Hot air Balloon flights takes place ONLY OUTSIDE of Kruger Park. Nonetheless, here is an opportunity to get a view of the Mpumalanga escarpment and the Sabi River. Flights operate at sunrise.
Scenic balloon flights is seen as a beautiful and romantic way to look down on mother earth. Moving along at wind speed the hot air balloon is part of the climate of the day and the ride is calm; the view of things earthbound surprisingly detailed. The view from above shows old structures and differences in terrain not visible from ground level.
The wrap-around view of the earth and sky is one which can be experienced no other way. Wearing casual clothes are the most comfortable. A warm jersey or jacket may be needed for the early morning when it's cooler, but these can be taken off as the day warms up. Binoculars and camera are defintely a must; this is a photographic opportunity not to be missed!
You can enjoy a cup of coffee while the hot air balloon is being inflated at Sabi River Valley. You will be welcomed to help with the inflation under the pilot's supervision if you would like to. When the hot air balloon is inflated and you are on board, the pilot will explain what to expect on launch, in flight and on landing.
Then you can relax and enjoy the flight and sip champagne. With no means of steering the balloon other than the pilot's skillful ability in using wind currents, a flight can take you as far as 35 km, or return you close to the launch site in Sabi River Valley. Either way the retrieve crew will follow the hot air balloon, staying in radio contact, and will collect you and pilot at the end of the flight to return by road to the launch site.
Based outdside Hazyview, our affiliate service provider is a full time hot air ballooning safari company, employing experienced licensed hot air balloon pilots of the highest caliber.
- The hot air balloon takes off very early in the morning before the earth heats up.
- In windy, or otherwise marginal conditions the pilot will postpone or cancel the flight.
- Safety of the passengers is very important, generally South Africa has ideal hot air ballooning safari weather, and flights seldom get cancelled.
The balloons used for the air service are a Thunder, Colt 180 S2 and Lindstrand A180 which stand the height of an eight story building when inflated. The basket can hold up to eight passengers and is made of woven wicker, which has traditionally been used for hot air balloon baskets for 200 years.
Flying on a hot air balloon is a gentle adventure, and an experience unlike any other.
