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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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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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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When Balloon Pilots Come Out to Play: Bill Harrop’s Winter Fun Flights 2026
Hot air balloon pilots gather for a weekend of friendly competition, shared memories and exceptional flying. Discover the story behind Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris’ Winter Fun Flights 2026, and why this tradition remains a highlight of the ballooning calendar.
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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.
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Flight Log 001: How Do You Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot in South Africa?
Learn how aspiring hot air balloon pilots begin training, gain practical experience and progress towards licensed balloon operations in South Africa.
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Vote for Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris in the Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Voting is now open for the Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. Support Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris and help us soar to the top by casting your vote today.
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Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris Named Finalist in the 2026 Tshwane Tourism Association Awards
Following our Tourist Attraction of the Year win in 2025, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris is proud to be recognised once again as a finalist in the 2026 Tshwane Tourism Association Awards during our 45th anniversary year.
