The countdown is on to the Winter Fun Flights 2026, taking place from 17 to 19 July at Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris, and we’re thrilled to announce a fantastic selection of prizes that will be up for grabs throughout the weekend.

While the Winter Fun Flights are all about celebrating the spirit of hot air ballooning, friendly competition and lifelong friendships, our generous sponsors have helped make this year’s event even more memorable with an exciting range of prizes and experiences.

A Weekend of Rewards

Participants will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including:

• A two-night stay for two at the beautiful SiriMiri Cottage in Dullstroom.
• Overnight experiences at the Indaba Hotel, including dinner at Chiefs Boma and breakfast at Epsom Restaurant.
• Gin School Masterclass experiences for two.
• Wine and Chocolate Pairing experiences.
• Mugg & Bean Hartbeespoort vouchers.
• Vovo Telo Bakery & Café Hartbeespoort vouchers.
• DJA Aviation Insurance gift bags.
• Weekend gas sponsorship and several surprise spot prizes.

More Than a Competition

Although prizes add an extra element of excitement, the true reward is the opportunity for pilots to spend the weekend doing what they love most: flying with friends, testing their skills through a series of fun competition tasks, and celebrating the remarkable camaraderie that has always been part of the ballooning community.

As Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris celebrates 45 years of ballooning, the Winter Fun Flights continue to honour the friendships, traditions and passion that have shaped the sport over the decades.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Events like the Winter Fun Flights would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed prizes and experiences for this year’s event. Your support helps make the weekend even more special for the pilots and crews who continue to keep the spirit of ballooning alive.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Magalies River Valley for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of flying, friendship and fun.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board.

The post Fantastic Prizes Await at the 2026 Winter Fun Flights appeared first on Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris.

Winter Fun Flights 2026 returns to Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris from 17 to 19 July 2026, bringing together experienced hot air balloon pilots for a weekend of friendly competition, flying skills and shared memories. While our guests know us for unforgettable sunrise balloon safaris over the Magalies River Valley, this special annual gathering offers a rare behind the scenes glimpse into the passion and camaraderie that have shaped South African ballooning for decades.

Most people know us for creating unforgettable sunrise balloon safaris over the beautiful Magalies River Valley. What many don’t realise is that, every now and then, the people who spend their lives taking others flying also enjoy flying purely for themselves.

From 17 to 19 July 2026, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris will once again host our annual Winter Fun Flights, a special weekend where experienced balloon pilots gather to enjoy friendly competition, sharpen their skills, and celebrate the camaraderie that has made hot air ballooning such a remarkable community.

Winter Fun Flights 2026: More Than Just Flying

Unlike a commercial balloon safari, these flights are all about precision, teamwork and a little friendly rivalry.

Throughout the weekend, pilots will take part in a series of competition tasks that test their planning, navigation and balloon handling skills. Every flight presents a different challenge, with points awarded for each task and overall winners crowned at the end of the weekend.

Of course, while everyone enjoys the competitive spirit, the real prize is the opportunity to fly alongside fellow balloonists who share the same passion for lighter than air aviation.

A Celebration of Ballooning Heritage

The 2026 Winter Fun Flights are especially meaningful as Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris celebrates 45 years of introducing guests from around the world to the magic of hot air ballooning.

Many of the pilots participating have spent decades in the sport. Some have flown together for years, while others have crossed paths at ballooning events throughout South Africa and beyond. The weekend is an opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate the friendships built through countless sunrise launches.

Saturday’s gathering at the Clubhouse will be filled with stories from years gone by, historic photographs, old videos and plenty of laughter as pilots, crew and friends reminisce about the early days of ballooning.

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris operates under the regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Meet the Pilots

This year’s confirmed participants include:

• Dave MacGregor
• Ian Schilz
• Eugene Schilz
• Felicity Clegg
• Dale de Klerk
• Juandré Janse van Vuuren
• Hein van der Merwe
• …and more

Together, they represent an incredible wealth of ballooning knowledge and experience, helping to preserve the traditions and professionalism that have defined ballooning in South Africa for generations.

Our Guests Can Enjoy the Spectacle Too

Although the Winter Fun Flights are a private gathering for invited pilots, our commercial sunrise balloon safaris continue as normal throughout the weekend.

Guests joining us for a sunrise flight may be treated to the rare sight of several colourful balloons sharing the Magalies River Valley skies, making an already unforgettable experience even more spectacular.

Whether you’re flying with us or simply following the event online, we look forward to sharing highlights, photographs and stories from what promises to be another memorable Winter Fun Flights weekend.

Here’s to great flying, good friends, and another chapter in the story of Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board.

The post When Balloon Pilots Come Out to Play: Bill Harrop’s Winter Fun Flights 2026 appeared first on Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris.