Up, up and away……

With nothing but the gentle roar of a burner for company, a hot air balloon is a tranquil way to take in your destination from an alternative perspective.

From the first flights in the 1800’s to the advancements we see today, perfected in the mid 20th century, hot air balloons provide the opportunity to take a unique, slow journey over spectacular landscapes, awe-inspiring historical sites and experience a bird’s eye view view of the nature below.

Invariably the best time of day to embark is at sunrise or sunset when the  air is at its clearest and cooler, especially in warmer climes. Whether a private voyage for a special occasion or a treat for the family, joining a larger flight with a small group, there are plenty of options available in truly breath-taking settings.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Known for it’s weather-beaten landscapes and spectacular rock formations, Jordan‘s Wadi Rum is home to the legacy of Lawrence of Arabia. 100 years later, little has changed and romantic ideas of  awe-inspiring mountains, rising dramatically from the pink-ochre sands are far from dashed.

Inhabited by Bedouins, many of whom still lead a nomadic lifestyle, the desert landscape, with its undulating dunes and towering cliffs throwing long, mysterious shadows across the terrain, makes for a breath-taking scene to unfold below as you float silently into the sky.

Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. The capital city of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries, Bagan was first kingdom that united the regions that would later comprise modern Myanmar.

Boasting over 2,200 temples and pagodas, the plains of Bagan are a truly magnificent site to behold from the air. No other means will allow you to appreciate the sheer vastness of this sacred landscape, the grasslands beyond and the accompanying sky, speciously scattered with other balloons.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

A once in a lifetime experience over the African plains, a hot air balloon takes you game viewing to a whole new dimension. Not only does taking to the air give you a different perspective of the wildlife below, it allows you to access locations you may be otherwise unable to by vehicle or foot.

While no two flights are the same, at higher elevations each will offer a staggering panoramic view of the landscape for miles. Closer to terra firma, a bird’s- eye- view of individual animals at close quarters amplifies ones understanding of their existence in their natural habitat.

Luxor, Egypt

Exploring the Egyptian temples of Luxor on foot is humbling in its own right. Take to the skies however, and you cannot fail to marvel at the ancient and iconic ruins below.

As the sun rises over the east bank of the Nile, exposing the land of the ancient Pharaohs, you’ll take in many privileged sights including the temples of Karnak and Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon and the Ramesseum while the Valley on the Kings and Queens lies serenely in the distance.

Canterbury Plains, New Zealand

From the  spectacular Southern Alps to the immense Rakaia Gorge, the South Island of New Zealand’s dazzling scenery attracts visitors from far and wide to admire its myriad geological forms.

Flying at approximately 6000ft, voyagers enjoy far reaching  views across Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook, the national park mountains and beyond.

For more information on hot air balloon excursions or to book a holiday, get in touch.