Reviews: Ballooning in the Namib Desert

"Amazing, fabulous, awesome are just a few of the words to describe this, something we have wanted to do for a number of years and it happened. If you get the chance to do a hot air balloon flight, then do it, and do it over the sands of the Namib-Naukluft National Park !

The champagne breakfast in the national park at the end of the flight was very enjoyable with lots of choice of home made food and plenty of soft drinks, coffee etc to drink as well." Read more about this whole safari

"Absolutely stunning experience!

The lodge (Kulala) ensured we arrived on time and the balloon operator ran a very professional and extremely well-managed operation. It included coffee and some quick bites before we left, and an amazing breakfast spread in the desert upon landing - just fantastic!

I think our pilot was Paul (?) who did a wonderful job of navigating. Could not recommend this experience enough, a must do!" Read more about this whole safari

"Very impressed by the professionalism and production of the organization.

Views were stunning. Post balloon brunch in the desert was a nice addition - gorgeous views of the dunes, and good food.

We were also very impressed with Namib Sky's community involvement and investment.

The balloons hold up to 16 people per balloon, so it's a bit cozy in the basket.

The balloon pilots were fun - you get to know them a bit more at brunch; while flying they're quite focused." Read more about this whole safari

"An unmissable and unforgettable experience.

We loved every moment of the balloon trip, from the theatre of the enormous balloons being inflated, to gliding peacefully over the desert dunes and smoothly landing to a beautifully presented champagne breakfast.

Memories which will last a lifetime.

Cannot recommend highly enough and whilst pricey, we felt absolutely worth it." Read more about this whole safari

"Superb organisation. We had to rise at 4am and were collected at 4.25am and taken to the site. As we were at Kalula lodge the trip was fairly short. Almost everyone else would have had a longer journey to get to the starting line.

From the word go there was a feeling that these people knew what they were doing and that's critical for a lot of people who are apprehensive about going up in a balloon. Watching the balloons inflate is fascinating and then climbing in and taking off. We had great views and my wife, who is not great with heights, had no problems whatsoever. The whole landing process was an education too. Then the speed at which the guys set up the breakfast tables, food and drink was astonishing as we were in the middle of the desert.

The breakfast was every bit as good as other reviews have stated. One of the other two couples we met at Kulala had a birthday and they gave her special treatment and a birthday cake, which was a nice touch. Then it was back to the starting point before heading back to the lodge.

That evening there were strong winds resulting from the heat and the flights the next morning had to be cancelled so we lucky. It also helps explain the high cost. They have to pay the staff and be set up to go but sometimes the weather prevents flights so there's no income. We'd definitely recommend the experience." Read more about this whole safari

"Unfortunately had to cancel due to sickness but didn’t relish the idea of leaving our lodge at 4am and driving back the way we had come - 25 miles on rough roads and obviously in the dark." Read more about this whole safari

"The sunrise balloon ride was really great and definitely worth the cost.

The ride was super calm and smooth (though we were warned that landing can sometimes be rough), and the views were amazing. Some of our favorite photos of our entire trip are from the balloon. Our guide, Milton, was excellent - informative, funny, and we felt completely safe under his ballooning skills. Being at sunrise in the winter and in the desert, this was indeed quite cold - dress warmly (hat, gloves, etc.), and expect a lot of waiting around before taking off, though it is really cool to see the balloons being filled with hot air from giant burners. The drive to/from the ballooning headquarters and take-off place can take a while. Fortunately coffee/tea and light snacks are provided and there is a large and clean restroom facility. After the ballooning there is a very nice al fresco breakfast in the desert.

We didn't learn until the end that part of the cost of the ballooning goes to supporting a local school and the resources the school provides for the community (sewing equipment, computers, etc.). This made the balloon ride even more worthwhile. The ballooning was one of the highlights of our tour to Namibia." Read more about this whole safari

"An unforgettable morning ballooning in the Namib Desert! So special. Very well organized. Very professionally run and all the Balloonists were knowledgeable and engaging. Delicious breakfast following our trip - set up in the middle of the desert. Thank you. So wonderful!! Highly recommend." Read more about this whole safari

"Wonderful competent company. Well informed, capable, careful.

Well managed beautiful experience, although the morning we went the staff chose to spend most of the time too low, much like being at the top of a dune which we had already done on foot, so overall some exhilarating moments but we missed the sustained unique experience that can only be found by floating high in a balloon.

I believe it was necessary to stay low in order to cathch the wind and cover the distance in a timely way to the landing spot. We've done balloon rides in other places that were more exciting." Read more about this whole safari

"Great staff and my pilot Evo was fun and knowledgeable.

We had a fun and delicious breakfast outdoors afterward." Read more about this whole safari