Hot Air Ballooning - Near Kruger Park (Hazyview area)
A Hot air ballooning Safari is a unique and novel way of getting a true birds eye view of an area. The visibility one gets from this “aircraft” is second to none. You get to look around 360 degrees, as well as below ... a true sense of how small we really are comes to mind. The tranquil peace, coupled with the constant breathtaking vista that you experience when floating over this piece of Africa, is something that will remain with you forever.
Balloons Over Africa
What’s on Offer
This particular hot air balloon safari operates in the beautiful Sabie River valley, near Hazyview in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Hazyview itself is a growing little town located on the south west side of the Kruger National Park, not far from the Phabeni & Kruger Gates. It is also within easy reach of the spectacular Mpumalanga Escarpment know as the Klein Drakensberg, where a host of natural sight seeing options await.
The Hot Air Balloons
The hot air balloons take a maximum of approx 8 passengers at a time depending on overall weight and clmatic conditions of the day. The small group sizes that fly allows for personal attention to each passenger. The operation is family owned & run and Kevin Roberson is the main pilot. Kevin’s wife Cathy Roberson takes care of the day to day activities of the business.
How Does It Work?
Upon arrival at the launch site, passengers are offered tea & coffee and have the unique opportunity to snap some memorable photos as the crew prepare the enormous balloon for the flight. Once ready for launch, the passenger board and the pilot gives everyone some saftey instructions pertaining to the flight as well as landing and take off.
Form here its pure bliss as you float over the valley and bushveld of the the beautiful area around Hazyview. The flight lasts about an hour, whereupon you land (whereever the wind has decided you land!), and sparkling wine is served to celebrate your successful flight in true ballooning tradition.
After the adrenalin has settled the ground crew will transfer you to the base country lodge for the presentation of the flight certificates that each passenger gets, and a hearty breakfast. Although the flight lasts about an hour, passengers should allow 3 to 4 hours for the whole excursion, from the time of arrival at the launch site until after breakfast.
Pricing (quoted in ZAR)
Valid 01 Nov 2011 - 31 Oct 2012
R 2890 per person - for groups up to 8 passengers
How Do I Prepare For a Hot Air Balloon Flight ?
BRING: Pack a camera, binoculars and video camera if you have access to this technology. The views from aloft are incredible and you will be disappointed if you bring nothing to record your experience.
CLOTHING: Early mornings are quite chilly, so we recommend that participants dress in layers that they can peel off as the day gets warmer.
FITNESS: You should be fit enough to climb in and out of a basket. Participants should be nimble, able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight.
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