There are places in this world that touch us so deeply that we make a promise to ourselves to one day return. Tom de Dorlodot made such a promise over twelve years ago during his travels across Africa: to come back to Tanzania and explore the region around the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai from the air. But it wasn’t just the landscape that left a lasting impression—it was the people. A culture that stands out in its purity and simplicity, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions.
Nature's Whim
Tanzania’s landscape is wild and untamed, just as one imagines Africa: blisteringly hot, dry, and plagued by sandstorms and swirling dust devils. These natural phenomena often appear like mini tornadoes, emerging out of nowhere. Coupled with the intense heat in the valleys, these conditions create powerful wind systems that are almost impossible to predict. European weather knowledge gets you nowhere here. It takes a lot of courage, and even more experience, to fly in such conditions – something Tom is perfectly suited for.
The Weather Demands Sacrifices
Are the constant dust devils just bad luck, or are these extreme winds simply the norm? Tom and his friends, Horacio and Jake, ponder this question time and again. Just as they are about to make another attempt with the winch after several frustrating weather-induced delays, the ever-strengthening wind once again thwarts their plans. It is at this moment that Leiyo, a guide from a Maasai tribe, notices the trio and becomes fascinated by their mission. He invites them to his village and introduces them to the tribal chief. Although the chief knows little about flying, he certainly understands the frustration of battling the weather. He suggests calming the winds with a nighttime sacrifice. Through singing, dancing, and the sacrifice of a goat, they hope to appease the forces of nature. Tom and Horacio promise the Maasai that, should the ritual work, they will take them tandem flying.
The Mountain of God
Amazingly, the next morning a gentle breeze stirs hope for the long-awaited flight. Using the winch, Tom, Horacio, and Jake take off and soon find themselves soaring in strong thermals over Ol Doinyo Lengai - the Mountain of God. Their plan is to land on the edge of the northern crater of the active volcano. It takes them over two hours, as the wind and thermals keep pushing them beyond their target. Tom is the first to make it, executing a daring manoeuvre to stall his glider just below the crater rim, pulling off a pinpoint landing. As the sun begins to set, they set up camp and explore the pulsing heart of the crater.
The First Flying Maasai
Two days later, the winds finally favoured Tom and Horacio, allowing them to fulfil their promise to the Maasai. After spending several evenings by the campfire with the tribe, discussing everything from life to the cosmos, the moment arrived: Tom took his newfound friend, Leiyo, up into the air. Of all the flights in Tanzania, each unforgettable in its own right, it was the tandem flight with Leiyo that touched Tom the most. In the end, it’s always the people you share your adventures with who make the experience truly special. As Tom would say, "happiness is only real when shared."
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More about Tom
Tom de Dorlodot
With 9 participations, Tom de Dorlodot is one of the absolute X-Alps veterans. In recent years, the Belgian has also undertaken countless VolBiv expeditions to Pakistan and founded the Search Project. He travels around the world with his sailboat and visits exceptional paragliding spots.
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