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There are three ballooning locations in Namibia, at Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo run respectively by Belgian, South African and German pilots.

The operation at Sossusvlei is the most extensive and caters for up to 25 passengers per day on a private estate amongst the dunes of the Namib desert, some over 300m high. Flights are always at dawn and last about an hour ending in champagne and a mouth-watering spread for breakfast at the landing spot. The pilot is well-versed in local geography and culture so the in-flight commentary is fascinating. Rust-red dunes untouched by signs of human presence form a seemingly endless backdrop. Animals and birds of prey populate the plains between as the balloon’s shadow contrasts starkly with the sunlit sand. A balloon basket is probably the most stable moving camera-platform you’ll ever encounter and has 360-degree vision open to the fresh desert breezes. Any concern about vertigo is soon dispersed when passengers realise that flying in a balloon is just like anything else where you are not connected to the ground and fear of heights is totally absent. Flights last about an hour ‘from sunrise to breakfast’.

Access to the area is either a 400km drive on dirt roads or, if you can afford it, by private aircraft to a nearby airstrip. Accomodation varies from basic safari-style camps to luxury lodges with prices to match. The balloons fly most mornings throughout the year except for the hottest season over New Year.

Written by  Phil Dunnington.

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