What better way to celebrate love than a romantic ride on a hot air balloon overlooking incredible scenery? Top it off with a nice picnic and a bottle of bubbly, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Valentine’s Day. Have a look at some lovely spots to go hot air ballooning in South Africa.
Picture: Pexels
1. Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris, North West
Take a scenic ride and get a birds-eye view of the Magalies River Valley with Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris.’
Before your ride, you are required to check-in at the Clubhouse Pavilion. Enjoy a steaming cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit or a muffin whilst watching the crew prepare the balloons for flight.
Rides last one hour and go up every morning providing the weather permits. Once the ride is over, you are invited to watch the crew pack up the balloon whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly.
After that, a minibus will take you back to the Clubhouse where you can enjoy even more bubbly and a fresh breakfast.
Rates: From R2990 per person.
Contact details: 083 457 3402 or click here.
Address: R560, Skeerpoort, North West.
2. Air To Air Africa, Gauteng
Air to Air Africa offers a four-hour package jam-packed with unforgettable experiences and memories to last you a lifetime.
Their hot air balloon rides take place daily and set off at sunrise from Glenburn Lodge in the Cradle of Humankind in Muldersdrift, Gauteng.
Prior to the flight, you can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or coffee, and after the flight, indulge in some bubbly and a nice breakfast.
To top it all off, you receive a commemorative certificate which you can show off to all your friends.
Rates: For more information on their rates, call 084 602 3491
Address: Glenburn Lodge, Kromdraai Road, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg.
3. SA Encounter, Western Cape
SA encounter does not just offer hot air balloon rides, they also offer tandem paragliding, giving you two options to take your love to the next level.
They also offer cruises, so whether you wish to take to the land, the air, or the sea, SA Encounter has got you covered.
After your flight overlooking the unique Cape Winelands, you get to have breakfast and bubbly with the pilot!
Flight duration is approximately one hour.
Rates: From R3500 per person.
Contact details: 066 542 5394 or click here.
Address: Joostenberg Farm, Stellenbosch.
4. HotAir, different locations
Hot air operations from numerous locations across South Africa. They offer a wide array of packages. Their Weekday Savvy Saver is their most affordable package in Cape Town, though they do run specials from time to time.
With this package, you can view the native fauna and flora, and experience excellent food and wine.
After your ride, you are invited to enjoy a farm-style breakfast with a side of bubbly.
Rates: From R2900 per person for the Savvy Saver option. For more information on their operating locations, click here.
Contact details: 072 955 5444
Address: Stellenbosch Brewing Company, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch.
5. Sun Fun Africa Safaries, Gauteng
What makes this hot air balloon operator different from all the others on this list is that they cater to special arrangements including engagements, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Soar over the Magaliesburg valley and marvel at the array of sweeping fields and vistas, with a 360-degree view from between the treetops.
Rates: From R2600 per person in group flights.
Contact details: 083 778 7813 or click here.
Address: Sun Fun, Hekpoort, Gauteng.
6. Wineland ballooning, Western Cape
Wineland Ballooning offers daily rides over the stunning Berg River Valley near Paarl. Every ride boasts majestic views of the Mother City’s famous Table Mountain, and on days where the weather permits, you may even see the Cape of Good Hope.
In addition to picturesque balloon rides, Wineland Ballooning also offers self-catering accommodation. So after talking to the skies, why not take a page out of the Covid-19 playbook and have a dinner date indoors.
Rates: From R4900 per person.
Contact details: 021 863 3192 or click here.
Address: VA Waterfront, Clock Tower Precinct, Cape Town
7. Nova Hot Air Balloons, Western Cape
Enjoy a hot drink and homemade South African rusks whilst you watch the crew set up your hot air balloon. The rides are also stable enough for photographers and videographers to get their fix of landscapes.
After the ride, you have a celebratory breakfast and bubbly with the pilot and crew.
Rates: From R4300 per person.
Contact details: 021 813 9438/082 899 6374 or click here.
Address: Hangar C3 Mosselbay Airport, Aalwyndal, Mossel Bay
8. Hot Air Ballooning SA, different locations
With more than 17 years of experience under their belt, Hot Air Ballooning SA offers various rides overlooking many iconic South African landscapes, such as the Maluti mountain range in Clarens, the Vaal River and the Vredefort Dome meteorite impact site of Parys, KZN’s magical midlands and Champagne Valley in the ethereal Drakensberg Mountains.
They also cater to specific events upon request.
Rates: Contact them for a quote. For more information and their locations, call 083 446 9423 or click here.
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