Have you ever thought of embarking on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the savanna where wildlife meets wonder? With Naicef, you not only settle for the extraordinary, but you also get the best hot air baloon safari in the skies. Book with us and get the best hot air balloon tours and even a hot air balloon safari Masai Mara, home to the Great Migration, a Wonder of the World.
Come, join us at our next event plan for a Hot Balloon Air Ride Tour with Naicef on 16th August 2025. Start making your early booking via our contacts email; my@naicef.com or call:+254799922277.
Did you know that the hot air balloon ride during its first invention period, was tested using animals as the first passengers? Isn’t that fascinating?
Below are more fun facts about this great adventurous event.
Interesting Facts About Hot Air Balloon Ride
1. Invention
Air balloons were first invented by the Montgolfier brothers in France in the 1700s. This not only became effective but it was the first ever manned aviation means to be discovered.
2. First Pilot
Did you know that the first pilots of the hot balloon, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis François d’Arlandes, almost became criminals?
This was after the back-then ruler King Louis wanted some condemned criminals to be transported after the successful animal test ensuring that the balloon was safe to ride on.
Since there was a lack of professionals to ride the balloon and nobody wanted to control the craft with criminals on it, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis François d’Arlandes went instead. That is how they almost became criminals.
3. Champagne as a Balloon Safari Tradition
During the early flights of the hot air balloons, the landing of these air balloons occurred to land on local farmers’ fields. This didn’t normally please the farmers and as a way to ease the tension, the flight team began offering Champagne and since then it has become a tradition.
In today’s time in the Africa hot air balloon safari, champagne is offered in the wild not only being a romantic bush champagne but also as a tradition.
Come and enjoy a romantic hot air balloon safari Masai Mara, with a cheer to the breathtaking views of the sunrise as you get served a glass of champagne in the wild.
4. Weather Situation
Have you ever noted that hot air balloons can’t be flown during rainy times or even daytime?
This is because, during rainy times, the rain cools the air inside the balloon hence the need for more burning of the gas which is harder. Also, when still raining, the balloon may be light-stricken, and there may be also poor visibility which is dangerous.
During day time, on the other hand, it is difficult to fly an air balloon since the temperatures are warmer or hotter causing an imbalance in the air conditions.
5. Records
Did you know that the highest record that was made by a hot air balloon was 69,850 feet above sea level? What a record!!
This was made by a man named Vijaypat Singhania with his air balloon in the year 2005. In current times, the balloons are only allowed to reach up to 3,000 feet, so by the look, you can tell how high the record was.
Also, did you know that the fastest hot air balloon, The Pacific Flyer, set a record of 245 miles per hour (394 km/h) in the year 1991?
Finally, the longest recorded nonstop flight ever recorded was 20 consistent days on a trip around the world. This was led by Briton Brian Jones, Bertrand Piccard, and a Swiss psychiatrist.
History of Hot Balloon Air Ride
The hot balloon air ride was first invented by the Montgolfier brothers who were paper manufacturers in France. The idea of them making an air balloon came up as a result of observing that, heated air from papers rose the smoke from the fire.
This then made them do a few experiments to test their theory. The first test happened on June 4, 1783, with a paper balloon and a linen which recorded a height of 300 m above sea level.
On seeing the first trial was successful they then tried it again with animals as passengers. The animals include a rooster, sheep, and a duck which did survive calling it for a celebration.
On September 19 the same year, the first-ever manned balloon air flight happened after being personally authorized by the then King Louis XVI.
The first flight was interesting as two condemned criminals got the privilege of being the first passengers to be on board. The pilots were Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis François d’Arlandes.
Asking How Hot Air Baloon Works?
Hot air ballooning normally operates by heating the air inside the big balloon making the air inside lighter than the outside the balloon. This then causes the balloon to lift upwards.
If the air inside is stopped heating, the balloon then slowly starts to move downwards.
Once the balloon is up since it can’t be steered, it travels in the direction of the wind. I know now you are asking what then is the role of the pilot if the balloon has no steer?
A pilot’s now hard role while up in the air, is to control the altitude of the balloon by burning the gas used to lift the balloon up or allowing the air inside to cool to go down.
The pilot can also use the turning vents found in the side of the balloon, to rotate it at a 360 angle for epic scenic views.
When it comes to landing, air balloon landing points are usually undecided, where the pilot chooses an open area safe for landing.
Your travel guides are then forced to follow up while on the ground till you get to land to be able to transfer you back to your accommodation.
The passengers on board are normally asked to sit back with knees bent facing in the opposite direction of the movement.
Once the balloon nears the ground, the pilot now releases the vent letting the hot air escape. After a successful landing, as a tradition, normally a bottle of champagne is popped as you enjoy the beauty of mother nature.
How Much Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a hot air balloon safari Masai Mara, the price range is usually a range between USD 450 to USD 500 per person. This does include the balloon safari itself, a champagne as a tradition and even a balloon certificate at times.
Where To Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon safari Kenya is where you can best enjoy one of the major Wonders of the World by experiencing the hot air balloon safari Masai Mara National Reserve. Also you can enjoy a balloon safari in Amboseli National Park and enjoy the epic views of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Apart from the African jungle hot air balloon safari here are other best air balloon tours in the world that will surely leave you in awe!
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
Being the world’s most famous place renowned for these air balloon safaris Cappadocia in Turkey is known for “fairy chimneys” and a fine spot for Instagrammers. This became noted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 since it is a popular area to visit.
2. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is a Buddhist archeological place filled with ancient holy temples that were built thousands of years ago. Isn’t that thrilling!
A hot air balloon ride over these ancient structures is an out-of-this-world experience that you sure would seek to venture.
3. Annecy, France
Also known as the Venice of the Alps, Annecy is a city set in the footsteps of the stunning Alps in south-east France.
A balloon adventure over the beautiful town offers astonishing views of the Medival Castle of Annecy, Lake Annecy, and even Mont Blanc.
4. Loire Valley, France
Loire Valley also known as the “Cradle of the French” is surely one of the best places in the world that you should seek for a balloon safari.
While up there in the sky, you can get to see the different castles that once were in use such as Château d’Amboise, and Château de Montsoreau.
5. Luxor, Egypt
Ever dreamt of soaring over the majestic heritage and ancient sites in Egypt that date back to Before Christ (B.C)?
At Luxor in Egypt, you get to tour the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple against the stunning River Niver Valley and the nearby desert.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Why settle for the ordinary where you can enjoy an out-of-this-world air balloon ride over the magnificent metropolitan city in Spain, Barcelona?
Once on board, you get to experience the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, Montseny Natural Park region, and Barcelona City. Also, you get to encounter the amazing peaks of Montserrat.
7. Marrakech, Morocco
What out-of-this-world peaceful moment can you think of other than enjoying a sunrise view over the beautiful Atlas Mountains?
Marrakech in Morocco offers you tranquility away from the city’s hustle and bustle with rewarding memories of a lifetime.
8. Interlaken, Switzerland
A hot air balloon tour in Interlaken captures the magnificent significance of Switzerland. From the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps to the turquoise waters of Lakes Brienz & Thun and the verdant valleys.
9. Rome, Italy
Rome in Italy, is among the most visited places in the world and is famous for its epic distinctive monuments treasured only here.
A hot air balloon adventure over Rome gives you an opening to some of the epic natural wonders of the world found there. Some of the encounters are such as the famous landmarks, views of the city & the beautiful villages and even of archeological sites that still are there till today.
10. Bled, Slovenia
Whether seeking to enjoy an amazing sunrise or sunset, Bled in Slovenia provides a strategic location to experience the beauty of the town.
The rewarding views while up there are such promising as you get to see the iconic Bled Castle built on a cliff, Lake Bled, Julian Alps among others.
Conclusion
To be able to enjoy the hot air balloon safari event in August planned by Naicef, kindly start making your booking as early as now where you may opt to use our savings plan!
Reach us via our contacts email: my@naicef.com or call:+254799922277.
You may also interested in checking out our guide on all attractions in Nairobi, all national parks, and all conservancies in Kenya. Naicef is the best-leading tour company in Kenya and also the best luxury blog in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hot Balloon Air Ride
1. What is a hot air balloon used for?
It is used for enjoying epic game views or even city tours while high up in the air.
2. What kind of fuel does a hot air baloon normally use?
They use propane to heat the air inside the balloon.
3. What happens to a hot air balloon if the gas being used runs out?
What happens is that the balloon starts to descend slowly.
4. How long is a hot air balloon ride?
The ride usually takes between 45 minutes to around 1hr 30 minutes, depending on the weather.
5. How much does a hot air balloon ride cost?
For a hot air balloon safari Masai Mara, the price range is usually a range between USD 450 to USD 500 per person.
6. How do we call a hot air balloon pilot?
The pilot is normally referred to as an Aeronaut.
7. Can I sit down in a hot air balloon?
No, everyone in the balloon, should be upstanding once it is up in the air to also enjoy the epic views.
8. Why are hot air balloon rides in the morning?
This is because during morning hours the temperatures are usually cooler and favorable for flighting compared to day times.
8. Which country invented the air balloon?
Joseph and Étienne Montgolfier both from France, began their experiment using a piece of fabric among other tools, in 1782.
9. Which country is well renowned for hot air balloon rides?
Turkey is worldly famous for this activity, especially in Cappadocia.
