TARANGIRE, Tanzania High above the plains of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, a hot air balloon glides smoothly through the morning sky, carrying anxious tourists on a magical flight experience. “Watching the balloon inflate is like seeing magic happen right before your eyes," said Sarah Abraham, a Canadian tourist. "I can tell it is going to be a wonderful experience.
" As the sun’s rays pierce through the park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and giant baobab trees, the balloon ride offers a wonderful experience for tourists drifting above the plains to catch glimpses of the amazing nature below. The trip begins at Silale Swamp with a briefing from the pilot and ground crew of Serengeti Balloon Safaris. The initial briefing covers safety protocols to prepare tourists for the adventure.
As the roaring burner fills up the balloon, its sheer size thrills the tourists as it gently lifts off into the sky. "I really loved watching the park from above. It was just amazing," said Abraham.
Piloting the giant balloon is Mohammed Masudi, a seasoned US-trained balloonist who has spent over a decade navigating the skies of Tanzania. "Steering the balloon is both a science and an art," Masudi told Anadolu. "We use the wind currents at different altitudes to guide our direction.
" He described how understanding these air currents is crucial. "Hot air balloons don't have engines, so we rely on the wind," he said. "By heating the air inside the balloon, we can rise to higher alti.