Lov is like the wind
Drift into a state
Megalies River Valley
Unassailable style
Unassailable style - copy
Unassailable style - copy - copy
People
The Thrill
Memories
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Welcome to Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris

If you’re going to do it – do it in unassailable style. Its sunrise, the silence of flight is punctuated only by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable.

You’re hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, just 45 km north of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. The exceptional peace of this unique and almost supernatural view of the world will forever remain as a truly cherished memory.

After landing, savour a delectable and generous sparkling wine breakfast at our well established, traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant, where you’ll be filled with the warmest of memories.

Professional pilots, attentive crew, immaculately maintained equipment, 5 aviation safety awards, make this longest established licensed Balloon Airline in southern Africa the choice of the well informed discerning individual traveller or corporate group.

Internationally hailed as Southern Africa’s best value, best quality tour operator to be appraised as the winner of the South African Tourism “Welcome Awards 2006”. Selected as the preferred hot air balloon operator in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 2010-2011 promotions.

Contact us today to book your balloon safari – an absolutely unique and inspiring way to view the world.

If you’re going to do it – do it in unassailable style. Its sunrise, the silence of flight is punctuated only by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable.

You’re hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, just 45 km north of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. The exceptional peace of this unique and almost supernatural view of the world will forever remain as a truly cherished memory.

After landing, savour a delectable and generous sparkling wine breakfast at our well established, traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant, where you’ll be filled with the warmest of memories.

Professional pilots, attentive crew, immaculately maintained equipment, 5 aviation safety awards, make this longest established licensed Balloon Airline in southern Africa the choice of the well informed discerning individual traveller or corporate group.

Internationally hailed as Southern Africa’s best value, best quality tour operator to be appraised as the winner of the South African Tourism “Welcome Awards 2006”. Selected as the preferred hot air balloon operator in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 2010-2011 promotions.

Contact us today to book your balloon safari – an absolutely unique and inspiring way to view the world.

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Guest Book

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the efficient and professional way you handled the booking for my client Growthpoint and to the rest of the team that made a morning absolutely phenomenal.  The ladies were all truly excited before and even more so after the balloon ride and for them it was a bucket list come true.

Everything just ran so seamlessly onsite, from operations to the catering (the ladies loved the breakfast and even more so the chocolate muffins on arrival).

From my side, I am so stoked to have been given the opportunity to have join on the balloon ride – thank you from the bottom of my heart for the lovely experience.  I could have stayed up there forever 😊.

We will always continue to promote and recommend you to our clients whenever we have the opportunity.

Thank you once again to everyone. – Sulveigh

I booked Bill Harrop’s Hot Air Balloon safari trip for my family last year as an Easter surprise for them in 2022! Arriving there while it was still dark already added to the sense of excitement and adventure we were about to experience. Watching the hot air balloons growing in size as they filled up with air was magical, as if the crew were getting ready to shoot a movie. My family was lucky enough to be part of a crew that was taken care of by Tracy, a pilot with 42 years experience. As dawn arrived, the sun stretched its rays across the entire Magalies River Valley, exhibiting the exquisite beauty of the natural mountain and lake scenery to us. The hot air balloon trip was a spectacular experience for my entire family that would become a fond memory of ours long into the future. Many thanks to the Bill Harrop’s excellent hot air balloon team that made us feel extra special! – taniaku2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Message from Bill Harrop (CEO of Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris)

“We acknowledge that guests who have booked, and especially PAID, have quite categorically indicated they want to come ballooning with us, and under normal circumstances would make every effort to fulfil their goal.
They will be extremely saddened and already disappointed if they have to cancel their tour or holiday due to Coronavirus or any other impediment out of their control. Bearing this in mind, we would rather make it easier for cancellation than feeding the dilemma of taking the tour to avoid cancellation costs as this places themselves, other guests as well as our team at risk
As in all our Company’s “safety culture”, the long term welfare of our passengers and ultimately our business, overrides any short term monetary gain.
As a company we aim to remain customer centric in all we do. We strive to create special moments, create indelible memories and in many cases fulfil our passengers “bucket list” wishes.

With all of the above in mind – should any guest’s tour be cancelled due to Coronavirus we request that you or your agent advise us as soon as possible to give us the best opportunity to re-sell that space.”

Western Gauteng and North West Province.

Most of our flights take place 70 km North of Johannesburg in the beautiful Magalies River Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site which, incidentally, boasts some of the safest and most reliable ballooning weather in the world. We also offer Game Viewing balloon flights in Mabula Private Game Reserve in the Northern Province. Special flights are available in other areas of South Africa but are researched for feasibility and are quoted individually. Just give us the details.

Early, every morning of the week including Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting and provided we have a minimum of two people. Departure times are confirmed when you book.

Yes, we need to check availability and we also need you to give us information which includes the following:

  1. Each person’s full name and weight
  2. The contact telephone number where you will be staying the night prior to flying.

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