Ballooning in Africa

Exploring the vast African landscapes from a different perspective has always captivated the imaginations of adventurers and visionaries alike. It was the renowned author Jules Verne who first sparked the idea of ballooning in Africa with his novel "Five Weeks in a Balloon," published in 1862. Verne's vivid descriptions of a daring flight across the African continent from Zanzibar ignited the potential for experiencing breath-taking sights and encountering exotic wildlife from a hot air balloon.

Almost a century later, Anthony Smith, an intrepid English writer and gas balloonist, decided to transform Verne's captivating words into reality. Accompanied by his crew, Smith embarked on an extraordinary journey in his balloon from Zanzibar to Tanganyika, and then onwards over the magnificent Serengeti and the Rift Valley. Joining him on this remarkable expedition was wildlife photographer Alan Root, who, like Verne, recognized the incredible potential of observing wildlife from an aerial vantage point.

Around the same time, the United States Navy was developing a modern hot air balloon primarily as a ship-to-shore lifting device. Although the navy eventually abandoned the project, a new type of balloon emerged, constructed with rip-stop spinnaker nylon and equipped with a burner powered by domestic cooking gas. This innovative balloon design proved to be cost-effective, easy to maintain, and provided excellent control over altitude, adjustable to within a few inches.

Alan Root, ever eager to explore new horizons, arranged for a test flight in one of these modern balloons. As he ascended six feet off the ground, he realized that this flying apparatus was precisely what he had been seeking.

Wasting no time, he swiftly arranged for a balloon and a skilled pilot to be sent to Kenya, where he delved into the intricacies of mastering the art of flying. Overcoming the challenges of adapting European flying techniques to suit African conditions, Root soon conquered the hazards and commenced his earnest endeavour of capturing breath-taking footage from the skies.

The culmination of Alan Root's aerial exploits resulted in his renowned film, "Safari by Balloon," which quickly became a beloved masterpiece. This captivating documentary has been enjoyed by over 98 million viewers across 26 different countries, and he became the first person to ever fly over the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a hot air balloon.

A mere year later, on January 3rd, 1976, Alan Root accomplished yet another milestone by piloting the inaugural flight of a pioneering Kenyan company, Balloon Safaris Limited. Established in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve at Keekorok Lodge, this enterprise aimed to provide visitors with an awe-inspiring and unique perspective of the African savannah, promising unforgettable adventures and encounters with the continent's remarkable wildlife.

From the pages of Jules Verne's visionary novel to the daring exploits of Anthony Smith and Alan Root, ballooning in Africa has evolved from a fantastical concept to a thrilling reality. Today, the legacy of these pioneers lives on, as adventurers from around the world embrace the opportunity to soar above the enchanting landscapes of Africa, witnessing its untamed beauty and diverse wildlife from the tranquility of a graceful hot air balloon.