Bill Harrops Original Balloon Safaris

You're sipping fine champagne while hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range, just 45 km north of Johannesburg's northern suburbs, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. The exceptional peace of this unique and almost supernatural view of the world will forever remain as a truly cherished memory.

A Balloon Safari is something really different - something really special. And if you're going to do it - do it in unassailable style. Established in 1981, Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris has been in business for over 27 years, verification that we are the most experienced balloon operator by far.

Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris run a fleet of six large hot air balloons which can carry between six and eighteen passengers each. So whether it is a romantic balloon flight for 2, or a party for 18 adventurers in one of the biggest balloons in the world, or a corporate adventure for 142, Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris is the preferred choice for safe, reliable, quality ballooning.

Professional pilots, attentive crew, immaculately maintained equipment, 5 aviation safety awards, make this longest established licensed Balloon Airline in southern Africa the choice of the well informed discerning individual traveller or corporate group.

Internationally hailed as Southern Africa's best value, best quality tour operator - chosen as the winner of the South African Tourism "Welcome Awards 2006."

Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting from Harrop's Skeerpoort Country Base.

• Departures just prior to sun-rise dependant on time of the year.
• Hot Coffee, Tea and Biscuits are served as guests check in at our newly built, well appointed Clubhouse Pavilion at sunrise.
• Flight Numbers are assigned and tickets are validated.
• Professional Crew Prepare the Balloons for Flight while guests watch from the Pavilion and are called to board when the balloons are ready.
• The Captains give a safety briefing prior to take off.
• Flight duration: About one hour (dependant on conditions)
• Flight Landing Place: Always in the shadow of the basket (wherever that may be;-)
• South African Champagne served in-flight or on landing while the crew pack up the balloon
• Mini-bus transfer back to our Country Base for Champagne Breakfast at Harrop's new Clubhouse Pavilion Restaurant, freshly cooked and beautifully presented by our celebrated Prue Leith qualified Chef, Ms Daleen Terblanche.
• "Citations For Bravery" Presented with due ceremony.
• Depart for your next destination.

Western Gauteng and North West Province. Most of our flights take place 70km North of Johannesburg in the beautiful Magalies River Valley which, incidentally, boasts some of the safest and most reliable ballooning weather in the world.

We also offer Game Viewing balloon flights in Mabula Private Game Reserve in the Northern Province as well as Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Limpopo Province.

Special flights are also available in other areas of South Africa but are researched for feasibility and are quoted individually.

• Balloon flight, with experienced crew
• Tea, coffee and biscuits
• Champagne in flight
• Full Champagne breakfast
• Certificates of participation.

Transfers between your hotel and Harrops balloon field. These can be arranged and quoted for on request.

What to bring: Don't forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space or extra film, and batteries fully charged, as ballooning offers some most spectacular photo and video opportunities.

Clothing: Should be warm enough for the chilly early morning but it should be "peelable" because the sun, excitement and probably the champagne will soon warm you. "Country" shoes (no high heels or open sandals) are recommended, and if you are tall or a little thin on top (like Bill Harrop :-) wear a hat.

Ballooning is suitable for adventurers from 7 to 70 (although our oldest passenger to date is 91 years old). Participants should be nimble, be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight (approximately 1 hour).

Rates during 2010 vary depending on the season and the number of people booking.

Special rates are available on request for seasonal promotions, frequent flyers, and large groups.

Return Transfers can be arranged from your hotel to our balloon base, or from the airport to our lodges. Rates available on request.