8 of the best places in the world to go Hot Air ballooning

Old Bagan, Myanmar (Burma) - (Image source)

Included in this article are 8 of the best, stunning and awe-inspiring places to go Hot Air Ballooning throughout the world.

1. ​Cappadocia & Pasabagi, Turkey

A definite must-do when in Turkey is to go Hot Air Ballooning. There are 2 standout options, UNESCO Heritage listed, Göreme National Park or the series of distinctive “fairy chimneys,”/ cone-shaped rock formations found in Monks Valley, Pasabagi. Both sites are two of the most stunning vistas in the world. Whether you choose to go ballooning or not, the sight of the balloons flying over the valleys is not to be missed and is a photographers dream. With standard and deluxe flight options Kapadokya Balloons has you sorted. 

Cappadocia, Turkey - (Image source)

2. Luxor, Eygpt

View the real Egypt and float across the sky with a spectacular birds-eye look at multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, Ramesseum, plus, the Nile River below. You’ll see the design of the temples and layout of the tombs, giving you the opportunity to understand their relationship, which is almost impossible to fathom from ground level. There are many balloon operators located in the area but check out Hod Hod Soliman Balloon Flights who are ranked #6 of #38 Outdoor Activities in Luxor on TripAdvisor for a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Ramesseum, Luxor, Egypt - (Image source)

3. ​​SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA ​

The most beautiful arid and dead landscape in the world. Deadvlei is a white clay pan located near, Sossusvlei, the famous salt pan within the Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. Close by you will also find Big Daddy (Dune 7) the largest dune in the world measuring at a massive 400 metres high, and Dune 45, one of the star attractions of Namibia. Not only is it recommended to climb Dune 45 and visit these destinations with your feet on the ground, but a hot air balloon ride with Namib Sky Balloon Safaris over these destinations will wow you beyond belief.

Deadvlei, Sossousvlei, Namibia - (Image source)

4. ​​​​SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

Serengeti Balloon Safaris will offer you a chance to fly over many areas out of bounds to vehicles within Serengeti National Park. Their hot air balloon rides depart from fours sites within the national park, so it is important to complete some research to decide which location is best for you, as each area has something different to offer depending on what time of year you choose to travel. In Central Serengeti, there is a permanent water source in the Seronera River Valley, where many species of wildlife gather here year-round including lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos. AfricanMecca Safaris also offer hot air balloon rides over this stunning destination. The Great Wildebeest Migration passes through this area around May and June. Western Serengeti includes the Grumeti River, another area attracting various wildlife, and you will be able to see thousands of wildebeest brave Nile crocodiles during the Great Migration in June and July. In the South Serengeti plains, wildebeests gather from December onward to give birth to their calves in February, with an estimated 8000 newborns born every day during the three-week peak of the birthing season. 

The Great Wildebeest Migration. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - (Image source)

5. BAGAN, MYANMAR

Bagan is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar (Burma), and the temple filled town is one of Myanmar’s main attractions. As the capital of the Pagan Kingdom between the 9th and 13th centuries, the surrounding fields were home to over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries as a symbol of the religious devotion of the Myanmar people. Bagan, as it stands today, is a truly stunning setting. The ruins and structures of 2,200 temples and pagodas still appear within the Bagan Archaeological Zone and combine to form one of the most precious archaeological sites in Asia. Taking a hot air balloon ride over Bagan provides you with a view unlike anywhere else on earth and is one of the top activities of the region. If you do not want to travel solo there are a number of Myanmar Tours available.

Bagan, Myanmar (Burma) - (Image source)

6. ​ALBUQUERQUE, United States of America

The photo below is not photoshopped. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in New Mexico, USA every October. The Balloon Fiesta lasts for nine days and is the largest balloon festival in the world, with over 500 balloons included in the festival every year. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is undoubtedly one spectacular sight to see from the ground or take part in from high above. Visit the following links to view the 2018 event schedule or book an official hot air balloon flight with Rainbow Riders, the only balloon rides company authorised to take off from Balloon Fiesta Park during the Balloon Fiesta.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico, USA - (Image source)

7. Yarra Valley, Australia

The Yarra Valley wine region is well known for being one of the most picturesque and go to places in Victoria, Australia. The region attracts 4.5 million Aussie and International visitors every year who are seeking beautiful wine and winning scenery. Home to 300 vineyards and 160 wineries, the Yarra Valley is a wine lovers dream. There are a number of Balloon companies servicing the region, but head to the Go Wild Ballooning website, the company that pioneered the first hot air balloon flights over the Yarra Valley for a thoroughly enjoyable hot air balloon ride to remember.

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia - (Image source)

8. ​MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

Home to the Maasai people and one of many locations across Africa that you can find the big 5, the Maasai Mara National Reserve lies in the South-West of Kenya and encompasses a whopping 1,800 kilometre (1,118 mile) area. The reserve lies within the Great Rift Valley and backs onto the Serengeti National Park which lies just across the border in Tanzania. Akin to the Serengeti National Park, within the Maasai Mara you will also find the Great Wildebeest Migration and a tonne of other wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and crocs. To travel across this impressive part of the world, contact the team at Hot Air Safaris.

Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya - (Image source)

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