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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 champagne 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.

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Guest Book

“Hi to the Bill Harrops team.

A sincere thank you for affording Julie and I privilege of doing your balloon safari. It was a fabulous experience which we will never forget and every member of your team went out of their way to make it so. Once again thank you and we will certainly recommend it to our friends and partners in the industry. it will not as exciting as your experience. Fond regards, Brian and Julie Curtin. Windward Charters (luxury minibuses, cars and coaches)

– Windward Charters

“Dear Bill and Mary

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience at Harrops Balloon Safaris!! It was so wonderful to be able to experience this with you, and we feel so privileged to have had this amazing opportunity! we will most certainly recommend it to all our friends and family as a must do!!! We are looking forward to seeing your lovely family again next weekend!! Please let us know what we can bring for the day!!! See you soon again! Love Ross & Celeste”

– Ross & Celeste

Frequently asked questions

Message from the CEO

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

“We acknowledge that guests that have booked, and especially PAID, that signals quite categorically they genuinely 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.
Also, 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 items”.
With all of the above in mind – should any of your guests tours be cancelled due to Coronavirus we request that you advise us as soon as possible so that we have the opportunity to re-sell that space with as much notice as possible.”

Where do you fly from?

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 as well as Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere, Limpopo 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.

When do you fly?

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.