Hot air ballooning is not so much a wonderful outdoors activity to participate in, as it is an incredible experience to have. What better way to experience the extravagant hues of an African sunrise than leisurely floating just above the treetops in the crisp air of a new day, gazing at our country’s rich landscape below? There are few experiences that can quite compare.
Back in the Day…
During the Boer War, hydrogen gas balloons were used by the military as army observation points with the purpose of locating and monitoring enemy activity and movements. The very first hot air balloon first arrived in South Africa in 1969, but it was not until 1972 that the Aero Club of South Africa founded a Balloon Section. In 1976, 16 pilots took part in the first International Balloon Race, flying from Johannesburg to Durban. Consequently hot air ballooning in South Africa has evolved into an outdoor activity high on the list of locals and tourists alike. It’s a small wonder as to why…
Up, Up and Away….
The fresh smell of a new day; the changing sky as it awakens; birds going about their routines; the powerful sound of burners bringing the astounding size of the free flight balloon to life…. There’s no question that this kind of experience is something truly special.
Typically hot air ballooning takes place in the wee hours of the morning just before sunrise (weather permitting). Whilst sipping on steaming coffee, the exhilaration of a new and somewhat unexpected experience lingers. The darkness of the early morning adds to the “mystery” of this experience, giving it it’s “the unknown” factor. Much of what’s to come is a pleasant surprise!
“Take off” is gentle and exhilarating all at once! The thrill of lifting off of the ground ever so gently is as comfortable as it is pleasing. This is how the true adventure of the experience begins! At a height of no more than 10 – 20 m, the experience depends greatly on “where the wind takes you”. This height is perfect for gazing at our gorgeous and colourful landscape textures and animal life below, just enough so as not to be intrusive, but still be very much a part of its existence. Panoramic views like this are priceless. Watching the sun come up, too, across the horizon as you tranquilly lift into the air is as unique an experience as each and every new day.
My own ballooning experience took my fellow passengers and I over residential plots and open areas of the Cradle of Humankind (a World Heritage Site), the
Ingwenya Country Escape golf course and even across a runway of
Lanseria International Airport! Best of all, I experienced a gorgeous sunrise in the sky on the dawning of my 27th birthday!
Free flight feels like just that… free. The sensation of motion is barely there, giving this experience a little extra sense of wonder. All this experience requests is that you be able to stand for at least an hour, as well as climb in and out of the basket unassisted. The rest is up to you to enjoy!
The experience of free flight is truly amazing. Panoramic views of the rich tapestry that is our landscape below, uninterrupted and unique with each flight. As one of the oldest forms of flight known to man, hot air ballooning brings with the many tailored packages on offer, a certain kind of magic. This magic is what makes the experience. I should know, having experienced a small piece of the Cradle of Humankind in just this way. It’s no maybe…. this magical experience will most certainly be experienced again in my lifetime!
Best Places To Experience Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning operators know how to package this heavenly experience in just the right way to give it that extra something special. Packages can be costly, especially when you consider the amount of time spent on the experience, but believe me when I say it’s well worth every cent! Once you arrive at your operator destination, the price tag incorporates a 4 – 5 hour experience that includes your approximate hour-long flight and very often a champagne breakfast. Balloon flights are generally offered daily, some all year round, but all dependant on suitable weather conditions.
Since hot air ballooning is primarily about experiencing our beautifully textured landscape, and often wildlife / animal viewing too, the best locations where many operators offer packages include:
Hot Air Balloon Operators in the Cradle of Humankind / Magaliesberg Area
Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris
Tel: (011) 705 3201 / 083 443 2661/2/3
Field Operations: 083 379 5296
Fax: (011) 705 3203
Air to Air Africa Hot Air Balloon Operators
Tel: +27 (0) 84 602 3491
Fax: 086 502 0545 (local) OR +27 (0) 11 219 7166 (international)
