For some reason, I’ve tended to think a trip in a hot-air balloon would be some heart-pounding, jaw-clenching experience; not unlike the first time you get into a helicopter.

So what was I (a confirmed acrophobiac) doing drifting serenely across the Magalies River Valley, staring down at life seemingly a million miles below, with all my many concerns thrown to the wind?

It could have something to do with Felicity, the pilot and a seasoned hand who – despite her initial assurances that she had only started doing this two weeks before – soothed any potential panic attacks with a calm demeanour and dry wit.

So there we were, seven thousand feet in the air (I think –I tried not to listen to the figures that indicated how far we would fall to the ground, a thought, though clearly unwarranted, did repeatedly cross my mind), with fellow passengers who included a soon-to-be-granny of 65, whose sister had given her the trip in celebration, a geologist who has travelled the world, and a brilliant mathematician. You’d have to travel far to get that kind of company.

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Since there are no thermals and calmer winds prevail in the wee hours of the morning, that’s the time you’re asked to be there.

In our case, we arrived at around 6 a.m, after a trip of under an hour from the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. The road is fine – it has been better – but if you allocate yourselves a bit of time and try not to emulate the countless cowboys who overtake on blind rises and single lanes, it should be smooth sailing there and back. The directions to the “launchpad” are quite clear, and once you get closer to your destination, you’ll see signs all over the place.

I was quite happy to hop on one of the smaller balloons leaving that morning; the other two “seated” something like four times as many passengers as ours. And no, you don’t sit; you stand for the duration of the trip, although you are told you may have to “brace” yourself if something goes wrong.

After some fine filter coffee and watching the balloons being inflated, our seven-person hot-air balloon took to the air oh-so-gently.

Next thing you know, there you are, and miles (I can use kilometres, miles just seem to work better when it concerns hot air balloons) away from the other balloons in the distance. The air seems warmer here, helped in no small way by the enormous “bunsen burner” creating the hot air. Our worries about being cold never materialised.

Felicity has been a balloon pilot for many, many years, and it’s clear that for her this is no mere chore. She’s an enthusiast. After our trip she was going to her “other” job, she told us later – repairing balloons. She has travelled the world, competes in hot air balloon races, and has flown above the green valleys of France, so she knows her stuff. No worries, certainly.

It’s quiet – very quiet -- up here, when the burner isn’t going full blast. Those in the know compare the experience with scuba diving, except that you can talk. Across the valley you hear dogs barking, the geese quacking, and the sheep baahing. Little kids – who should be used to the sight of huge balloons drifting overhead – wave excitedly.

Sadly, even here in this little valley you see the inevitable “development” projects going on, with areas earmarked for cramped, over-crowded and expensive townhouse complexes. But that’s a topic for another day.

Even for one with a fear of heights, my heart is never in my mouth. It’s somewhere far away, caught up in the splendour of it all. And all-too-soon, after a mellow hour-long meander across the Magalies River Valley, you arrive at your destination, land with a gentle bump, disembark, and enjoy some sparkling wine or orange juice while your balloon deflates.

Then you get taken back to the Clubhouse for a very fine breakfast, where you assure each other that you don’t normally eat like this at home, and receive a citation for “bravery” in the air. As if, etc.

All-in-all, we all felt it was well-worth the experience; we never felt in harm’s way or put out. It’s a memory you’ll carry with you for many a day.

Any questions? Have a look at http://www.balloon.co.za/faq.html -- it’s a pretty comprehensive Q&A that addresses such topics as safety, what you need to wear, and so on.

(Story and all images Axel Bührmann.)