Giraffe Landscape

My wife brought this scene to my attention, with a lone Giraffe adding a feature of interest to this landscape shot.

Baobob Tree at Sunset

While technically we were supposed to be out of most of the parks by sunset, we were often a bit behind schedule, because we were so busy shooting, and finding new things to shoot. That provided us this opportunity to shoot the classic Baobob tree as the sun went down.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 1

This was a very unique experience. We were staying in a Tent Camp on the Serengeti, which was about a 2 hour drive from the launching point for the Balloon ride, requiring us to get up around 4:00 am to get there in time for a dawn take-off. The morning of our scheduled trip, there was intermittent rain and drizzle, putting the trip in jeopardy. But because the weather could be different where the launch occurred, and with the decision to go or not being made on the spot, we headed out hoping for the best.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 2

We arrived on time, and waited for about 30-45 minutes until those in charge finally made the decision to cancel the trip - it just would not be safe (nor enjoyable, for that matter). So we headed back, requiring another 2 hour drive. But as we drove, our guides were in touch with the managers of the balloon ride company, and determined that there were enough spaces open the following morning to accommodate our group, if we wanted to try again. We hated to have to get up that early yet another morning, but the experience itself was exciting enough that we unanimously agreed to try again.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 3

The weather that next day was completely different, and we had perfect conditions. It was an experience we'll all treasure. The shot above was taken with my Fisheye lens, in an attempt to capture the scope of what we saw and experienced. Two balloons went up, and you can see the other one off in the distance at the upper left.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 4

Here you can see both the other balloon at the upper left, as well as the shadow from our baloon at the lower right. The early morning sun created wonderful shadows from the trees and animals on the ground!

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 5

Having the other balloon below us, with the sun low in the sky, created some beautiful shadows to work with.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 6

If you look carefully, the small white dots in the foreground are probably Thompson's Gazelles, with our balloon's shadow showing prominently.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 7

These next 2 shots were taken just as we were about to land.

Balloon Ride on the Serengeti 8

I may use this shot as a 'self portrait' - if you look carefully, you can see my shadow with my right arm hanging out the right side of the basket, holding the camera to my face.