Reviews: Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Below are independent comments from 84 of our travellers who have done this activity and have kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
Ruddy
Lewes
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Hoodia Desert Lodge on 8 May 2024
"Fantastic experience from start to finish!
Professional, fun, extraordinary views, great pilots & staff, all finished off with a champagne breakfast.
Pricey, but worth it.
Can’t fault, 10 out of 10!" Read more about this whole safari
Professional, fun, extraordinary views, great pilots & staff, all finished off with a champagne breakfast.
Pricey, but worth it.
Can’t fault, 10 out of 10!" Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
M and D
France
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Hoodia Desert Lodge on 6 May 2024
"Amazing experience!
The team are very nice, experienced and knowledgeable.
Transfers were smoothly organized.
Amenities are very clean and nicely decorated.
It was nice to see the preparation of the balloons, including inflating. Then the flight is so beautiful - seeing the dunes and the wildlife whilst sun is rising, all in a quiet surrounding - only noise is when the burners are on or when you speak. The balloon pilot regularly rotates the balloon so everyone can have 360° views. Finally, landing is an experience in itself :-)
And then, breakfast with amazing buffet and champagne in the desert is simply incredible.
To finish with, great to see that the company and the family are supporting the local community, through the creation and running of a local school, as well as sewing activities and plant farming." Read more about this whole safari
The team are very nice, experienced and knowledgeable.
Transfers were smoothly organized.
Amenities are very clean and nicely decorated.
It was nice to see the preparation of the balloons, including inflating. Then the flight is so beautiful - seeing the dunes and the wildlife whilst sun is rising, all in a quiet surrounding - only noise is when the burners are on or when you speak. The balloon pilot regularly rotates the balloon so everyone can have 360° views. Finally, landing is an experience in itself :-)
And then, breakfast with amazing buffet and champagne in the desert is simply incredible.
To finish with, great to see that the company and the family are supporting the local community, through the creation and running of a local school, as well as sewing activities and plant farming." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Dr B
Canada
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Sossus Dune Lodge on 17 Feb 2024
"The hot-air balloon over the desert should not be missed. It is an early morning start with the majestic balloons soaring into the skies just after sunrise. The pilot and set-up crew are friendly and happy to explain the process of filling the balloon and getting the basket ready to receive guests.
Once up in the air the flight is calm with the only sound the burst of flame from the heater to control the height of the balloon. The pilot was brilliant at controlling the way we floated, moving from a high eagle's view over the desert to skimming the ridges of the surrounding hills. It's a great way to get some very different views of the desert to photograph.
At the end of the fight we landed easily, right beside the area set up for a champagne breakfast. A fantastic way to start a day in the Namib Desert." Read more about this whole safari
Once up in the air the flight is calm with the only sound the burst of flame from the heater to control the height of the balloon. The pilot was brilliant at controlling the way we floated, moving from a high eagle's view over the desert to skimming the ridges of the surrounding hills. It's a great way to get some very different views of the desert to photograph.
At the end of the fight we landed easily, right beside the area set up for a champagne breakfast. A fantastic way to start a day in the Namib Desert." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Flying Dutchmen
NL
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Little Kulala on 24 Feb 2024
"If your wallet allows it a balloon flight at sunrise is a MUST. It is worth every penny.
The pilots are very well trained and extremely skillful and they have a lot of humor. They tell you a lot about the balloon, the environment, the desert, the dunes, the history, etc. The pilot also turns the balloon regularly so everyone can take that wonderful picture of sunrise, etc. Our balloon had a large basket which, on the inside, was dived into 4 quarters. Every quarter has 4 persons.This was an amazing experience.
After landing, our pilot landed the balloon right on top of the trailer (!!!), we enjoyed a wonderful champagne breakfast in the desert. White linens, sparkling wine, even almond milk, strong coffee (finally!), croissants, etc. everything locally/home made. Absolutely GREAT.
They also have a very nice curio shop, with some locally produced items with which they support 2 community projects." Read more about this whole safari
The pilots are very well trained and extremely skillful and they have a lot of humor. They tell you a lot about the balloon, the environment, the desert, the dunes, the history, etc. The pilot also turns the balloon regularly so everyone can take that wonderful picture of sunrise, etc. Our balloon had a large basket which, on the inside, was dived into 4 quarters. Every quarter has 4 persons.This was an amazing experience.
After landing, our pilot landed the balloon right on top of the trailer (!!!), we enjoyed a wonderful champagne breakfast in the desert. White linens, sparkling wine, even almond milk, strong coffee (finally!), croissants, etc. everything locally/home made. Absolutely GREAT.
They also have a very nice curio shop, with some locally produced items with which they support 2 community projects." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
george
up north
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Kulala Desert Lodge on 28 Jun 2023
"wow! what a fantastic experience and the breakfast on landing.........
superlatives all round.
saw quite a bit of wildlife from the air.
very impressed with the companies integration into the local community (school funding etc)" Read more about this whole safari
superlatives all round.
saw quite a bit of wildlife from the air.
very impressed with the companies integration into the local community (school funding etc)" Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
D&A
London
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Hoodia Desert Lodge on 15 Jun 2023
"Fantastic experience from start to finish, great food, brilliant pilots - would 100% recommend!
Was really interesting to look round the school and see the impact of the ballooning organisation on the local community too." Read more about this whole safari
Was really interesting to look round the school and see the impact of the ballooning organisation on the local community too." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Mr&Mrs L.
Paris
"Exhilarating"
Based at Desert Camp on 26 May 2023
"Absolutely fabulous !Run by a most professional company , the flight is from beginning to end a magic experience out of the world.
I insist on the competence and professionalism of the crew ( safety advice, very few people in the basket...).A world of a difference with a prior ballooning experience in Lao with a Chinese company !!!
The breakfast set in the middle of the desert with champagne and gorgeous homemade food was outstanding.
Only "negative" point: Namib Sky Balloon Safaris have stopped operating a shuttle between Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and their place." Read more about this whole safari
I insist on the competence and professionalism of the crew ( safety advice, very few people in the basket...).A world of a difference with a prior ballooning experience in Lao with a Chinese company !!!
The breakfast set in the middle of the desert with champagne and gorgeous homemade food was outstanding.
Only "negative" point: Namib Sky Balloon Safaris have stopped operating a shuttle between Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and their place." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Mr A
Mallorca
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Kwessi Dunes on 22 Dec 2022
"An incredible experience.
If your budget stretches to it- this is a must do.
A very smoothly run operation over some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert." Read more about this whole safari
If your budget stretches to it- this is a must do.
A very smoothly run operation over some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, followed by a champagne breakfast in the desert." Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Bromley
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Kulala Desert Lodge on 10 Oct 2022
"Fantastic experience, worth every penny. very well organised by a great team, and a lovely breakfast to follow."
Read more about this whole safari
Overall
Excellent
Mr D.
East Lulworth
"Ballooning in the Namib Desert review"
Based at Kulala Desert Lodge on 4 Oct 2022
Overall
Excellent
84
reviews of this excursion by travellers since Aug-2007.
Overall rating by our travellers
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