Awesome balloon flight

Before the sparrows were up this morning, we launched just before sunrise together with son S for a balloon flight over the Pilanesberg National Park.
These flights are absolutely fantastic, but we were initially unprepared for the awesomeness of the flight. Low level flight over the length of Mankwe Dam, with beautiful sunrise views and of the other 2 balloons that launched shortly after us.
We were then treated in quick order to sightings of a Leopard (enjoying the early morning sun beams like all felines), both White and Black Rhino, a pride of 10 lions, a lovely selection of antelope. The birding was also great with about 40 species recorded, including a Kori Bustard and of course, African Fish Eagles.

The extra pictures include the sunrise, and views from the balloon.