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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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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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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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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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.
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Winter Flight Fest 2026 POSTPONED: Celebrating Ballooning, Friendship and 45 Years of Aviation Excellence
Celebrate 45 years of ballooning excellence at the Winter Flight Fest 2026. Experience a weekend of flying, friendship and fun as local and international pilots gather in the Magalies River Valley from 19 to 21 June 2026.
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Adventure Awaits Winter Edition 2026
Celebrate 45 years of sunrise ballooning with the Adventure Awaits Winter Edition 2026 from Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. Discover winter ballooning inspiration, heritage stories, Birthday Bash offers, luxury experiences, and unforgettable moments above the Magalies River Valley.
