Journal10 January 2026
What to wear at 1,000 feet
The short, specific answer — including the two things most people forget.
Dawn in the Mara is cold — five to eleven degrees Celsius, depending on the month. Mid-flight is warmer because the burner is directly above you. Landing is warm. This means layers.
The minimum
Closed-toe shoes. Long trousers (the basket can clip acacia on landing). A long-sleeved base layer. A fleece. A light windproof. A brimmed hat for breakfast.
The two things people forget
A baseball cap is useless once you're in the basket — the burner is above you and the shade you need is overhead, not in front. Bring a wide brim or a beanie for the cold part.
A small carabiner or wrist strap for your camera. If you drop a phone from 900 feet, it is gone. We have seen it happen three times.
What to skip
Anything loose — scarves, long necklaces, flowing kaftans. The basket is a physical space and the burner is hot. Loose fabric catches on things.