Written by Lena Melcher

During my time in Sossusvlei, I decided to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Namib Sky and take a hot air balloon ride over the expansive Namib Desert.

The Namib Desert is one of the most fascinating landscapes in Namibia. This photographer’s dream sees gigantic dunes, dramatic shadows, expansive plains and rocky mountains meet to create a magical kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. Here, amazingly adapted animals and plants come together to form one of the most visually stunning ecosystems in the world.

Location

As it is, this is an early morning activity - very early! Hot air balloon flights happen before sunrise (it was a 4 am wake up call for us) and they typically finish by mid-morning. We recommend you spend 2 or 3 nights in the area, to get the most of your time.

The cellular connection was very weak on the way there, and it was dark. I suggest double-checking your directions before departing to the launch site.

Needless to say, the drive took us through a stark, treeless landscape. We arrived at the headquarters of Namib Sky first, where we met Ivo and Denis, who accompanied us for the morning, had some coffee and tea and signed all the necessary pre-flight documents. From there, all of the guests (about 8 in total) jumped into a big, safari-like vehicle and were driven to the launch site in the northern part of NamibRand Nature Reserve, very close to Kwessi Dunes, where a colourful balloon lay semi-inflated. We quickly clambered off the vehicle and were given a safety briefing.

Suddenly, flames from the burners began to fill the balloon with air, pushing it upright. We scrambled into the basket and, with a roar from the burners, lifted off just as the sun began to rise. Our balloon safari had begun.

We floated along, suspended in the cool morning air above the Namib Desert, travelling over rock formations where sleeping leopards can often be seen! Our balloon drifted in whichever direction the wind decided, our speed determined by its strength.

Fairy circles

The mystery of Namibia’s fairy circles has long been a hot topic of conversation – from Himba traditions to more recent scientific theories, numerous explanations have attempted to explain these enigmatic circles of sand, however, none have been able to lay claim to their existence.

From above (where they are best seen), these circular barren patches dot the sparse desert growth and range from 2 to 15 metres in diameter. Nothing seems to survive inside the perfect circles, faint in dry times but standing out more clearly in contrast to the grass cover after good rains. When we floated over them, hundreds of them of various sizes made the land look like the surface of the moon – it was a mesmerising experience.

Ultimately, we were in the air for about an hour until our ultra-smooth landing brought it all to a stop.

Food

Upon landing, we were given a delicious spread for breakfast, featuring lots of fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt, jams, cheese, bread, fresh coffee and tea. It was all homemade, very tasty and prepared in the middle of nowhere. The food was vegetarian and vegan friendly, and they even had plenty of champagne on ice for the early morning risk-takers among us.

Sustainability

Namib Sky’s environmental impact is kept at a minimum. The Namib Desert is very sensitive and the team is fully equipped to ensure a sustainable experience:

• Their entire fleet of transport vehicles drive only on existing tracks, and before returning to the base they sweep away the footprints guests leave in the sand.

• The balloon base is solar-powered and only biodegradable cleaning materials and products are used.

• Namib Sky has its own vegetable garden producing all herbs and fresh produce demanding as little water as possible.

• The local community benefits socially and economically, with employees being encouraged to follow courses that will improve their living standards.

• Namib Sky established a pre-school that provides opportunities through the introduction of comprehensive education for the local community.

My highlights

• Expansive views of the Namib Desert

• Every effort is made to provide a world-class, sustainable experience

• A delicious foodie extravaganza in the middle of the desert

• Mind-blowing, still unexplained fairy circles

Is it for you?

This experience is for everybody (except if you have major height-freight maybe). This is a truly special adventure that will see you suspended in a wicker basket above a waterless realm, with the sun peeking over the horizon and the dunes painted red by its light. It is a wilderness experience unlike any other!

In 3 words: Unique, stunning, nature-friendly