Hot Air Ballooning - Near Kruger Park (Hoedspruit area)

In addition to the safaris we arrange in the Kruger Park area, we often suggest to our clients to 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, the green African bushveld stretches into 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.

This product is accessible as an activity if you are on a safari in the Timbavati, Klaserie, or Thornybush Game Reserves as well as the surrounding area. It operates 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 before sunrise at the launch site and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee as the hot air balloon is prepared for its early morning flight. A safety briefing on the dos and don’ts of hot air balloon flying is given to all passengers and then it’s 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 in the beautiful landscape below.

The ground team will be there to meet you or track you down, whilst you enjoy fruit juice and sparkling wine to celebrate an exhilarating hot air balloon flight over the African bush. Guests who have joined the flight from surrounding lodges have the option of heading back to their lodges or continuing back to Otters Den for a sumptuous breakfast.

Rates for Hot Air Ballooning

Nov 2023 - Oct 2024
R4,800 per person - Includes the hot air balloon flight and breakfast

Nov 2024 - Oct 2025
R5,300 per person - Includes the hot air balloon flight and breakfast