Hot air balloon rides near Johannesburg and Pretoria offer an unforgettable way to begin the day. Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris operates from a private launch site in the beautiful Magalies River Valley, approximately one hour from both cities.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris operates from a private launch site in the beautiful Magalies River Valley, approximately one hour from both cities. Since 1981, guests have joined us to experience the landscape from an entirely different perspective, floating peacefully above the countryside as the sun rises.
Here is everything you need to know when planning your flight.
Explore our Magalies River Valley Balloon Safari
Where do our hot air balloon rides take place?
Our flights take place over the Magalies River Valley, west of Hartbeespoort Dam.
Guests meet at our private launch site and Clubhouse Pavilion in Skeerpoort, situated along the R560. This provides a comfortable base for check-in, pre-flight refreshments and breakfast following the flight.
The surrounding landscape includes farmland, natural bushveld, river systems and views towards the Magaliesberg mountain range. The scenery changes with the seasons, which means no two flights are ever exactly the same.
Although the experience is traditionally called a balloon safari, the Magalies River Valley is not a game reserve and game viewing is not included.
How far is it from Johannesburg and Pretoria?
Our Magalies River Valley launch site is conveniently situated for guests travelling from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Hartbeespoort and the surrounding areas.
Approximate travelling distances are:
- Approximately 60 kilometres from Sandton
- Approximately 55 kilometres from Pretoria
- Around one hour’s drive from many parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria
Actual travelling time will depend on your departure point, traffic and road conditions. Because balloon flights take place shortly after sunrise, guests usually travel during the early morning when the roads are quieter.
We recommend checking your route in advance and allowing additional time. Ballooning follows the sunrise, and unfortunately the balloon cannot wait for late arrivals.
What time must guests arrive?
Guests arrive before sunrise at the check-in time provided in their reservation confirmation.
The exact check-in time changes during the year because sunrise times vary from season to season. Your confirmed booking information will include the applicable meeting and check-in time for your flight date.
Please arrive punctually. The pre-flight preparations, safety briefing and balloon inflation form part of the experience, and the flight must launch within the appropriate weather window.
What does the balloon experience include?
A hot air balloon flight with Bill Harrop’s is more than the time spent in the air. It is a complete morning experience that includes:
- Pre-flight tea, coffee/hot chocolate
- The opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared and inflated
- An approximately one-hour sunrise hot air balloon flight
- Traditional post-flight refreshments after landing
- A full buffet breakfast at our private Clubhouse Pavilion
- A personalised Certificate of Bravery
The balloon travels with the wind, so the precise flight path and landing place are different each morning. Our ground crew follows the balloon and meets it after landing.
How long should guests set aside?
Please set aside approximately three to four hours for the complete experience.
This includes check-in, pre-flight preparations, the flight, retrieval after landing and breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion.
We recommend avoiding appointments or tightly scheduled plans immediately afterwards. Ballooning is weather-dependent, and the morning’s timing can vary according to flying and landing conditions.
How much do hot air balloon rides cost?
At the time of publication, our shared balloon experience starts from R3395.00 per person (sharing with other passengers).
The ticket includes the pre-flight refreshments, approximately one hour in the balloon, traditional post-flight refreshments, buffet breakfast and Certificate of Bravery.
Rates, availability and package conditions may change, so guests should request the latest information before making arrangements.
View the current Magalies River Valley packages and enquire about availability
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Hot air ballooning is entirely dependent on suitable weather conditions.
Our pilots assess factors such as wind speed, visibility, cloud cover and the possibility of rain before every flight. The final decision to fly always rests with the pilot and is made with passenger and crew safety as the first priority.
A clear-looking morning does not necessarily mean conditions are suitable for ballooning. Equally, weather at the launch site may differ from conditions in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
If Bill Harrop’s cancels a Magalies River Valley flight because of unsuitable weather, the applicable tickets may be rebooked in accordance with their terms and conditions.
Guests should therefore avoid planning a balloon flight on the final morning of a visit to Gauteng. Where possible, allow an alternative date in case the weather does not cooperate.
Can children participate?
Children may fly if they meet both of the following minimum requirements:
- They must be at least seven years old
- They must be at least 1.30 metres tall
Both requirements must be met. Children must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The height requirement is important because passengers must be able to see over the edge of the basket, follow the pilot’s instructions and adopt the required landing position safely. Children may be measured during check-in.
Parents should provide the age, height and weight of each child when enquiring.
Is a balloon flight physically demanding?
Passengers must be able to stand for approximately one hour, climb into and out of the basket and hold the landing position instructed by the pilot.
Balloon landings can take place on uneven terrain and may occasionally be firm. Anyone with a recent operation, injury, significant mobility limitation or medical condition should disclose this before making payment.
Pregnant passengers are not permitted to fly.
How do I enquire about a flight?
To enquire, visit our Magalies River Valley package page and provide:
- Your preferred flight date
- The number of adults and children
- The ages and heights of any children
- The approximate weight of each passenger
- Your contact details
- Any medical, mobility or dietary information we should know about
Flights are subject to availability, suitable weather conditions and receipt of full payment.
Enquire about a hot air balloon ride in the Magalies River Valley
Begin your morning above the Magalies River Valley
A sunrise balloon flight offers an extraordinary escape from Johannesburg or Pretoria without requiring a long journey or an overnight stay.
Arrive before sunrise, watch the balloons come to life and experience the quiet of the Magalies River Valley from the sky.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has been sharing this remarkable experience with guests since 1981. Your adventure could be next.
Before setting off, search for Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris on Google Maps and confirm your route in advance.
Hot air balloon rides with Bill Harrop’s offer an extraordinary escape from Johannesburg or Pretoria without requiring a long journey or an overnight stay. Your sunrise adventure over the Magalies River Valley could be next.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
