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"

Guided Game drives through our natural Savannah Highveld grasslands and mountainous areas on a property spanning over 1200 hectacres are for a duration of roughly two hours are conducted six days a week. Game Drives are provided for in our open Game Drive vehicles which can take 10 or 20 people, depending on the group size. Game drives depart at 09h00, 12h00 and 15h00 with an occasional 17h00 drive.The game drive take between 1.5 and 2 hours long, a minimum of 2 people are required to commence with a game drive. The game drive ticket allows you access to the Reserve for a self-drive in your own vehicle before and after your game drive. Enjoy a full day relaxing or picnicing at our braai areas and swimming pool. Large groups are welcome!. Terms & Conditions Apply. Only a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria situated in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, is the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. With over 600 head of game, this is the perfect setting for admiring nature on your doorstep. More than thirty species of game, including three of the big five, can be viewed from open vehicles in the presence of an experienced SATOUR-registered guide. These include Kruger Lion, White Rhino and Buffalo. Endangered species, such as wild dog have been reintroduced into the area. Cheetah, hippo, crocodile and more than 20 species of antelope will also be part of this experience. From a vulture hide, the visitor has the opportunity to view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture. Proof that leopards occasionally traverse the area has also been found.

The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus which you can see in our Wildlife Centre near the Boma restaurant. The tour meanders through the green belt along a gravel pathway that leads visitors alongside the various habitats while our guide enthuses you with fun facts and talks about the animals you are viewing. You will catch sight of some of our lions, tigers and various antelope up close and personal! At the end of the path, the surprise and delight of the Hippo enclosure awaits! Spot the world’s third largest land mammals sunning themselves on the treelined banks of the river from the safety of the elevated viewing deck. This adventure is particularly special for young ones and is a great learning experience for school children and home schoolers alike. Enjoy this tour on its own or make it part of your day out at the reserve.