Author: ultramagic

This morning the campsite looked very different. Everyone was now busy packing, saying goodbye and beginning the journey home.

Over the past fifteen days we have travelled thousands of kilometres across Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, flown over deserts, mountains, rivers and savannah, discovered extraordinary wildlife and shared experiences that simply can’t be found on a typical holiday. Every destination has offered something different, but what makes these expeditions truly special is the people who share them. By the end of the trip, many of us had arrived as strangers but were leaving as friends.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who joined us on this adventure, to all the local partners who welcomed us along the way, and to the many people working behind the scenes who helped make such a complex expedition possible. Organising a journey like this takes months of preparation, but seeing fourteen balloons flying over Victoria Falls made every effort worthwhile.

Until the next Ultramagic Experience… thank you for being part of the adventure!

Some mornings are simply unforgettable.

Before sunrise we met at one of the football fields kindly made available by the Victoria Falls City Council. As always, the calm before inflation quickly turned into organised chaos as fourteen balloons were assembled and prepared for take-off. There was a special atmosphere this morning. Everyone knew we were about to experience something very few balloonists ever have.

One after another, the balloons lifted gently into the morning sky and began drifting towards the Zambezi River. As the first spray from Victoria Falls appeared on the horizon, it became clear that all the months of planning, all the logistics and all the uncertainty had been worthwhile. Several balloons were able to fly directly above the Falls, while others enjoyed spectacular views from nearby. It is impossible to describe the feeling of floating silently above one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as thousands of litres of water thunder into the gorge below. It truly was one of those moments that reminds us why we organise expeditions like this.

After landing, there were smiles everywhere. The rest of the day was spent packing the balloons, relaxing around Victoria Falls and enjoying one last opportunity to explore the town. In the evening we all met for our farewell dinner. Looking around the table, it was hard to believe how much we had shared over the past two weeks. New friendships had been made, unforgettable memories created and another Ultramagic Experience had come to a perfect conclusion.

Today was a well-deserved day to slow down after almost two weeks on the road. Most of the group spent the day exploring Victoria Falls on foot, relaxing by the pool or simply enjoying a slower pace. After so many early mornings, long drives and unforgettable flights, having a free day in such an incredible place was more than welcome.

Behind the scenes, however, it was probably the busiest day of the entire expedition. The organisation team spent the day making phone calls, visiting offices and following up on the final permits required for tomorrow’s flight. We knew everything was ready on our side, but until the final clearance arrived, nothing was guaranteed.

Finally, just after 5:00 pm, the news we had all been hoping for arrived: permission granted! Our balloon truck, which had been waiting to cross the border, immediately set off towards Victoria Falls. Even then, the day wasn’t over, as a few last-minute complications delayed its arrival until around 9:30 pm. Seeing the truck finally drive into the campsite was a huge relief for everyone. It has been a long day, but tonight we go to bed knowing that tomorrow we have the opportunity to do something truly special.

Today we packed up camp once again and continued to the third and final country of our expedition: Zimbabwe.

Border crossings are always part of these adventures, and with nearly sixty participants and all our support vehicles, they inevitably take a little time. Thankfully everything went smoothly, and before long we were driving the short distance to Victoria Falls, where we will spend the next few days.

The afternoon was intentionally kept fairly relaxed, giving everyone a chance to settle into the campsite, explore the town or simply enjoy a slower pace after so many kilometres on the road. At the same time, preparations continued behind the scenes for what we all hope will be the highlight of the expedition. Flying over Victoria Falls requires approvals from several different authorities, and although we have been working on the permits for months, there are still a few important details to resolve.

For now, all we can do is stay optimistic. The balloons are on their way, the team is ready, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders is just a few minutes away. Hopefully tomorrow will bring good news.

A new country and another unforgettable flight.

We crossed into Botswana yesterday and were rewarded this morning with perfect flying conditions near Ben’s Farm, very close to the border with Zimbabwe. As the sun rose, fourteen balloons slowly climbed into the sky together, creating another unforgettable sight. Seeing so many colourful balloons drifting above the African bush at sunrise is always special, and sharing it with friends from all over the world makes it even better.

After landing and packing away the balloons once again, we headed to the Chobe River for an afternoon boat safari. The river was full of life. We watched enormous herds of elephants crossing from one bank to the other, crocodiles resting in the sun and countless birds filling the skies. The atmosphere on board was wonderfully relaxed, and the golden light as the sun began to set made the perfect ending to another fantastic day. Tomorrow we head to Zimbabwe… and ever closer to Victoria Falls.

This morning we packed up camp and said goodbye to Namibia after an incredible ten days exploring this beautiful country.

The drive towards Botswana took us through the Ngoma border crossing before continuing to Ben’s Farm, our base for the next stage of the expedition. As always, travelling together as a convoy is part of the fun. Whether it’s stopping to admire the scenery, sharing stories over the radio or helping each other along the way, these long drives have become an important part of the experience.

We arrived at Ben’s Farm in Lesoma during the afternoon and had time to settle in before dinner. Some went for a beautiful game drive while others finalized the arrangements for the flight tomorrow morning.

Today was all about discovering a different side of Namibia.

As expected, the truck carrying the balloons arrived later in the day, so we took the opportunity to enjoy everything this beautiful corner of the Caprivi Strip has to offer. The lush vegetation and permanent rivers make this region feel like a completely different country compared to the deserts we have been exploring over the past week.

We spent the day with a fantastic game drive through Bwabwata National Park, where we were lucky enough to spot plenty of wildlife while learning more about this unique ecosystem. This was complemented for a fantastic and peaceful boat cruise along the river. Watching crocodiles and hippos surfacing beside us and colourful birds flying overhead was the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

After so many early mornings, long drives and unforgettable experiences, today’s slightly slower pace was welcomed by everyone.

We are all looking forward to getting back into the air tomorrow, but as the day came to an end, we received some disappointing news. The military office in the area had not received any notification from CAA regarding our planned flight and they prohibited us to fly tomorrow morning. We were very disappointed, but that’s aprt of organising an expedition like this.

We remain hopeful that things will work out over the next few days as we continue towards Victoria Falls.

Another sunrise, another completely different landscape.

This morning we flew from Onguma Reserve, right next to Etosha National Park. After the mountains and desert of the previous flights, today’s scenery offered something entirely new. Open savannah stretched as far as we could see, dotted with acacia trees and occasional waterholes. Floating quietly above the bush is a very different kind of ballooning experience, and one that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Once all the balloons had landed safely, packed away and loaded onto the truck, it was time to continue east towards the Caprivi Strip. During the drive the landscape gradually transformed yet again. Dry desert slowly gave way to greener vegetation, larger trees and eventually the lush surroundings of the Kavango River. It almost felt as though we had entered a different country without crossing a border.

We reached Nyime Safari Lodge in the late afternoon, where another beautiful campsite was waiting for us and an incredible dinner. Every day seems to bring a completely different landscape, different wildlife and a different flying experience. It’s difficult to believe that we still have another week of adventure ahead of us.

Today we travelled east towards one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations: Etosha National Park.

The drive was another long one, but the excitement grew as we approached the park. Before long, the first wildlife sightings began. Zebras and giraffes were quickly followed by elephants, and then came the animals everyone had been hoping to see. Rhinos, lions… and for a few very lucky participants, even a cheetah! It didn’t take long before cameras were filling up once again.

By the time we reached Onguma, everyone had plenty of stories to share over dinner. Despite the long drive, there was still work waiting for us. The balloons had to be prepared for tomorrow morning’s flight, but it was decided to wake up earlier and do it in the morning, now we have good practice and doesn’t take long! Sleeping inside a private reserve, knowing that wildlife is roaming just beyond the campsite, certainly adds something special to the evening.

If yesterday’s drive was unforgettable, today’s flight somehow managed to surpass it.

We launched shortly after sunrise under perfect conditions, slowly climbing above the dry riverbeds and rugged mountains surrounding Purros. From the basket we could really appreciate just how wild and untouched this part of Namibia is. The changing colours of the landscape, the winding valleys and the feeling of complete isolation made this a very unique flight. Every flying site on this expedition has its own character, and Purros certainly won’t be forgotten.

After landing and packing the balloons, we had the opportunity to visit a nearby Himba village. It was a privilege to learn a little more about their traditions and way of life, and we are very grateful for the warm welcome we received.

The adventure wasn’t over yet. The drive to Opuwo took us through the Hoarusib River, following the riverbed for long stretches before climbing back onto the surrounding tracks. It was another day where the driving itself became part of the experience. We finally arrived in Opuwo late in the evening, tired after another very full day but already laughing about everything we had seen along the way. We are definitely starting to feel the pace of the expedition now…!

Today was all about the journey. We left Terrace Bay early in the morning and began making our way north as a convoy, following one of the most remote stretches of coastline in Africa. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and endless desert on the other, the scenery constantly changed but never became any less spectacular. It’s hard to describe just how vast and empty this part of Namibia feels. Every now and then we would stop simply to take it all in before continuing along the dusty tracks.

Travelling together like this has become one of the nicest parts of the expedition. Although today’s drive wasn’t especially long in terms of kilometres, African roads always have a way of turning a journey into an adventure.

By the afternoon we finally reached Purros, where we received a wonderful welcome from the locals. Dinner was prepared for us at the campsite, giving everyone the chance to relax after another day on the road. After that, there was still work to do. The balloons had to be unloaded from the 6×6 truck and prepared for tomorrow morning’s flight. We have all learnt that, on an Ultramagic Experience, the day isn’t over until the last balloon is ready!

The alarm clocks went off well before sunrise, but nobody needed much encouragement to get out of bed this morning.

Today’s launch site could hardly have been more spectacular. One by one, fourteen colourful balloons inflated beneath the imposing granite walls of Spitzkoppe before gently lifting into the calm morning air. Watching so many balloons floating away together, with the first sunlight illuminating the rocks behind them, was simply magical. It is one of those sights that photographs struggle to do justice.

After landing, however, it was straight back to work. Every balloon had to be quickly packed and all cylinders refuelled as the truck has to leave as soon as possible. The tracks leading to our next flying site near Purros are far too rough for our standard truck, so all fourteen balloon systems will have to be completely unloaded and transferred into a rugged 6×6 truck specially arranged for this section of the journey.

The drive today was another highlight. We stopped at Cape Cross to visit the enormous seal colony before continuing through the Skeleton Coast towards Terrace Bay. Between the Atlantic Ocean, the desert landscapes and thousands upon thousands of seals, today felt like several adventures rolled into one. We are certainly starting to settle into expedition life now… and after such a full day, nobody will need much convincing to get an early night’s sleep.

Today we said goodbye to the dunes and began the journey north towards Spitzkoppe, one of Namibia’s most spectacular landmarks and tomorrow’s launch site.

The drive offered yet another reminder of how varied this country is. As the kilometres passed, the landscape slowly changed until the distinctive granite peaks of Spitzkoppe finally appeared on the horizon. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, it is easy to understand why this place is often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia.”

Once we arrived at the campsite there wasn’t much time to relax. Fourteen balloons had to be unloaded and prepared before sunset and everyone quickly found something to do. One of the nicest things about these expeditions is seeing how naturally people work together, regardless of where they come from. By the end of the afternoon everything was ready. Tomorrow morning our balloons finally take to the skies.

What an incredible way to start our flying adventure.

Before bringing our own balloons into the expedition, this morning we had the privilege of flying with Namib Sky over the Namib Desert. Watching the sun slowly rise over the dunes while floating silently above one of the oldest deserts on Earth is something that is very difficult to put into words. The changing colours of the sand, the endless landscape and the complete silence made this a flight none of us will forget anytime soon. A huge thank you to Denis and his fantastic team for sharing this experience with us.

After landing we visited the Namib Sky Community School | Namib Sky Community Trust. It was inspiring to see how the company supports education within the local community, and it reminded us that travel can leave a positive impact far beyond the memories we take home.

The afternoon was dedicated to another Namibian icon: Deadvlei. Walking among the ancient camel thorn trees, surrounded by towering orange dunes and bright white clay, feels almost surreal. Cameras have certainly been working overtime today! We are now back at the campsite enjoying dinner together before another early start tomorrow as we head north towards Spitzkoppe.

Today the expedition officially got underway as participants from all over the world arrived in Windhoek. There were plenty of familiar faces returning for another Ultramagic Experience, alongside several people joining us for the very first time. As always, it didn’t take long before everyone was chatting.

Once all the rental vehicles had been collected, we headed to what was probably our most important stop of the day: the supermarket. Over the next two weeks these groceries will become breakfasts before sunrise and quick lunches on the roadside.

The drive to Sesriem was the perfect introduction to Namibia. Endless gravel roads stretched across wide open landscapes that seemed to go on forever. It is impossible not to be impressed by the feeling of space this country offers. This evening we were welcomed by Denis Heseman and the NamibSky team with a wonderful dinner. A perfect start to what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Although the expedition officially begins tomorrow with the arrival of all the participants, today already felt like day one for the Ultramagic team.

The day was entirely dedicated to logistics. After months of planning from home, it was finally time to collect all the balloon equipment after clearing customs in Walvis Bay. As always, there is a certain sense of relief when every basket, burner, envelope and cylinder is safely accounted for. International expeditions involve an incredible amount of preparation long before the first balloon ever leaves the ground, and today was one of those days where everything happens behind the scenes.

With the truck finally ready, we spent the day checking equipment, organizing the load and making sure everything was ready for tomorrow. Fourteen balloon teams will be arriving over the next few hours, and from then on things will get busy very quickly. Tonight, everything is finally in place. Tomorrow the real adventure begins.