South Africa Hot Air Ballooning - South Africa offers a wealth of hot air ballooning opportunities

South Africa Outdoor Activities

Hot Air Ballooning in South Africa

South Africa Hot Air Ballooning
South Africa Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning in South Africa - Up up and away: Hot air ballooning in South Africa is arguably the best way to take in the landscapes of this beautiful country. Floating high above the ground, you have a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the gorgeous countryside below. Described as a somewhat magical experience, hot air ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight known to man. Nowadays tailored to meet the needs of the public, hot air ballooning in South Africa has become a highly sought after activity.

In South Africa, hot air balloons were originally used by the military for reconnaissance purposes. During the Boer War, hydrogen gas balloons were used as observation points for the army for locating enemy camps and monitoring their enemy movements. In 1969, the first hot air balloon arrived in South Africa and in 1972 the Aero Club of South Africa founded a Balloon Section. Four years later, 16 pilots took part in the first International Balloon Race from Johannesburg to Durban. These events led to hot air ballooning in South Africa having a firm footing in the countries list of activities.

A hot air balloon trip will usually begin just before sunrise. You’ll gently lift off the ground to a height of approximately 10-20m and leisurly float along with the wind. At this height you’re able to have a glorious view of the sunrise as well as keep on the lookout for animals on the ground below. The panoramic views that you are privy to from this height leave many speechless as they witness the sunrise and the spreading light extending to the opposite horizon. It’s a magnificent experience and will leave you with a warm glow for weeks after.

Hot Air Ballooning in South Africa
Hot Air Ballooning in South Africa
Whilst the cost of hot air ballooning in South Africa is somewhat high, the experience is one that you won’t achieve anywhere else. Ballooning is incredibly tranquil and is thus ideal for people of all ages - you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie!

There are few physical requirements for hot air ballooning, besides being able to stand or lean for about an hour and being able to climb in and out of the basket. Hot air ballooning in Mpumalanga and surrounds is an all-year-round activity because of the generally good weather conditions throughout the year. However in KwaZulu Natal, hot air balloon operators are forced to close between June and October because of high winds.

You can expect to spend about 4 or 5 hours out with your organizers from the time of arrival. The actual hot air balloon flight will last approximately an hour and most hot air ballooning companies will close off your ballooning experience with a champagne breakfast once you’re back on terra firma. Due to the popularity of hot air ballooning in South Africa, its vital that you book at least 2 weeks before you wish to do it. Because of ballooning’s reliance on the weather, most bookings are provisional until a few days before the event to ensure that the weather is ideal for your journey.

So if taking in stunning scenery in a perfectly tranquil setting is your idea of spending an afternoon, then make a plan to enjoy all the wonders that hot air ballooning in South Africa has to offer.

Prime Hot Air Ballooning Locations: The most popular hot air balloon trips are in the Magaliesberg (near Johannesburg), Sabie and Hazyview in Mpumalanga, in Oudtshoorn (in the Karoo), in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands (KwaZulu Natal) and during the summer months, (September to March) in the Cape Winelands.

South Africa Outdoor Activities

Featured Hot Air Ballooning Destinations

Hot Air Ballooning In the Magaliesberg

Where: Magaliesberg / Cradle of Humankind
How much (per person): On Request

AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning offers daily balloon flights, all year round, over the Cradle of Humankind, Magaliesberg, and selected game reserves. Our ... more information

Hot Air Ballooning over Pilanesberg

Where: Sun City
How much (per person): On Request

Hot Air Ballooning is undoubtedly the finest way to view the park and its wildlife. This adventure takes approximately 4 hours and includes: ... more information

Hot Air Ballooning from Hazyview

Where: Hazyview
How much (per person): On Request

Balloon flights take place in the very early morning before the earth heats up. The launch site is in the beautiful Sabie River Valley. Depending on ... more information

Hat Air Ballooning in the Drakensberg

Where: Cape Town
How much (per person): On Request

Hot air balloon flights are offered principally on the edge of the Drakensberg mountains, just inland from Durban. The hot air balloon take-off is from ... more information

Hot Air Ballooning in The Cradle

Where: Lanseria
How much (per person): On Request

We fly at sunrise every day of the week (weather permitting). Join us for tea or coffee, and watch the crew prepare the balloon for flight ... more information

Bill Harrop's Balloon Safaris

Where: Skeerpoort
How much (per person): On Request

If you’re going to do it, do it in unassailable style with the acclaimed best in South Africa. Top class sunrise flights depart from Harrop' ... more information

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South Africa is a very large and extraordinarily varied land, offering almost unlimited opportunities for adventure activities of all sorts. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for activities and leisure pursuits. Also see our Things to Do in South Africa and South Africa Attractions sections or view other related pages that may assist you in planning your travel to South Africa from the destination links below.
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