Hot Air Ballooning

South Africa

Hot Air Balloon Rides

South Africa offers some of the most picturesque scenery in which to experience a hot air balloon flight. A ride in a hot air balloon provides an entirely unique perspective of the landscape below, and enhances the experience one can have of a particular area. Hot Air Balloon flights usually take place within the first hour of sunrise, as cool, calm, conditions featured by this time of day, are needed for the safe operation of the balloon. The balloon flight itself, lasts for approximately an hour, whereafter the traditional celebratory drink of champagne and orange juice, toasts the very memorable experience. Breakfast at a fine lodge then rounds off the morning, and leaves plenty of time to continue with the day's activities. Below, is our choice of highly recommended areas in which to fly, together with equally highly recommended commercial Balloon operations chosen for their professionalism, good service, and excellent safety records. These areas combine beautiful scenery with an exceptional chance of viewing wildlife, which is undoubtedly the "cherry on top" for any hot air balloon ride.

Hot Air Balloon Rides - Cradle of Humankind/ Magaliesberg (Near to Johannesburg and Pretoria)

The Cradle of Humankind is a 47 000 hectare world heritage site located between Hartebeespoort dam and the Magaliesberg. Scenic hot air balloon flights and Game Viewing Safari balloon flights are offered in this area. With the Magaliesberg mountains set as the backdrop,and game reserves with rolling hills and large open grass plains, this area offers some excellent scenery and some of the best game viewing possibilities from a balloon in South Africa. The area is home to four of the Big Five and an abundance of wildlife in general. There is also a fine selection of accommodation venues in this area, ranging from 3 star to 5 star. The Experience: The Scenic Flights usually takes place from a 5 Star Lodge, where you are met with tea/coffee and biscuits upon arrival. After a short briefing from the pilot, a flight of approximately an hour drifts you over the sights and sounds of the Cradle of Humankind/ Magaliesberg. On landing, the flight is celebrated with champagne and orange juice, where after you will be transferred back the Lodge for breakfast. The entire experience is approximately 3 -4 hours. p/p: R 2000. Discounted rates are offered for lrg groups. The Game Viewing Safari Flight also commences from a 5 Star Lodge, where you will be met by the transfer vehicles and taken through to the launch site in a nearby game reserve. Upon arrival at the balloon launch site tea/coffee and biscuits are served while the balloons are inflated. The flight then offers some excellent game viewing, with the majority of flights having a sighting of at least one of the Big Five. Champagne and Orange Juice is served on landing and then a well deserved breakfast back at the Lodge. The entire experience is approximately 4 hours. p/p: R 2300. Discounted rates are offered for lrg groups. Enquire about our Balloon and Accommodation packages

Hot Air Balloon Flights - Pilanesberg National Park (Near Sun city)

The 55,000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park is home to the Big Five and offers some spectacular scenery. The launch site is positioned within an extinct volcano, on the shores of the Mankwe Dam,and it sets the scene for an amazing balloon safari.

The Experience:

An early morning pick up from one of the Sun City hotels, or Lodges within the Pilanesberg, takes you on a short game drive to the balloon launch site. The balloons usually launch just prior to sunrise and drift with the wind currents over the Pilanesberg where an array of wildlife can be viewed from this very unique perspective. Upon landing, the game ranger has champagne and orange juice ready to celebrate the flight. With celebrations completed, a short game drive takes you for breakfast at Bakubung Bush Lodge or back to your accommodation venue. The entire experience is approximately 4 hours.

p/p: R 3950.

Enquire about our Balloon and Accommodation packages