Amazing Places for Hot Air Balloon Experiences

Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is often considered the best place to hot air balloon in the world. Perhaps it’s the ethereal terrain, dotted with the fascinating rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’ and volcanic valleys, that have turned it into a remarkable destination for this experience.

For the full effect, we recommend waking up extra early for a sunrise flight over the undulating landscape. You’ll get to enjoy uninterrupted views with less visitors, particularly in the spring and autumn months (April to November).

Serengeti National Park is known for its world-class safaris on land, but it’s also a fantastic place to take to the skies. A hot air balloon tour over the endless savannahs and grasslands of northern Tanzania allows you to appreciate this environment in a whole new way.

Hot air ballooning is also one of the best ways to see an array of animals without the risk of disturbing or endangering them. Once you’re back on solid ground, you can enjoy a peaceful breakfast under the shade of an umbrella acacia tree.

If you’ve ever wondered what the ruins of Ancient Egypt look like from above, allow us to suggest stepping into the basket of a hot air balloon. You can float above the historic city of Luxor, passing over temple complexes, the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings.

From this lofty vantage point you’ll be able to see how more than five dozen tombs are arranged and connected throughout the valley, making the site’s sheer scale and intricacy especially apparent.

One interesting (and perhaps unexpected) thing about hot air balloons is that they don’t have a fixed route – instead, their path is determined by the wind. In Jaipur, this means that your hot air balloon experience could include any combination of the city’s forts, palaces and surrounding countryside.

Watching the sunrise over Jaipur’s vibrant pink buildings is the sort of image you’ll never forget. You’ll also get to see how the balloon is set up and learn how it works before your flight begins, which increases the overall sense of awe.

Soar over the world’s largest religious structure at Angkor Wat, a massive temple complex that covers more than 400 acres (160 hectares). This is Cambodia’s main attraction and well worth exploring on foot as well, but a hot air balloon ride offers another perspective.

Seeing Angkor Wat from above helps you to comprehend just how enormous the whole complex really is. This view also highlights the geometric structure of the site, which is surrounded by a perfectly rectangular moat.

Known as the adventure capital of the country – and maybe even the planet – Queenstown boasts some of the best hot air balloon experiences in New Zealand. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so you’re guaranteed some gorgeous views as you glide through the clouds.

Take your time to admire the rugged mountains and the buildings that spill down their slopes to the shimmering surface of Lake Wakatipu. You might even be able to spot some of the nearby filming locations for The Lord of the Rings.

France’s Loire Valley is often highlighted as one of the best places to hot air balloon in the world thanks to its eponymous river, numerous châteaux, picturesque villages and verdant countryside. If you’re hoping for a romantic hot air balloon experience, it’s a wonderful choice.

In fact, a sunrise flight is the perfect way to begin a romantic day in the region. You can follow it up with a Champagne toast, vineyard visits and strolls through charming towns like Amboise and Montsoreau.

A hot air balloon trip over the Maasai Mara offers the chance to spot all sorts of animals, from the Big Five to graceful giraffes and gazelles. Like most of the world’s best hot air balloon experiences, it’s best enjoyed at dawn.

You can sip a steaming cup of coffee or tea before lifting off, and indulge in a delicious breakfast in the bush after touching down. In between you’ll enjoy a full hour in the air, providing privileged views of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife reserve.

Perhaps best known for being the world’s driest non-polar desert, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a truly magical place for a hot air balloon ride. Here the landscape is nothing short of otherworldly, studded with stark salt pans, volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons and rippling dunes.

If you take flight between September and November, you might even be lucky enough to see the desert blanketed in bright flowers – a rare phenomenon known as the desierto florido.

Head beyond the bustling streets of Marrakesh for a quiet sunrise outside of the city and high above the ground. The nearby Palmeraie (palm grove) is the launch site for this early-morning experience, which begins with traditional tea before lift-off.

If you opt for a private flight you’ll also be served a lovely breakfast while on board. You’ll be able to sit down in the basket to fully relax as you take in the views of Morocco’s stunning sand dunes, oases, mountains and more.