Hot Air Balloon Rides Near Johannesburg and Pretoria: A Complete Guide
Looking for a hot air balloon ride near Johannesburg or Pretoria? Discover where we fly, what the experience includes, current pricing and how to enquire.
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Celebrating Our 45th Birthday: 45 Reasons to Fly With Us
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris is celebrating 45 years of ballooning. As part of our birthday year, here are 45 reasons to fly with us.
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Why Do Hot Air Balloons Fly at Sunrise?
Why do hot air balloons fly at sunrise? The answer lies in the weather conditions typically found during the early morning, when the atmosphere is generally cooler and more stable. Passengers usually arrive before dawn, watch the balloons inflate as the sky begins to brighten and take off shortly after sunrise. The timing is not…
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How to Choose a Hot Air Balloon Operator in South Africa
Before booking a balloon flight, establish who will operate it. Learn what to check regarding aviation approvals, pilots, aircraft, insurance, payment details and booking terms.
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What to Expect from a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Planning your first hot air balloon safari? Discover what happens from the pre-dawn arrival and balloon inflation to the sunrise flight, landing celebration and breakfast.
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Your Engagement Story Starts at Sunrise
Planning a hot air balloon proposal? Discover the best time to pop the question, what to expect before, during and after the flight, and how to plan an unforgettable sunrise engagement above the Magalies River Valley.
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Urgent Public Warning: “Hartees Air Adventures” Identified as a Hot Air Balloon Scam
Mike Bolhuis has issued an urgent public warning identifying “Hartees Air Adventures” as a fraudulent operation allegedly accepting payments for non-existent hot air balloon flights. Here is what consumers need to know before making a booking.
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Winter Fun Flight Fest 2026: A Celebration of Skill, Friendship and 45 Years of Ballooning
Experienced balloon pilots and crews gathered in the Magalies River Valley from 17 to 19 July 2026 for a weekend of friendly flying challenges, competition and camaraderie, celebrating 45 years of Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. Here are the overall placements and prize winners from the Winter Fun Flights 2026.
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Fantastic Prizes Await at the 2026 Winter Fun Flights
From weekend getaways and luxury hotel stays to unique food and beverage experiences, discover the fantastic prizes awaiting competitors at the 2026 Winter Fun Flights.
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Keeping Ballooning Alive: Training the Next Generation of Hot Air Balloon Pilots
Behind every sunrise balloon flight is a highly trained pilot. Discover how the Balloon School, in partnership with Alpi Aviation, is helping to train the next generation of hot air balloon pilots and preserve the future of ballooning in South Africa through mentorship, practical experience, and aviation excellence.
