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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Give the Gift of a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Give someone special an unforgettable sunrise adventure with a personalised hot air balloon gift voucher letter from Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris.
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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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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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Why Winter is the Best Time for a Hot Air Balloon Flight in South Africa
Discover why winter is the best time for a hot air balloon flight in South Africa. Enjoy calm skies, breathtaking sunrises and unforgettable views over the Magalies River Valley.
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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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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.
