Hot Air Ballooning - Magaliesberg (Near Johannesburg)

Hot air balloon flights are one of the most romantic pursuits you could ever imagine. From way up high you are treated to a 720-degree, wrap-around panorama that lets you view pretty much everything from your slowly drifting vantage point. One gets a real sense of weightlessness, and apart from the occasional hiss of the balloon, total peace rules the skies with the only sounds coming up at you from the bushveld or countryside below.

Hot Air Ballooning - Magaliesberg (Near Johannesburg)

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Overview

    Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris

  • How it works

    Hot Air Balloon Flight

  • Information

    How Do I Prepare For a Hot Air Balloon Flight

Overview

Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris

Owned and managed by husband and wife team Bill and Mary Harrop, this balloon safari operation rests in the capable hands of a couple who have been in the balloon operation business for the better part of three decades.

Sip on a glass of bubbles and soak in the experience as Bill Harrop and his team steer you over the green valleys, beautiful mountains, glassy lakes and a tapestry of farmlands. Bill Harrops operates his balloon safari in the Magaliesberg area just north of Johannesburg - a location which boasts some of the most amazing ballooning conditions around the world. Bill Harrops is a licensed, non-scheduled air transport service - (License No: N146D).

Just after take off over the Magaliesberg
Getting ready for the launch, Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris

How it works

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Larger balloons carry between six and 18 passengers at a time, which allows the balloon operator to treat each passenger to one of the most memorable, enjoyable experiences of his/her life. Don’t believe it? Just ask the 3000 happy passengers that do a balloon safari each year with Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris!

Balloon trips commence every morning at sunrise
Hot coffee/tea is served while the crew prepares the balloon for flight
The flight is approximately one hour in length
Champagne is served on the landing
After your flight, you will be transferred to a ground base for a freshly cooked, country-style breakfast
A champagne brunch and citations for bravery are also included

Restrictions
Children must be 7 years and older and must be 1.3 metres in height.
Passengers must be fit and able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight. 

In flight over the Magaliesberg
Just after take off, sunrise

Packages including accommodation & a flight
Special Select Ballooning Lodges packages are also available. These include dinner and African accommodation at a fine lodge or country house near our balloon launch field, as well as the hot air balloon flight, and an optional car rental at a special rate. Special game-viewing balloon safaris are also available on request. Please do not hesitate to contact a friendly African Travel Gateway representative should you have any further queries about hot air balloon trips.

Information

How Do I Prepare For a Hot Air Balloon Flight

BRING: Pack a camera, binoculars and video camera if you can access 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 to 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.

Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris

Pricing (quoted in ZAR)

Nov 2024 - Oct 2025
R3,695 per person - Normal scheduled flight (requires minimum 4 passengers to fly)
R3,545 per person - for groups of 6 - 11
R3,445 per person - for groups of 12 - 23
Price on request - for groups of 24 or more
R13,400 - Exclusive use of a balloon that can take 2 passengers & 1 pilot

  • A minimum of 4 passengers are required to confirm a flight

  • Costs Include

    Tea/Coffee and biscuits
    Orange juice and champagne
    Full breakfast
    Transfer from landing sight to the lodge

    Costs Exclude
    Transfers to and from the launch site (African Travel Gateway can arrange these for you)
    Travel insurance
    Personal items

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    Read Why Our Clients Love Us

    Debbie Isaacs
    Debbie Isaacs
    21 January 2025
    We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
    Daniel Stewart
    Daniel Stewart
    08 January 2025
    We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
    Hilda Stanfliet
    Hilda Stanfliet
    27 December 2024
    Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
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