About Hot Air Balloon Safaris
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.
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).
The Hot Air Balloons
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!
How Does It Work?
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.
Pricing (quoted in ZAR)
Nov 2023 - Oct 2024
R3,490 per person - Normal scheduled flight (requires minimum 4 passengers to fly)
R3,340 per person - for groups of 6 - 11
R3,240 per person - for groups of 12 - 23
R3,170 per person - for groups of 24 or more
R13,400 - Exclusive use of a balloon that can take 2 passengers & 1 pilot
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
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.
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.
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