Magalies River Valley Scenic Balloon Ride
Tour Description
Hot air balloon flight in the scenic Magalies River Valley with Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safari Team.
An out-of-this-world adventure! A Bucket List tick! Your unforgettable journey over the Magalies River Valley begins at sunrise. Walk down our lantern-lit pathway to enjoy pre-flight coffee and tea with freshly baked muffins while you watch the balloons being inflated. Embark on your 1-hour exciting sunrise flight, taking in the views of the majestic Magaliesburg mountains and river valley. Celebrate landing with a glass of sparkling wine or juice while the crew packs up the balloons. Return to our Clubhouse Pavilion for a delectable buffet breakfast overlooking the mountains and manicured gardens.
Frequency:
Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting. We only require a minimum of 4 passengers to schedule a flight on any day of the week.
Flight Departure Point:
Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base near Hartebeesport Dam, 45 kilometers north-west of Johannesburg’s Northern suburbs.
Time:
Just prior to sun-rise dependent on time of the year (see schedule below).
Hot Coffee, Tea, Biscuits and Muffins.
Served as guests check in at our Clubhouse Pavilion before sunrise. Flight Numbers are assigned and tickets are validated.
Professional Crew Prepare the Balloons for Flight
Guests watch from the comfort of the Pavilion and are 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).
Flight Landing Place:
Always in the shadow of the basket (wherever that may be).
South African Sparkling Wine:
Served on landing while the crew pack up the balloon.
Mini-bus Transfer back to our Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant for… Sparkling Wine Breakfast
At Harrop’s, fully licensed, beautifully appointed Clubhouse Pavilion. Self-service buffet with selection of Continental and Hot Breakfast items to choose from, even order your eggs freshly prepared by the Kitchen Team.
“Citations For Bravery”
Presented with due ceremony.
Morning’s duration
We advise passengers to set aside approximately 3 to 4 hours for the morning’s activity (check-in, flight, return transfer to launch site and breakfast)
2022/2023 Rates
Depart for your next destination with a basket full of really special memories.
MAGALIES HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR RATES
Rates for 2023/2024 will vary from R3190 to R3490 per person (including Vat.) depending on:
- the package,
- the season and
- the number of people booking
- Please note that there are adjusted rates on 25 December and 1 January (due to the festive season public holidays).
Rates are subject to change without prior notice – please confirm rates with the Reservations Office.
Explorer Flight Ticket:
From R3190 per person (1 November 2023 onwards)
Please note Terms and Conditions apply to this flight ticket.
* The flight ticket is non-refundable, but only re-bookable, in the event of cancellation due to unsafe flying conditions, such as inclement weather.
* Sharing with other passengers (non-exclusive).
* Flight ticket is valid for 12 months from the original date of issue.
Traditional Flight Ticket:
From R3490 per person (1 November 2023 onwards)
Please note Terms and Conditions apply to this flight ticket.
* The flight ticket is refundable or re-bookable, in the event of cancellation due to unsafe flying conditions, such as inclement weather.
* Sharing with other passengers (non-exclusive).
* Flight ticket is valid for 12 months from the original date of issue.
Group Rates are available on request (when booking for 6 or more adults in a single reservation on Traditional Flight Tickets only).
Children Passengers:
Passenger safety is our main priority and therefore the following regulations about children are in place:
- Children must be 7 years and older to participate in a hot air balloon flight & children must be 1.3 meters in height – and be able to see over the edge of the basket.
- Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the activity.
- Please advise, on booking, the number of children in the party – as well as their ages and weights.
- The pilot reserves the right to refuse to load children, who are too small, on the hot air balloon, for safety reasons.
Children under 12: – 50% off the regular rate, of whichever package is selected.
Daily Schedule:
(Meeting Times at Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base)
1 Nov. to 31 Jan. 04h45
1 – 29 Feb. and 16 – 31 Oct. 05h00
1 – 15 Mar. and 1 – 15 Oct. 05h15
16 – 31 Mar. and 16 – 30 Sep. 05h30
1 – 30 Apr. and 1 – 15 Sep. 05h45
1 – 31 May. and 1 – 31 Aug. 06h00
1 Jun. to 31 Jul. 06h15
Difference between the Traditional package and the Explorer package:
We currently offer two types of flight tickets for sharing with other passengers:
The Explorer Flight Ticket (which is non-refundable but re-bookable) as well as The Traditional Flight Ticket (which is refundable and re-bookable).
In the event we need to cancel the flight due to unsafe flying conditions, such as strong winds or rain; on the Traditional Package, the passenger can request a full refund of the ticket price.
In the event we need to cancel the flight due to unsafe flying conditions, such as strong winds or rain on the Explorer Package passengers can only re-book the flight for another date (subject to availability).
In both instances, the tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The principle remains the same as for another airline, whereby if you miss your flight, you will go on standby for the next available flight (subject to terms and conditions and availability).
About Booking:
All of the above rates include Vat.
For fast and easy, detailed information on the best rates for you contact one of our helpful Reservations Assistants now, to book your Hot Air Ballooning experience!
website@balloon.co.za or +27 83 457 3402.
When making your booking, we will need to know:
- FULL NAME, SURNAME & WEIGHT (in kg) of each passenger
- The PASSENGER’S TELEPHONE NUMBER.
- Preferred DATE OF DEPARTURE.
- Which FLIGHT TICKET you are interested in (Explorer or Traditional).
- E-MAIL ADDRESS for the correspondence and confirmation.
- If it is a GROUP BOOKING the GROUP LEADER’S NAME and contact details.
What to wear
Clothing: 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 (like Bill Harrop) wear a hat.
What to bring:
Don’t forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space or extra battery pack for your phone , as ballooning offers some most spectacular photo and video opportunities.
Fitness:
Ballooning is suitable for adventurers from 7 – 70 (although our oldest passenger to date was 92 years old). Participants should be nimble, be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight, which is approximately one hour.
Disabled Frail or Challenged Participants:
It may still be possible to fly, even if one cannot meet the fitness requirements noted above, subject to parameters noted for disabled passengers and a disclosure being made when booking. Our new base also sports approved ground facilities for the disabled.
