About Us
Flying Odyssey is an environmentally conscious hot air balloon safari company in Tanzania. We blend adventure, safety, and a deep love for the wild to offer you an unforgettable flight over the Serengeti, where you can watch the Great Migration from the skies. We are committed to protecting nature, empowering local communities, and raising the bar for sustainable tourism — one breathtaking flight at a time.
The Story Behind
Flying Odyssey
Flying Odyssey has been founded by a passionate group of hot air balloon pilots who aim to share the magic of the Serengeti with every passenger, protect the natural beauty of this iconic landscape, and create a company that genuinely cares for its people and the planet.
While adventure tourism and hot air ballooning unite our four founders, their diverse backgrounds—spanning journalism, mass media, marketing, academia, climate science and conservation—bring a wealth of experience to the table.
At Flying Odyssey, we draw strength from our inclusive and talented team, who place customers at the heart of everything we do. We strive to deliver outstanding service and ensure every flight contributes to a more sustainable future for our beloved Serengeti.
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Mission
To deliver a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience over the Serengeti, captivating adventurers, travellers, tourists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Vision
To be the premier choice for hot air balloon adventures in Tanzania and be known for our unwavering commitment to safety, customer service, community building, and environmental stewardship.
Values
- Trust: We promise to honour our commitments and build lasting connections through trust and reliability.
- Safety: We prioritise your well-being Read More
Team
Percy Fernandez, CEO
Percy’s 25-year career spans media, education, travel, and conservation, where he’s built teams, sparked change, and led transformative initiatives within organisations. His true passion lies in the wild though. As a wildlife photographer, Percy’s lens has captured everything from prowling pumas in Patagonia to elusive snow leopards in Nepal, shy gorillas in Uganda, and powerful brown bears in Russia. Add marathon running and mountaineering to the mix, and you’ve got a man who doesn’t just chase horizons—he conquers them.
Captain CJ, Chief Pilot & Director of Flight Operations
CJ, aka Chinthaka Jayasinghe, is an experienced commercial pilot and aviation professional with extensive expertise in hot air balloon operations and flight safety management. Holding multiple CPL certifications across Australia, Tanzania, Canada, the USA, Iraq, and Sri Lanka, CJ has a proven track record in piloting, training, and operational leadership within the ballooning industry. Currently serving as Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations at Flying Odyssey Hot Air Balloon Safaris, he brings strong skills in safety management, crew resource management, and regulatory compliance. For those who don’t know, CJ is a DJ, a music arranger, a techie and has a degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing from Georgia Southwestern State University.
Captain Jones Temba, Director of Maintenance
Jones knows the Serengeti like his own shadow. Having flown over the Serengeti's awe-inspiring plains for the past 15 years, he has seen the land shift, seasons change, and the magic of the wild unfold daily. Oh, and he’s got stories—like the time he flew VIPs like Will Smith and Jeff Bezos. With a knack for keeping balloons in top shape and an unshakable commitment to safety, Jones ensures every flight is as unforgettable as the Serengeti itself.