Volcanoes & maasai
Thomas de Dorlodot, Horacio Llorens & Jake Holland
Thomas de Dorlodot, Horacio Llorens & Jake Holland
Ol Doinyo Lengai & Maasai
with Search Projects, RedBull & GoPro
At Paraglide Kilimanjaro, it gives us great pleasure to plan and carry out extraordinary adventures that push the boundaries of exploration and discovery. When the well-known and super-talented adventurers and paraglider pilots, Thomas de Dorlodot, Horacio Llorens, and Jake Holland, approached us with their ambitious vision for the Search Project expedition to Tanzania, we knew it was an opportunity to share our years of experience and passion for paragliding in one of the world’s most captivating landscapes.
Supported by Paraglide Kilimanjaro, RedBull, and GoPro, the goal of this expedition was clear: to capture never-before-seen footage of Tanzania’s remote corners, from the rugged volcanoes to the serene blue lakes adorned with flamingos. Our team, led by Linda Willemse, George Mgaya, Pierre Carter & Max Christopher and crew painstakingly planned and ran every aspect of the journey, from securing special permissions to providing ground logistics.
Flying in the Rift Valley presented daunting challenges, even for seasoned pilots like Horacio Llorens and Thomas de Dorlodot. Yet, with a whole team behind them coupled with their determination and excitement had them soaring through the skies on Ozone gliders, capturing the essence of Tanzania’s breath taking landscapes. Jake Holland’s exceptional filmmaking skills ensured that every moment of their adventure was immortalized on film, showcasing the raw beauty and adrenaline-fueled excitement of the expedition.
Thomas de Dorlodot, an experienced paraglider pilot and sailor, has a storied history of adventure. From participating in the RedBull X-Alps paragliding race to breaking records and captivating audiences as a public speaker, Thomas brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every expedition.
Horacio Llorens, a 10-time World Acro Paragliding Champion, is known for his adventurous spirit and remarkable flying skills. His daring flights in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan and his unparalleled acrobatic manoeuvres have cemented his reputation as one of the world’s top paraglider pilots.
Jake Holland, a talented filmmaker, photographer, and adventure enthusiast, has produced notable films like ‘The New Way Up,’ featuring Fabi Buhl and Will Sim flying in the Karakoram mountains. His passion for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of adventure on film make him an invaluable asset to any expedition.
Thomas and Horacio were drawn back to Tanzania to fly near Ol Doinyo Lengai, landing on the volcano rim. They discovered this spot during their cross-Africa journey with the Search Project in 2012 and were captivated by its flying potential and the beauty of the active volcano. Their connection with a Maasai tribe during that journey led to a promise to return one day.
We’re incredibly honoured to have played a part in this epic journey, providing the logistical support that enabled Thomas, Horacio, and Jake to push the boundaries of exploration. As they continue to inspire others with their daring exploits, we eagerly anticipate the release of their documentary and the stories that will undoubtedly grace the pages of Cross Country Magazine (247).
At Paraglide Kilimanjaro, we believe that every adventure should be an unforgettable experience we’re privileged to have been a part of this extraordinary journey.
