“Dear Sarah,

My wife, Pheann and I had the privilege of enjoying a most pleasurable balloon flight on the 11th February.

As a seasoned commercial fixed wing pilot and flying instructor and having an in depth knowledge of the criteria and compliances required to run a safe and successful aerial operation (45 years of involvement in general aviation and flight safety) this is what I would like to say to everyone involved.

A most professional operation with safety at the forefront. Exceptionally well kept and well run facility. All equipment in excellent condition. Highly motivated, competent, well turned out and pleasant staff. Excellent management of time schedules and passenger comfort while very carefully considering weather conditions and making appropriate pre-flight decisions. Although not at all a balloon pilot myself but after being in aviation and flight safety for so many years one tends to pick up quickly on deviations from safe and recommended practise. All was good.

Marc was our pilot who flew us safely and confidently while making all on board feel at ease and relaxed. He navigated perfectly using the wind directions at different altitudes to carry us in a westerly direction in the valley to arrive absolutely spot on in our destination ‘pick up’ field. Well done Marc!

Pheann and I would like to thank everyone for a most refreshing and invigorating experience, not to forget the superb breakfast.

Please convey our thanks and gratitude to everyone.

Kind regards and keep the balloons flying.”

– Chris Kyle –

“Dear Kathy

I just want to once again thank you and Bill for the most wonderful experience ever in my son and his girlfriends’ life yesterday.

I have always thought our Blue Train operation is unique but wow I was extremely impressed with what I saw yesterday. The preciseness and accuracy with which each staff member performed what they had to do was remarkable! I will recommend hot air ballooning to everyone I come across. I want to go as far what I always say about our gem “you cannot live not having done the hot air balloon trip”!

I shared it widely on social media yesterday and again this morning with a different interpretation and a new message.

I absolutely loved every second of getting up so early and keeping the big surprise for his girlfriend and just standing there and see these balloons “arise” to something so spectacular! I sensed the warmth and heart behind this experience and the passion from all concerned! Spectacular – I have no other word to describe this.

You have mastered what you love and it was so exciting to see all the foreigners loving our beautiful country even more!

Thank you again for the kind offer of a comp breakfast but I really don’t do comps but I enjoyed coffee with them which I loved as it was a wonderful opportunity to also engage with the Americans who were sitting at their table!

I went looking for Bill to personally thank him but my son said he took out another group. THANK YOU again and congratulations on perfecting the creation of such wonderful memories that people will cherish forever! Absolutely love your dvd on your website – speaks to the heart!

Sincerest Blue Train wishes”

– Hanlie –

“I had a terriffic first time air ballooning with Harrops and would highly recommend this experience for everyone. Pick up and return from my hotel was very good. The champagne we had when we landed and the breakfast at the lodge afterwards was amazing. Will go again.”

– Susan –

“I was spoilt with the experience of a lifetime for my birthday! Everything was amazing from arrival to departure.

Watching the balloons being inflated with a cup of coffee, floating effortlessly in the sky with breathtaking views and watching the sun rise, celebrating with champagne on landing followed with a delicious breakfast and more champagne.

Our pilot, Captain Harmen, was fantastic and the perfect ‘host’ for the group on our balloon, he made the flight and breakfast even more memorable. Thank you to the entire team, your passion really shows, everything was flawless! ”

– Nadine B –

“Our flight was unforgettable! I booked a flight with Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris to get engaged to the woman of my dreams.

Throughout the whole experience, their consultants, crew and pilot was brilliant. They made my one chance of getting engaged successful. They helped me with everything and listened to what my needs were and they even did more than expected to make our experience even better.

I would highly recommend to every one out there. This will definitely be on my bucket list for a second opportunity or even more. Keep up the good work!”

– Ruan Jackson –

“Thank-you to The Entire Bill Harrop Company for making our Ballon Safari such a memorable experience. From Bill Harrop himslf to each and every single individual, kitchen staff, waiters, drivers and our awesome PIilot for this amazing experience.

You really feel so treated and cherished. The Food is really divine and the general ambience is just stunning ! The actual Ballon flight was out of this world ! We felt so safe and cared for. We are now absolutely delighted to call ourselves ” Aeronauts “

We will definately be back to share another awesome experience with our Parents. I would highly recommend this as an option for a Birthday surprise , Team excursions , Enagagement surprises or even Wedding anniversaries. heck !

Go for the Experience just because it is truly so worth while and will live on within your memories forever ! Thank-you to The Entire Team that made this so special. What a Treat !!”

– Venesia Oxford –

“Good Day Harrop’s Team,WELL DONE it was an amazing trip, I must say all of the Harrops team are very very professional. Brad is an exceptionally friendly and very entertaining pilot!!! The breakfast was perfect!! Thank you for a lovely day and we will definitely be contacting you soon for another trip.

Ultimately it is all you guys that should receive certificates for your very very professional and perfect service and entertainment.

It wasn’t what I had expected as it had Exceeded my expectations. The weather was perfect and the winds were just right.

The experience was very smooth and comfortable contrary to what I thought. Keep up the great work! You guys are fantastic!!!

Thanks again Bill, Mary, Kelly, Brad, Tracy, Dave and the entire team for the fantastic and amazing trip and the delicious breakfast.”

– Loqman –

“Dear Sarah and Bill,

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for Sunday’s balloon safari. My dad , Rod and I were blown away by your professional and fantastic operation.

It definitely was a highlight and I am pushing for us to advertise it as a preferred activity on our Jenman Safaris website.

I really appreciate how fabulous it was to have my dad experience something like this!”

– Debby Oscroft –

“Hi Mary

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the kindness extended to both Anne and myself yesterday.

Firstly, thank you for allowing me to join Anne without charging me. Secondly, thank you for being so kind and gentle with Anne. Most people get extremely frustrated and irritable with older people who are frail.

Your sympathetic, kind and firm (yet gentle) approach, as well as the approach and attitude of your fantastic team, made it an experience which she will never forget.

The experience (from start to finish) was exceptional and meeting both you and Tracey was an added bonus! Kind Regards,”

– Roland –

“Dear Kathy / Dave / Manie and team.

I would just like to say thank you for an amazing experience. The accommodation was brilliant and way more than expected. Manie is a great pilot with a lot of area knowledge which makes the trip very interesting and educational. I will definitely recommend this entire trip to clients.

Look forward to dealing with you in the future. Kind Regards,”

– Sheena –

“Dear Kathy and Bill

I was one of the passengers on Bill’s balloon yesterday morning and I must say it was an amazing experience and the fulfillment of a life long dream, thanks to my family.

The breakfast was really good and I must thank your staff for waiting for my family who where a little late!”

– Sandra Small –

“Thank you Kathy!

It was an absolutely wonderful experience.

Our Captain, Tracy, is an amazing person and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. Bill was a treat too! I can’t wait for my daughter to be tall enough to come along on another trip.

The experience was definitely something I haven’t stopped recommending! Kind regards”

– Bernadine Geldenhuys –

“Hi Kathy

Just a note to commend you on your excellent service. The group had a really stunning time and all enjoyed the balloon trip – the breakfast was also great and we enjoyed the setting a lot – even though it was pretty cold to start, your facilities were well equipped to keep us warm and the staff very friendly. Of course it was also a great treat to have Bill being our pilot and he ensured lots of laughs and added interesting info. I’m sure you will get return visitors from this group in the future and we’ll pass on the excellent experience to friends as well. Kind regards”

– Lee-Anne Denham –

“Good morning,Just to thank you once again for one of the greatest adventures that our family has ever been part of. We had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the professional manner in which you and your staff organized and managed the whole event.Your special touch was visible in every aspect of the morning and made us feel very at home.

Thank you for making my father’s dream come true.Kind regards,”

– Noelene van der Merwe –

“Please extend a sincere thank you to Bill and your entire team. I had a wonderful experience and look forward to sharing it with readers.”

– Mark –

“Good morning, I was on one of your balloons this weekend, and it was awesome. Thank you so very much for giving me an awesome experience. I will surely recommend it to others. kind regards,”

– Herman –

“Dear Jani

A very very big thank you to you and the team for taking such good care of our group. They had an awesome time this morning and everything was so well organised. Appreciate everything. Have a wonderful day and week further. Kind regards”

– Lufthansa Cargo AG Elani-Louise van Heerden –

“A trip becomes an adventure when it doesn’t end as planned. Canceled twice due to weather conditions, but was worth the waiting. Thanks a lot for such an experience”

– Patricia –

“It was a remarkable experience, one that Daniella and myself will never forget and definitely something we will do more often in the future! Keep well and I will most definitely contact you in the future. Kind regards,”

– Mark –

“Good morning, It is with gratitude that I write this note to the team at Bill Harrop’s. Thank you very much for making our flight so special. Nik was excellent: intelligent and informative and general good fun. The breakfast was great. The staff were friendly and thanks to Dave, Theron and the others for their attention and care. I will be sure to recommend you. Best regards,”

– Sylvia Swart –