Welcome to Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. Experience. The best way to explore the magnificent beauty of the Magaliesburg region. A region known to offer some of the best ballooning weather in the world! Please note. Please contact us by selecting the "get in touch" option to check availability before proceeding to book online DEPARTURE TIMES ARE SEASONAL AND WILL BE RECONFIRMED ON EMAIL PRIOR TO YOUR FLIGHT. Please refer to the start times below: The Magalies River Valley Scenic Balloon Safari package departs daily from the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO world heritage site, conveniently situated only 45km North of Johannesburg.  Picture this: Its sunrise, the silence of flight is only slightly interrupted by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath, whilst you are gently hovering above the majestic Magalies River Valley below. The experience is indescribable. The peace and tranquillity of this unique adventure will forever remain a cherished memory. After landing, guests are treated to generous champagne breakfast at our well-established Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant. Rest assure, Bill Harrop’s ballooning offer Professional pilots, attentive crew, immaculately maintained equipment and impressive 5 aviation safety awards, making this the preferred option for hot air ballooning in the Magaliesburg region. Please contact us with any enquiries you might have, or conveniently book online. Minimum age of 7 and a height restriction of 1.3 meters apply. We require full names, surnames and weights of each passenger Meeting times 1 Nov. to 31 Jan. 04h45 1 – 29 Feb. and 16 – 31 Oct. 05h00 1 – 15 Mar. and 1 – 15 Oct. 05h15 16 – 31 Mar. and 16 – 30 Sep. 05h30 1 – 30 Apr. and 1 – 15 Sep. 05h45 1 – 31 May. and 1 – 31 Aug. 06h00 1 Jun. to 31 Jul. 06h15

Our Balloon Safaris take place over several Game Reserves within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Rolling hills, large open grasslands scattered with plains game, and winding rivers, together lay the setting for a diverse array of wildlife sightings from the hot air balloon. Our air balloon rides over the Reserves of the Cradle of Humankind, home to four of the Big Five, have a good chance of spotting these iconic animals of Africa. Drifting gently with the winds of the morning our balloon safaris offer guests unique game viewing and photographic opportunities, making for a very memorable experience. Our meeting point is conveniently located at a luxury lodge within the Cradle of Humankind, and is an approx. 30 min drive from Joburg and 40min drive from Pretoria.

In line with traditional balloon flights, our Classic Air Balloon Flight offers guests the serene beauty of floating gently over the Cradle of Humankind or the Magaliesberg, while sipping on champagne, as the pilot allows the hot air balloon at times to drift at tree top height and at other times will ascend into the skies, offering guests a panoramic view of the beautiful African landscape below. We have air balloon launch sites located in the Cradle of Humankind and the Magaliesberg that have been chosen for their close vicinity to the majority of lodges in the area. Alternatively, we will launch from any lodge that is more convenient to the client, providing that the lodge has adequate space for the launching of passenger balloon.

The Exclusive balloon flight offers a unique personal hot air balloon experience in one of our smaller balloons, restricted to the use of two passengers only. This exclusive balloon ride hire adds to the romance of the flight, as you are able to enjoy the experience of drifting silently across the beautiful African landscape, while sipping on champagne, in complete privacy with your partner, watching a spectacular sun rise. In line with traditional balloon flights, our Classic Air Balloon Flight offers guests the serene beauty of floating gently over the Cradle of Humankind or the Magaliesberg, while sipping on champagne, as the pilot allows the hot air balloon at times to drift at tree top height and at other times will ascend into the skies, offering guests a panoramic view of the beautiful African landscape below. Shared Flights are also available and can be selected from the "more from this supplier option"

Our Balloon Safaris take place over several Game Reserves within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Rolling hills, large open grasslands scattered with plains game, and winding rivers, together lay the setting for a diverse array of wildlife sightings from the hot air balloon. Our air balloon rides over the Reserves of the Cradle of Humankind, home to four of the Big Five, have a good chance of spotting these iconic animals of Africa. Drifting gently with the winds of the morning our balloon safaris offer guests unique game viewing and photographic opportunities, making for a very memorable experience. Our meeting point is conveniently located at a luxury lodge within the Cradle of Humankind, and is an approx. 30 min drive from Joburg and 40min drive from Pretoria. Shared Flights are also available and can be selected from the "more from this supplier option"

Join us on a once in a lifetime experience! We have Hot Air Balloon Safaris launching from the centre of Pilanesberg National Park. Guests are collected early morning by a registered field guide, in an open safari vehicle from their respective hotels at Sun City Resort or lodges in Pilanesberg area. Day visitors can be collected from Bakubung Gate. The transfer through the park takes approximately an hour as the balloon launch site is situated in the center of the Pilanesberg National Park. At the launch site the guests will be met by the pilot and crew, who will proceed to give a briefing. Guests will then embark in a 1,2 metre high basket and commence on an unforgettable experience that lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This will undoubtedly be the finest way of viewing the inhabitants of the Pilanesberg National Park. On landing, guests will be served with sparkling wine and orange juice in celebration of the flight. The field guide will then convey the guests through the Pilanesberg National Park to a private lodge, where a full English breakfast will be enjoyed. Each guest will receive a first flight certificate signed by the Pilot. On completion of breakfast, guests will be returned to their respective hotels. The total duration of this activity is approximately ±5 hours. VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE! This activity is extremely weather dependent and a minimum of 4 people are required for the flight to take place. It is advisable that guests book 2 or 3 consecutive mornings as a back up plan.