Namib Sky Balloon Safaris — Attraction in Hardap

If you're considering doing the Namib Sky Balloon Safari, just do it—it’s an experience you won’t forget. We did the trip at the end of September 2024, and it’s probably the most organized activity I’ve ever done, and I’ve traveled quite a bit. I’m still amazed at how they pull off something so seamless in the middle of the desert. Our whole experience was run super smoothly. The pilots are very skilled, and actually landed the balloon right where breakfast was set up in the desert! The breakfast itself was an amazing touch, having it right there in such a remote, beautiful spot after the flight. Dennis, the owner and one of the pilots, is a great guy—really friendly and obviously passionate about what he does. We found out that he built a school for the kids of the local guides on his land, which just shows how much he cares about the community, not just running a business (heard about this also from guides at other lodges on our trip). I was a bit worried at first about being in the balloon with 16 people, but the basket is really big, and it rotates during the flight, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the view, and the views are unreal!!! Watching the sun rise over the desert is something else. Just FYI: don’t expect to fly over the sand dunes. They can’t land there and get the balloons back out, but honestly, the views are stunning no matter where you end up, and it all depends on the wind. The flight itself is very smooth—nothing like being in a plane. I fly Cessnas, so I can tell you it’s a completely different experience because you’re moving with the wind. This was by far the most special thing we did in Namibia. Dennis and his team clearly love what they do, and it shows in every detail. If you’re thinking about booking it, don’t hesitate. We will come...

September '22.

This is a superbly run operation and our Pilot (Haki - from Turkey) was informative and top class.

However, some constructive feedback on my part. At a cost of NAM$7,800pp (website requires updating in this regard), it was disappointing that a token collection, literally 3 min drive away to le Mirage was charged at extra, not so much the money as principle. I just thought it lacked class when outlay was significant and came across a bit hungry. The balloon trip was flawless in that there wasn't a bump, super smooth and best part of an hour. I understand the reasoning for not flying over the Dunes (impossible to recover etc) but it does take from the experience. It was literally the same stretch of plain throughout and we'd hoped for more.

Dennis was authoritive and confident, exactly what you want when going up in the Sky in a basket.

Breakfast was excellent and plentiful and there's nice collectibles etc at Namib-Sky shop.

As for booking, be mindful that the website doesn't advise how many spaces are left on any given day (you might think up to 8 available when you proceed to fill in names but this isnt necessarily the case) and it literally switches from green to red instantaneously. As such, we missed our preferred travel day. Do not assume this is available every day. There was 46/48 booked on the day we went.

A nice experience but for this kind of outlay, probably lacked the wow factor but some spectacular views...

My friend's dream was to fly over the Namib dessert in a balloon. Having difficulties with heights, I opted to pay for the "tag along" option of "tracking" the balloons by car and joining the flyers for breakfast after. I had minimal instructions about what to do and where to go and felt rather dismissed when I asked for clarification, as I was not a flyer, thus, less important. I have to say that the "tag along" activity was not what I had envisioned as there was no "tracking" of balloons envolved. The activity consisted of seating & waiting in a car while watching the ground team deal with the material & prepare breakfast. That being said, it allowed to have a nice chat with my driver and witness the hard work done by the many "small-hands" that put this experience together to ensure safety and enjoyment of all. I was able to see how caring they were and how much they paid attention to details so that the experience was amazing for all flyers. My driver also mentioned the school project and how much it had impacted the community. Though I did not take part in the flight, my friend had an amazing experience. And when the flyers returned I could feel the adrenaline in the air ...they all had a amazing experiences. Breakfast was wonderful, a cornucopia of choice mostly handmade or locally sourced and quite tasty. All that to say, that if ballooning is your thing please Yes do go ahead and experience it with Namib Sky balloon safaris. You...