Travel for South Africans in South Africa
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris! If you’re going to do it – do it in unassailable style. Its sunrise, the silence of flight is punctuated only by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable.
Internationally hailed as Southern Africa’s best value, best quality tour operator to be appraised as the winner of the South African Tourism “Welcome Awards 2006”. Selected as the preferred hot air balloon operator in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 2010-2011 promotions
You’re hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, 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.
After landing, savour a delectable and generous champagne breakfast at our well established, traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant, where you’ll be filled with the warmest of memories.
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.
Group Rates for 6 or more pax available
Valid for Travel until 30 November 2020
Tour Description
Balloon Safaris and Balloon Rides with Bill Harrop. Selected as the preferred hot air balloon operator in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 2010-2011 promotions.
Frequency: Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting.
Flight Departure Point: Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site on the border of Gauteng and North West Province, near Hartebeesport Dam, 45 kilometers north-west of Johannesburg’s Northern suburbs.
Minibus Transfers from various hotels can be arranged at an extra cost
View the “Flight area maps” here.
Time: Just prior to sun-rise dependant on the time of the year Note that hotel transfers depart earlier to allow for travelling time.
Hot Coffee, Tea, Biscuits and Muffins: Served as guest check-in before the flight.
Professional Crew Prepare the Balloons for Flight
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 on landing while the crew pack up the balloon.
Mini-bus Transfer back to our Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant for… Champagne Breakfast
At Harrop’s fully licensed beautifully appointed Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant. Freshly cooked, wide choice and beautifully presented.
“Citations For Bravery” Presented with due ceremony
Bela Bela area (Warmbaths) Northern Province
Group Rates for 6 or more pax available
Valid for Travel until 30 November 2020
Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris now offers you the opportunity to view the magnificent panoramas of this ancient land and enjoy this rare and special privilege of observing the flora and fauna of Africa from the slowly drifting vantage of your hot air balloon…
Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris operate game viewing flights which give guests a magnificent aerial view of the unique 12 000 ha, malaria-free Mabula Private Game Reserve, situated in the Northern Province, a mere 2 ½ hour drive from Johannesburg.
Legendary African wildlife is a regular occurrence at Mabula Game Lodge, where the big five roam.
After your balloon safari, enjoy game-viewing drives in open Land Rovers, bush walks, or ride horseback along the trails to observe the animals.
Mabula Game Lodge and Safari Plains are particularly recommended for the ultimate getaway, and a prelude to a most memorable Game Viewing Balloon Safari the following morning.
They are both included as one of the “Game Viewing Balloon Safari” packages which are inclusive of accommodation, meals and Ballooning as well as transfers if requested.
Enjoy the matchless hospitality and comfort of this newly refurbished, truly world-class game lodge, which offers a bouquet of activities including guided bush walks, reptile centre, horse trails, rhino tracking, game drives in open land rovers and a health and beauty centre.
During the heat of the day, relax at one of Mabula’s two sparkling swimming pools.
In the evening take a thrilling night game drive before a delightful boma dinner. Accommodation is in comfortable thatched chalets, with en-suite bathrooms and private patios.
Mabula Game Lodge is unquestionably the spirit of Africa
Safari Plains is set against the backdrop of the magnificent Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province. Safari Plains redefines luxury in the bush.
Gorgeous tented suites command a private space within the natural indigenous bush-veld. These perfectly appointed safari-style tents offer great comfort and a luxurious ambience
A wide array of activities are available such as game drives hot air balloon safaris, horseback safaris, quad biking adventures and guided bush walks among others
An extraordinary destination for all who seek the true tranquillity fused with the excitement of an African Safari.
World Heritage “Waterberg Biosphere” Limpopo Province
Group Rates for 6 or more pax available
Valid for Travel until 30 November 2020
The 22000 ha Entabeni Safari Conservancy, situated in the renowned, malaria-free Waterberg area of Limpopo Province, boasts spectacular scenery with mountains, waterfalls and terrain which varies from bushveld to unspoilt ravines. All of this only 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.
The 5 star Hanglip Mountain Luxury Lodge or the 4 star Wildside Tented Camp are both on the lower escarpment and most convenient to the balloon safari takeoff area. Other 4 and 5 star lodges are also available on the upper escarpment.
Entabeni Balloon Safari
The packages includes: Accommodation, 3 meals, a game drive and a balloon safari game spotting flight.
Other activities available are scenic helicopter flights, horseback safaris, rejuvenation at the wellness centre, wildlife centre, cultural village, the extreme golfing experience and game viewing activities by day and night, far in excess of the ubiquitous sightings of “just the Big 5”.
