Hot Air Ballooning
A Hot-Air Balloon ride is a wonderful addition to any Safari arrangement, and there are some wonderful areas in South Africa from which to enjoy this unique and tranquil sight-seeing activity. Scenic flights depart at sunrise from the late Bill Harrop’s own Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant in the Magalies River Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site area, bordering Gauteng and North West Province.
The Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting; Minibus Transfers from various hotels can be arranged at an extra cost.
Just prior to sun-rise dependent on time of the year (see schedule). Note that hotel transfers depart earlier to allow for traveling time.
Guests enjoy Coffee, Tea, Biscuits and Muffins as they check in at the Clubhouse Pavilion at sunrise, and watch from the comfort of the Pavilion as the balloons are prepared. They are then called to board when the balloons are ready. The Captains give a safety briefing prior to take off.
Flight duration: About one hour (dependent on conditions). The flight will last about one hour, but the total duration of the tour from check-in to departure for your onward destination is about 3 to 5 hours (depending whether one wants to hurry or relax after the flight) plus transport time.
Flight Landing: Always in the shadow of the basket (wherever that may be!
South African Bubbly is served in-flight or on landing while the crew pack up the balloon; and then you enjoy a mini-bus transfer back to the Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant for your “Champagne” Breakfast.
Seasonal meeting times at Legacy Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base:
1 Nov to 31 Jan 05h00
1 – 29 Feb and 16 – 31 Oct 05h15
1 – 15 Mar and 1 – 15 Oct 05h30
16 – 31 Mar and 16 – 30 Sep 05h45
1 – 30 Apr and 1 – 15 Sep 06h00
1 – 31 May and 1 – 31 Aug 06h15
1 Jun to 31 Jul 06h30
Minimum number: 2 passengers (can be from two different individual bookings).
Maximum number: 120+ (2 to 18 passengers per balloon).
What to wear: this should be warm enough for the chilly early morning but it should be “peelable” because the sun, excitement and probably the champagne will soon warm you. “Country” shoes (no high heels or open sandals) are recommended, and if you are tall or a little thin on top you might want to wear a hat.
What to bring: Don’t forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space and batteries fully charged, as ballooning offers some most spectacular photo and video opportunities.
Fitness: Ballooning is suitable for adventurers from of all ages (from 7 upwards). Guests do need to be quite nimble, and be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight. For disabled or frail Participants - It may still be possible to fly, even if one cannot meet the full fitness requirement, but with prior arrangement and a disclosure being made at the time of booking.
Game Viewing at Entabeni Safari Conservancy
The 22 000 hectare Entabeni Safari Conservancy, situated in the renowned, malaria-free Waterberg area of Limpopo Province, boasts spectacular scenery with mountains, waterfalls and terrain which varies from bushveld to unspoilt ravines – and just 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Game viewing at Mabula Private Game Reserve
Game viewing flights give guests a magnificent aerial view of the unique 12 000 hectare game reserve, situated in the Northern Province, only 2½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Mabula is home to the Big 5, allowing for some excellent wildlife sightings.
Packages including accommodation, meals, Lodge activities and, of course, the ballooning are available.
The Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting; Minibus Transfers from various hotels can be arranged at an extra cost.
Just prior to sun-rise dependent on time of the year (see schedule). Note that hotel transfers depart earlier to allow for traveling time.
Guests enjoy Coffee, Tea, Biscuits and Muffins as they check in at the Clubhouse Pavilion at sunrise, and watch from the comfort of the Pavilion as the balloons are prepared. They are then called to board when the balloons are ready. The Captains give a safety briefing prior to take off.
Flight duration: About one hour (dependent on conditions). The flight will last about one hour, but the total duration of the tour from check-in to departure for your onward destination is about 3 to 5 hours (depending whether one wants to hurry or relax after the flight) plus transport time.
Flight Landing: Always in the shadow of the basket (wherever that may be!
South African Bubbly is served in-flight or on landing while the crew pack up the balloon; and then you enjoy a mini-bus transfer back to the Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant for your “Champagne” Breakfast.
Seasonal meeting times at Legacy Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base:
1 Nov to 31 Jan 05h00
1 – 29 Feb and 16 – 31 Oct 05h15
1 – 15 Mar and 1 – 15 Oct 05h30
16 – 31 Mar and 16 – 30 Sep 05h45
1 – 30 Apr and 1 – 15 Sep 06h00
1 – 31 May and 1 – 31 Aug 06h15
1 Jun to 31 Jul 06h30
Minimum number: 2 passengers (can be from two different individual bookings).
Maximum number: 120+ (2 to 18 passengers per balloon).
What to wear: this should be warm enough for the chilly early morning but it should be “peelable” because the sun, excitement and probably the champagne will soon warm you. “Country” shoes (no high heels or open sandals) are recommended, and if you are tall or a little thin on top you might want to wear a hat.
What to bring: Don’t forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space and batteries fully charged, as ballooning offers some most spectacular photo and video opportunities.
Fitness: Ballooning is suitable for adventurers from of all ages (from 7 upwards). Guests do need to be quite nimble, and be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight. For disabled or frail Participants - It may still be possible to fly, even if one cannot meet the full fitness requirement, but with prior arrangement and a disclosure being made at the time of booking.
Game Viewing at Entabeni Safari Conservancy
The 22 000 hectare Entabeni Safari Conservancy, situated in the renowned, malaria-free Waterberg area of Limpopo Province, boasts spectacular scenery with mountains, waterfalls and terrain which varies from bushveld to unspoilt ravines – and just 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Game viewing at Mabula Private Game Reserve
Game viewing flights give guests a magnificent aerial view of the unique 12 000 hectare game reserve, situated in the Northern Province, only 2½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Mabula is home to the Big 5, allowing for some excellent wildlife sightings.
Packages including accommodation, meals, Lodge activities and, of course, the ballooning are available.
