Tipped to be the most romantic way to discover the diverse geographical landscapes of the desert, hot air balloon rides are fast gaining popularity among visitors touring Abu Dhabi. Offering travellers a complete understanding of the local terrain and all its topographical features a hot air balloon above the desert is also an experience of a lifetime that cannot be replicated in most holiday destinations. Floating above the ground at a staggering height of 3000 feet one can truly get a bird’s-eye view of some of the world’s most hostile terrains and the breathtaking natural attributes that makes the very landscape visually enticing.
A hot air balloon excursion in Abu Dhabi can be as brief as an hour-long tour or as extensive as a five hour flight that takes visitors through the Al Ain prefecture in its entirety. The virtual magic carpet like tours begin with hotel pick-ups in the wee hours of the morning, at around 5.30 a.m. A region to the north of Al Ain is used as the launching pad by most balloon operators in the country as the venue is conveniently located within an hour’s drive from the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The sunrise flights offer visitors the unique opportunity of witnessing a desert sunrise from a cloud grazing vantage point while providing photographic opportunities for aspiring and seasoned shutterbugs. Light refreshments are also on board for visitors who wish to take in the sights with a snack on hand while other facilities provided by tour operators include four-wheel drive hotel transfers.
Some of the highlights of a hot air balloon flight across the desert include viewing camels and gazelles roaming in their habitat of choice and golden sand dunes that seem to stretch on for miles. Striking blue skies pitted against emerald hued oases are also a common sight on board hot air balloons that are both a quieter and more fluid method of exploring a venue from the skies when compared to chartered airplane flights. Creating the smooth sensation of gliding amongst the clouds exotic species of flora and fauna are also viewed from above by observant visitors.
Travellers on the lookout for luxury Abu Dhabi hotels will be more than pleased with the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located on Sir Bani Yas Island this charming rest is one of the most popular Abu Dhabi resorts just off the country’s sandy coastline.
