Hot Air Ballooning - Winelands

When we create our client’s travel itineraries, we don’t just piece together great accommodation that meets their needs, we also work in exciting adventures such as hot air ballooning. Ask us to help you plan your safari itinerary, or take a read below on this brilliant adventure near Cape Town!

There are many ways to see the Cape Winelands, with its brilliant colours, craggy mountains, and manicured vineyards, but none as exciting and unique as riding in a hot air balloon over this picture-perfect countryside just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Ballooning Cape Town operates hot air balloon rides in the Berg River Valley - a picturesque area not far from the Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch.  Stellenbosch itself is a small town around a 30-minute drive from Cape Town and is part of the Cape Winelands Route, with beautiful vineyards and mountains it is well worth a visit on its own.

Hot Air Ballooning in the Cape Winelands (near Cape Town)

Hot air ballooning is strictly an early morning activity as very stable weather is a requirement for safe flying, and because of this, this specific hot air balloon operation does have a higher potential for cancelling flights the day before due to weather. We therefore advise that if it is your intention to enjoy hot air ballooning in the Cape Town or winelands areas (above other parts of South Africa), then try allow for 2 days during which your flight could take place.

Your day will start with a very early morning phone call from the hot air balloon pilot to confirm whether the weather conditions are suitable. If you get a green light you then drive out to the launch site - Klein Joostenberg in Stellenbosch.
(African Travel Gateway can arrange return road transfer from your hotel if needed).

On arrival tea & coffee is served while you watch (or assist!) in the rigging of the hot air balloon. After about half an hour or so you climb into the basket for a safety briefing from the pilot, and then it’s up and away! The flight lasts for approximately an hour, and you will float high above land below, and also drift just above the tree tops ... the scenery is striking and varies from vineyards, to fields, mountains, dams and homesteads.

The gentle breeze is the ultimate decider on which direction you take as the pilot only really can control the upward and downward movement of the balloon. Upon landing the ground crew will come to your assistance to meet & and oversee the packing of the balloon.  After an exciting hour in the air you are then transferred by road to launch site - Klein Joostenberg in Stellenbosch.
(African Travel Gateway can arrange return road transfer from your hotel if needed).

Cost of the Package

2024
R3,900 per person (Weekdays)
R4,200 per person (Weekends and Public Holidays)
R28,800 per couple for exclusive flights (max 2 passengers, available from March to October)
Exclusive use packages for more than 2 passengers are available on request

2025
R4,150 per person (Weekdays)
R4,450 per person (Weekends and Public Holidays)
Exclusive use packages for 2 or more passengers are available on request (available from March to October)

*** Ballooning Cape Town operates year round, however this is subject to weather conditions.

Includes:
Tea & Coffee upon arrival
Approximately one hour hot air ballooning flight
Ground crew recovery and transfer back to the launch site
A full hot breakfast at the Joostenberg Bistro in Stellenbosch

Excludes:
Transfers to and from the launch site (African Travel Gateway can arrange this for you)

What to Wear & Bring for Hot Air Ballooning

Since the flights take place at sunrise, it is advisable to wear long cotton pants with something warm for the top half and take the option of a wind proof jacket. Shoes should be closed, comfortable and practical for climbing into and out of the basket. A camera and or video camera (with fully charged batteries) is a must and binoculars can also be fun to take with.

Requirements & Limitations

There is a weight limit of 130 kgs and although there is no upper age limit for hot air ballooning, all passengers should be fit and able enough into the basket without assistance. As long as children are tall enough (1.2m or taller), to see over the top of the basket they are welcome too. Pregnant women and any person recovering from injury or in post operative recovery should not take part.