Although some ballooning companies are always experienced at sunrise, hot air balloon rides are an enchanting and exciting way to explore a new location. The perspective above is much different than when you get on foot adventure, and when rides are expensive, the experience is generally worth the price. From Utah’s monumental valley to the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia, check out the list of the best hot air balloon rides in the world.
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
One of the most popular hot air balloon rides in the world is over the fairy chimney rock systems of Cappadocia. Outside the city of Gorem in South Central Turkey, chimneys are another world, cone-like rocky shapes, and caves, which is especially surprising when they see a warm air balloon at sunrise. Note, the views are beautiful from the ground, and the balloons see the climb above the strange landscape.
There are some different flight options, and the choice depends on your budget and how much time you want to spend in the sky. Very affordable balloon rides are group trips, but these can stay for a short time and take more people. For a lifetime experience, try a private tour that allows for a long stay and better Instagram selfies.
The nearest airport to Cappadocia is the Nevsehir (NAV). However, there are great options for going to Cappadocia. Kamil Koc runs a bus from Ankara bus station to Göreme bus station every 4 hours. Ticket prices are 4 1,400 – 100 2,100 and the journey is 3 hours. MetroTurizm serves this route every 4 hours.
The magnificent landscape is matched only by the fascinating human history. The soft stones of the region have been used by people for centuries to find shelter underground, which is behind the stunning cave architecture. The fresco-adorned, rock-cut churches of Goreme Open Air Museum are the most popular. Also worth visiting are the Keimakli and Derinkuyu underground shelters. However, staying at One Cappadocia’s cave hotel is a great way to experience 21st century cave life.
As a travel agency, we will be happy to help you plan every step of your trip, including flight tickets, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tours and more. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
What do we love?
- Fairy chimneys and interesting landforms in the region allow you to use your imagination unlimitedly while traveling between them.
- The region has a common wine culture from past to present.
- Among the deep valleys, the Cappadocia region, which has an exquisite view where the power of nature is felt, has a number of hills with impressive views.
- The deep valleys, plateaus, landforms, church and pigeon nests in Goreme Historical National Park have a beautiful appearance.
What to know?
- The Cappadocia region, which can be reached by direct flight from many cities of Turkey, Nevşehir (Cappadocia) Airport and Kayseri Airport are the closest connection points.
- The distance to both airports is 1 hour at most. It is possible to reach the region in a short time.
- Cappadocia, with its beautiful boutique hotels, historical and ancient settlements, underground cities and impressive landforms, provides a different travel experience.
ALSO SEE– Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia-The Essential Packing Guide
2. Serengeti, Tanzania
You know the opening credits of The Lion King, where they give a bird’s eye all over Savannah, and do you see all the animals? You can get that scene in real life when booking a warm air balloon ride with the Serengeti Balloon Safaris at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. From above, you will get a free look at lions, elephants, hippos, and giraffes. From now on, they won’t notice you, so you will see Africa’s wonderful wild animals in their uninterrupted beauty. It is truly a time-in-a-lifetime experience.
The recommended entry is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is between the cities of Moshi and Arusha. The airport is located 200 miles / 320 kilometers from the south entrance of the park. There are two international flight options such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines (sometimes a week). The Kilimanjaro International Airport has daily contact with Nairobi (NPO) in Kenya, which offers more international flight possibilities.
What do we love?
- Great reason to visit the Serengeti is a walking safari
- In the Serengeti, the landscape begs to be savoured and photographed, as muc`h part of the safari experience as the superb wildlife.
- Make the most of early starts and sundowners to enjoy Serengeti’s beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
- The Serengeti Safari is one of the most thrilling sites to experience when you visit the Serengeti
What to Know?
- It is best known for its huge herds of plains animals (especially gnu [wildebeests], gazelles, and zebras), and it is the only place in Africa where vast land-animal migrations still take place.
- With its vast open plains, stunning wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a place where you can truly experience the beauty and majesty of nature.
- Undoubtedly one of the most unique and popular times to visit the Serengeti is during the famous Grumeti and Mara River crossings.
3. Sossusvlei, Namibia
It is amazing to see the red and orange sands of the Namib desert from the ground around Sossusvlei, which has not yet been discovered, and as you look from above, it truly goes out of the world. Moving the constantly changing designs of the cliffs under the cloudless, blue African sky is a soul pleasant and you will never forget once in a lifetime. You will pass through the tallest and oldest sand dune on the planet (or close as much as the wind takes you).
Arrange through your hot air balloon Safari Sossusvlei Lodge. Because these dunes are so far away, you cannot visit on a one-day trip, and this is one of the best places to stay near the Namibrand Nature Reserve. As part of the 3.5-hour excursion, they include sunrise balloon rides (because the variation of light in the sand in the first hours of the day is very intense), the air is over an hour, and then a luxurious bush-served Al Fresco at the ground.
Top Attractions in Sossusvlei are Namib Desert, Deadvlei, Sesriem canyon. The fastest way to get to Sossusvlei Lodge is from Windhoek Airport (WDH), to Sesriem. Taking this option costs $ 13 – $ 220 and 1h is 14m. How far from Windhoek Airport (WDH) to Sossusvlei Lodge, Sesriem? The distance between the Windlock Airport (WDH) and the Sossusvlei Lodge is the Cestem 279 km.
What do we love?
- There is one dune higher than this in the Namib Desert. This is Dune 7 which is 388 meters high.
- There are a number of underground rivers in the area that often flood the pans.
- Water is brought to Sossusvlei via fogs that come in off the Atlantic Ocean in the early mornings.
- Sossusvlei is one of the top photographed landscapes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- This scene has been featured in dozens of music videos, movies, and commercials.
What to know?
- Driving to the area requires a 4X4 vehicle. However, there are shuttles that will take you back and forth so don’t feel pressured to rent a 4X4.
- Be prepared for a 30-40 minute drive from the park entrance before seeing the first dune.
- You will be exploring the attraction by foot so make sure to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
- There isn’t much tree coverage so always come prepared with sunblock and a hat.
- Food and drink can be found at the park entrance but not beyond that. Make sure to stock up before you set off.
- There is plenty of accommodation within an hour of the park. So, plan ahead so that you can have an easier time getting to and from the park.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
For nine days in October, hot air ballooning becomes the center of the world when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held. The annual event features the planet’s biggest hot air balloon betting and festival and mass climbing, hundreds of balloons rising simultaneously, as well as speed racing. It was an experience. But even if you do not visit New Mexico’s largest city during this fiesta, you can enjoy the hot air balloon rides on the mountain-junction-high desert landscape throughout the year.
The top attractive places in Albuquerque are Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Sandia Peak Tramway, Cliff’s Amusement Park, Historic Old Town, and ABQ Biopark.
The nearest airport to Albuquerque is the Albuquerque (ABQ). ABQ Ride Sunport @ Runs a bus for 2nd @ copper hours from the level of arrival. The ticket price is ₹ 82 and the journey is 25 minutes.
What do we love?
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual festival that brings fun, color and excitement to this city, with more than 500 balloons.
- With the longest single span in the world and as the longest aerial tram in the country, the Sandia Peak Tramway is a unique place to visit when you come to Albuquerque.
- Cliff’s Amusement Park, If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy exciting family fun, entertainment and thrills, this is a great place to come.
What to Know?
- Lots of employment opportunities in IT and Healthcare
- Learn about the city’s culture at Pueblo Cultural Center
- Attend a stargazing session at any of the history centers
- Check out great artworks at Muros de Burque and Richard Levy Garden
- Attend Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque or Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
5. Luxor, Egypt
The sun rises in the desert and the lush green of the Nile River landscape, and the warm air from the basket of the balloon to the valley of the valley of Egypt is an unforgettable sight. Luxor has many ballooning companies, which allow you to visit ancient tombs and temples, including chintpad balloons. The trips depart early in the morning, and the direction and length of each plane are determined by the weather and wind that day.
This city of 100 gates is known as the religious hotbed of Egypt and features enormous temples, rivers, a sprawling desert and the ruins of the famous Western Valley. It lures travelers from across the world with its popular tourist spots. The best places to visit in Luxor Egypt include Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings & Queens, and lots of popular sites that give a chance to plunge in the glorious history of this ancient city.
The nearest airport to Luxor is Luxor (LXR). The Go bus runs twice daily from Egypt to Hurghada. Ticket prices are ₹ 900 – ₹ 1,300 and the journey is 4 hours. Alternatively, the Egyptian Railway operates a train from Sohak to Luxor hours. The ticket price is ₹ 55 – ₹ 80 and the journey is 2 hours 50 m.
What do we love?
- The Karnak temple complex, in Luxor, is an archaeological site.
- The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Place of Truth, contains 63 exquisite royal tombs from the New Kingdom, all very distinct from one another.
- The Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located to the east of the Nile.
- Hot Air Balloon rides are one of the most popular things to do in Luxor. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and its exquisite monuments.
- The Mummification Museum in Downtown Luxor presents illustrations of the entire process of mummification.
What to know?
- The months of November through March are the most comfortable in Luxor, with warm, pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing
- While in Luxor, make sure to skip the hotel restaurants and fast-food joints at least once.
- Luxor is famous for Karnak, a huge complex started after 2100 BC, and the Valley of the Kings, a network of pharaoh’s tombs—including Tutankhamun’s—in mountains on the Nile’s West
- Bank, facing the city.
- The city stands out for its sheer number of antiquities. However, for uniqueness, the necropolis at Valley of the Kings on the Nile’s West Bank wins