Hot Air Ballooning - Near Kruger Park (Hoedspruit area)
Catch the first rays of the African sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park and paints pink, the Klein Drakensberg Mountains in the west. Below you the green African bushveld stretches into the as far as the eye can see ... This hot air balloon operation is based near Hoedspruit, a small town located near the mid western edge of the Kruger National Park. Operating out of Otter’s Den, a secluded bush camp hidden in the green riverine forest of the Blyde River. The hot air balloon flights take place daily throughout the year (weather permitting of course).
The Hot Air Balloon Flight
Guests meet 20 minutes prior to sunrise at the launch site and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee as the hot air balloon is prepared for it its early morning flight.A safety briefing on the do’s and dont’s of hot air balloon flying is giving to all passengers and then its up into the sky.
The pilot will take from just over the tree tops to as high as 2000 feet depending on the prevailing weather conditions. On these hot air balloon flights passengers are often rewarded with fantastic game viewing as the hot air balloon floats over the various game farms and reserves in the area. The flight lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and at the end the pilot will land you somewhere on the beautiful landscape below.
The ground team will be there to meet you, or track you down, whilst you enjoy a fruit juice and sparkling wine to celebrate an exhilirating hot air balloon flight over the African bush.
Guests that have joined the flight from surrounding lodges have the option of heading back to their lodges, or to continue back to Otters Den for a sumptouos breakfast.
The Option of Accommodation at Otters Den
Otters Den is a beautifully located bushcamp built on a small island on the Blyde River, that one accesses by walking a suspension bridge that spans the river. The camp is hidden amid tall and green indigenous riverine vegetation and overlooks the Blyde River.
Otters Den is there exclusively to cater for the passengers of the hot air balloon safaris. This isn’t to say that you have to stay at Otter’s Den to enjoy a hot air balloon flight ... self drive passengers who wish to just do the morning flight are welcome to.
The camp is comprised of 5 ensuite chalets made of stone from the surrounding area and thatch rooves. Each chalet has a ceiling fan and mosquito nets, and leads off onto a timber deck on stilts from which guests can enjoy tranquil views of the Blyde River. The camp has a central area where the meals are enjoyed, as well as bar, braai (barbeque) area, TV lounge and plunge pool to cool off in on the hot Lowveld days.
Although the island has no big game, guests have the option of being taken on a guided walk through the riverine forest to enjoy the trees and a magnificent array of bird species. Small mammals such as otters, genet, civet, bush pigs, serval do occur but most are very elusive and nocturnal. The river itself is home to a number of fish species as well as hippo and crocodile, so swimming is not allowed, but in the plunge pool.
Rates for Hot Air Ballooning & Otters Den
** Rates quoted are valid from Nov 2011 - Oct 2012 **
Hot Air Balloon Flight & breakfast only
R 2860 .00 per person - Includes the hot air balloon flight & breakfast
Accommodation at Otters Den
R 1100 .00 per person sharing - Includes Dinner, bed and breakfast
* Accommodation at Otters Den is only available to passengers for the hot air balloon flights.
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