimanjaro flight and the balloons are expected to arrive in Arusha tomorrow.
We are all very excited to have arrived to Tanzania, for this was the first challenge. Also very happy to meet each other in such a lovely country!
Already in Marangu with the final preparations and excited to meet the group on Friday. Looking for take-off fields for the Kilimanjaro flight, finalising the arrangements to fly in Ngorongoro area, and still some work to do like preparing the balloons.
Many thanks to Peter Chaga from Savanna Expeditions and all his team, to our good friend Jimmy Mkwawa, and also to the Authorities for their cooperation in what we are sure will be a successful event.
The starting date of the Tanzania Ultramagic Balloon Experience 2021 is getting close and all teams are very excited to participate!
The balloons were shipped end of September and are on their way to Tanzania, and the permits have been successfully managed with the Authorities with the great help of Jimmy Mkwawa.
We are sure it will be an incredible experience in this wonderful country that brings us so many memories.
