Hello Lykkers! Have you ever wondered what the first transportation was that took people to the sky?
You may think it’s an airplane, well the fact is not. It’s a balloon that lifted people to the air for the first time in history!
Interestingly, despite the existence of modern airplanes and helicopters, the balloons are still here and still flying people to the sky. Let’s deep dive about this wonderful transportation and how you can enjoy the beauty of our earth up above!
Short history
Ever since the dawn of humanity, people have always wondered about flying in the air. The first hot air balloon experiment was pioneered in France by Joseph and Étienne Montgolfier and in 1783 they conducted their first successful unmanned flight attempt. Satisfied by this result, they are then experimenting with sending animals on the balloon in the same year. It was then until 15th October 1783, when the first humans finally made their maiden flight into the sky.
In the modern era, the balloon was reintroduced as a new way of recreation. Using a portable heat source to create hot air, the research for it was conducted around the 1950's by Ed Yost and Jim Winker. Finally on 22nd October 1960 the hot air balloon made its maiden flight and became quickly known by people. Nowadays, famous hot air balloon rides can be enjoyed in many countries in the world.
Cappadocia, Türkiye
Cappadocia is definitely the most popular balloon ride all over the world. Here, you can see the beautiful sunrise and the rock formation during the 60-90 minutes of balloon ride. The view there can even get better as in the good weather conditions, there could be around a hundred balloons flying there. Makes it look like a balloon festival in the sky.
The price for the balloon rides there could vary around 95 EUR - 400 EUR, depending on the balloon tour, the duration and the experience that you choose. There are also many balloon tours that you can choose from, such as Royal Balloons, Cappadocia Voyager Balloons, Rainbow Balloons and many more. If you are afraid of heights, you may also see the beauty of Cappadocia's sky full of balloons from the ground for 17 EUR only!
Luxor, Egypt
This is another balloon tour that you should try. A fly over ancient city of Luxor, where you can also see the River of Nile and the Statue of Thebes up above for 45-60 minutes. The flight will be started in the early morning where the winds & weather will be relatively calm. By the time you are flying, you will also see a beautiful sunrise on the horizon which will be a perfect moment to take a photo there.
There are many Hot Air Balloon operators there, such as Magic Horizon Balloons, Sinbad Balloons and Hod-Hod Soliman Hot Air Balloons. Each is offering a different package and pricing for the balloon ride. The price for the balloon ride there ranges from 57 EUR to 113 EUR per person, depending on the service package and the operator that you choose.
Serengeti National Park, Kenya
Are you tired with the normal safari ride using a car? The hot air balloon ride in Serengeti National Park in Kenya is the answer. Here you will enjoy the beauty of African wildlife in bird-eye view! The flight will last from around 50-70 minutes, while at that time you can see the giraffes, hippos and a great migration of wildebeests and zebras around December and March if you are lucky. Don't worry about the safety here, as during the flight, a ground crew will follow the balloons on the car to secure the journey for you.
The price for this safari balloon ride is around 518 EUR to 552 EUR, depending on the season. While it may seem costly, the experience will totally be worth the price as this fee also includes transportation fee from your lodge to the balloon site and delicious breakfast after the ride.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your bag and enjoy the beauty of our earth up above. Don't forget to take a picture every time you go on a balloon ride, as this would be the experience of your life!
