Balloon Safari in Namibia

Balloon Safari in Namibia is a bucket list safari activity in Namibia offers visitors a chance to experience the spectacle of nature, as the world’s oldest desert comes to life.

Experience heavenly magical moments between tranquility and excitement as you ride across the towering dunes of Namib Desert.

Balloon safari in Namibia promises a truly unique way to explore Namibia and enjoy its brilliant vistas, the soul-satisfying experience offers excellent photographic opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

Awaken before dawn, set out in the early morning moonlight to a designated launch site, where you will excitedly watch as the balloons and brought to life. Hot bursts of flame slowly inflate the brightly colored nylon, strung to robust baskets that rest on their side. As the sun’s first rays peek over the scarlet sand dunes, the hot air balloon slowly drifts upward, revealing the undulating landscapes of the Namibia landscapes.

The balloon soars at varying heights and gradually rotates with the morning breeze thus giving you a new perspective of the desert. Many animals gaze up at the neon colored balloon in surprise and curiosity as it passes overhead and you will enjoying seeing them and take great eye’s view photos of them.

Your pilot will eventually select the perfect landing spot, just in time for a grand celebratory champagne breakfast, where you can recap the morning thrilling moments as you savour a delicious morning meal.

Where to Experience Balloon Safari in Namibia

Balloon safaris in Namibia are done in the Namib Desert, the launch site of the flight greatly depends on the weather conditions and is decided on by the pilot the night before the flight.

There are two main launch locations that is between Sesriem and Sossusvlei and in the northern part of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Just like any other balloon flights, the exact route of your flight and landing spot is determined solely by the wind.

After your flight and champagne breakfast, you will be taken back either to your lodge or meeting point.

What to expect in a Balloon Safari in Namibia

Is ballooning in Namibia Safe?

Safety for our guests is our first priority always, which is why the whole balloon safari is operated by experienced and reputable companies which have been operating the balloon safaris in this area for more than 25 years and have had no incident date.

The pilots operating the balloons hold commercial pilot licenses and are highly experience.

The wide open spaces of the Namib are the ideal location to operate balloon safaris as there are no power lines, buildings or other obstacles that might pose a safety risk.

Can Children go on Balloon Safari in Namibia?

Whether children can join a balloon ride depends on their height rather than their age, to be able to see above the balloon’s basket, they need to be at least 1.20m (4 feet) tall. Children who are not eligible to participate in a hot air balloon flight can join the ground crew, following the balloon and join their parents for the Champagne breakfast.

What else should I Know before booking a balloon safari in Namibia?

Though you don’t need to be super fit to join a balloon flight, you need to be able to stand for at least one hour and also be able to squat down in windy conditions. Most landings are smooth, but in some cases the basket will tip over and you will landing laying on the side.

Many visitors who are afraid of the heights report that they don’t feel vertigo on balloon rides, the ride is very tranquil and steady as the balloon flies as fast or slow as the wind blows.

Can I fly if am Pregnant?

Unfortunately, you cannot participate in the balloon safari and we cannot take you onboard as our insurance cover does not allow for expecting mothers to fly in our balloons. Although it is the safest form of aviation, each pregnancy is different and we cannot accept responsibility should anything happen to your unborn baby.

How Many People will be in the Basket?

There are different sized balloons that are used depending on the number of booking on that day, the largest balloons can carry 18 passengers. All the baskets are oversized to allow plenty of space and comfort, everyone gets a “window seat”

Will it be Cold up There?

Once airborne the temperature will rise very quickly, the burners will warm you up, and as we travel with the wind you will also not feel it. The coldest temperatures are felt between the moment you leave your lodge and the ballooning launching time.

When to Go on a Balloon Safari in Namibia

Sossusvlei balloon safaris are done all year-round, expect for January 15 to February 15 when this safari activity is not offered.

All over the world, ballooning safaris are strictly dependent on weather conditions, lucky, the in the early morning hours of the Namibia, great and stable conditions are experienced. Dry weather, good visibility, light but consistent winds are needed for a comfortable flight.

The balloon flights starts at sunrise, and you need to arrive at the meeting point at least half an hour before take-off. The flight itself takes about one hour, followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert, expect to be back at your lodge or the meeting point between 10 and 11 am.

In case the flight has to be cancelled due to weather conditions, safety is an absolute priority. You will be refunded or can postpone to the next date available.

Where to stay on a Balloon Safars in Namibia

While on a balloon safari in Sossusvlei, we recommend staying at beautiful Sossusvlei Lodge, this lodge is ideally located at the entrance to the Namib –Naukluft National Park. The lodge offers different accommodation options, a swimming pool, sundowner deck and an al freco restaurant. In addition to balloon rides, Sossusvlei Lodge also organizes other safari activities like helicopter rides and scenic flights, excursions to Deadvlei, Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon as well as sundowner and nature drives and guided walks.

There are other accommodation options where you can stay and enjoy your experience, these include Burgsdorf Guest Farm, Camp Gecko, Capricorn Restcamp, Dead Valley Lodge, Desert Camp, Desert Hills Glamping Camp, Desert Hills Lodge, Desert Homestead Lodge, Desert Quiver Camp, Desert Whisper, Duwisib Castle Camp, Gamis Guestfarm, Hoodia Desert Lodge, Koiimasis, Kulala Desert Lodge, Kwessi Dunes Lodge and Le Mirage Desert Lodge

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