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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Adventure Awaits Spring 2026: Read Our New E-Magazine
Our Spring 2026 edition of Adventure Awaits has arrived, with ballooning stories, guest experiences, beautiful photography and fresh reasons to meet us at sunrise.
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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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Flight Log 006: From Private Pilot to Commercial Balloon Pilot
Learn how balloon pilots progress from private flying to commercial operations through experience, supervised flights, advanced training and competency assessments.
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Flight Log 004: What Does Hot Air Balloon Pilot Training Include?
Discover what hot air balloon pilot training includes, from ground school and practical instruction to weather, flight planning, safety and licensing assessments.
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Flight Log 003: Entry Requirements for Hot Air Balloon Pilot Training in South Africa
Understand the academic, medical, physical and administrative requirements for applying to hot air balloon pilot training in South Africa.
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Flight Log 002: What Is a Balloon Private Pilot Licence?
Learn what a Balloon Private Pilot Licence allows and how the training works. Discover why it is the first step towards becoming a qualified hot air balloon pilot in South Africa.
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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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45 Years of Sunrise Stories: How Hot Air Ballooning Has Changed Since 1981
Forty-five years after taking one of our early hot air balloon flights, a guest from Germany rediscovered her photographs and shared a heartfelt message that reminded us why sunrise ballooning creates memories that last a lifetime. Join us as we look back at how hot air ballooning has evolved since 1981, and why the magic of drifting silently above the Magaliesberg at sunrise remains unchanged.
