We are a full time hot air balloon company, employing experienced hot air balloon pilots of the highest caliber. Our Operations Manager and Chief Pilot, Kevin, is a former South African hot air balloon champion, and held the title for six consecutive years. He has also flown balloons in Japan, Canada, the USA and Botswana. Balloon flights take place in the very early morning before the earth heats up. In windy, or otherwise marginal conditions the pilot will postpone or cancel the flight - safety is the prime consideration - but generally South Africa can boast ideal ballooning weather, and flights seldom need to be canceled.

The balloons commissioned for the air service are a Thunder and 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 balloon baskets for 200 years. Flying in a hot air balloon is a gentle adventure, and an experience unlike any other.The oldest form of flying, ballooning is seen as a graceful and romantic way to look down on the earth. Moving along at wind speed the 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 wraparound view of the earth and sky is one which can be experienced in no other way. Casual clothes are the most comfortable. A warm jersey or jacket may be needed for the early morning, but these can be taken off as the day warms up. Binoculars and camera are useful - this is a photographic opportunity not to be missed! Passengers can enjoy a cup of coffee while the balloon is being inflated. They are welcome to help with the inflation under the pilot's supervision if they would like to.When the balloon is inflated and the passengers on board, the pilot will explain what to expect on launch, in flight and on landing. Then passengers can relax and enjoy the flight and sip champagne. With no means of steering the balloon other than the pilot's skill in using wind currents, a flight can take passengers as far as 35 km, or return them close to the launch site - either way the retrieve crew will follow the balloon, staying in radio contact, and will fetch the passengers and pilot at the end of the flight to return by road to the launch site.

While we make every effort to obtain accurate weather forecasts, and prefer to cancel flights the night before if unfavorable weather conditions are likely, we are sometimes forced to cancel the flight at the launch site in the interests of safety. Should this occur, passengers would still be liable for the costs of any transfer, but would not be charged a cancellation fee for the flight.

The place of meeting will be agreed on confirmation of the booking. If necessary we will fax a map showing the location of the launch site to the passenger. The time of meeting will vary according to the time of year, but will usually be about an hour before sunrise. We will inform the passenger of the meeting time on confirmation of the booking. It is essential to be punctual. Passengers who do not arrive in time for the balloon launch will be considered “no shows” and a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.

Passengers are asked to call us late in the afternoon of the day before the flight to confirm the meeting time and place, and to discuss the weather forecast.

Passengers with health considerations accept the responsibility to consult a doctor before embarking on a balloon flight. If there are any questions regarding physical suitability, or health limitations, passengers should discuss these with us before booking. We will do all that we can to accommodate prospective passengers, however we reserve the right to refuse anyone who, in our opinion, would be a safety liability to themselves and others. We consider it unsafe to fly when pregnant. All passengers must be capable of standing for the duration of the flight, and be able to enter and exit the basket unassisted. Balloons Over Africa reserves the right to decline to accept any passenger should such person’s health, physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation, or the enjoyment of the other passengers. Anyone intoxicated will be denied participation. Should Balloons Over Africa decline to accept a passenger under the conditions described in this paragraph, that passenger will be deemed to have canceled their reservation. We often land in uncultivated fields and it would be the passengers’ responsibility to take precautions against ticks or other insects that may be prevalent in those areas.

Passengers’ vehicles are parked on the field at the passengers’ own risk.

We are reluctant to take children less than 12 years old, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We can accommodate up to 6 or 7 passengers per flight. Individual weights of passengers determine the number of passengers on the flight. We will ask for passenger’s weights. We reserve the right to accept bookings from more than one group in order to accommodate the maximum number of passengers per flight.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 - 31 OCTOBER 2009
All rates are per person. Weather permitting, flights take place every day of the year.

Scenic Balloon flight (self drive)
Normal Rate: R2,400 per person
Our Special Rate: R2,210 per person
Rates inclusive of transfers from hotels and game lodges in the area are available on request.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2009 - 31 OCTOBER 2010
All rates are per person. Weather permitting, flights take place every day of the year.