Magaliesburg Tours
Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg
5

Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

By Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Enhance your visit to the Cradle of Humankind with an early morning balloon ride over this ancient and beautiful landscape. Sip coffee as the experienced crew inflate the balloons, then ascend into the sky as your veteran pilot explains the views beneath you. After landing, tuck into a full breakfast at the launch site and leave with a “citation” commemorating your flight.
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 10-90, max of 64 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Secure your place on a hot air balloon ride over the Magalies River Valley
  • Glide peacefully through the skies above rolling landscapes and ancient sites
  • Toast your flight with a full English breakfast
  • Receive a certificate to commemorate your flight

  • Sparkling Wine Buffet Breakfast
  • Entry/Admission - Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
What's not included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)


Start:
  • Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris, R560 Skeerpoort, 2146, South Africa
    The launch site is situated in a small town called "Skeerpoort", west of Hartbeespoort dam.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 34827P1

    • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • Please note that the flight is a 1 hour flight but you need to keep 4 hours free for the meet and greet, the flight, post flight beverages, transfer back the Clubhouse, Pavilion and Restaurant, as well as the breakfast afterwards
    • Please advise us of any dietary requirements (non alcohol, vegetarian etc)
    • Meeting time will be confirmed on confirmation of your booking - it is essential that you arrive on time
    • Passengers need to be physically fit enough to stand for the duration of the flight (an hour) as well as jump unassisted from a chair to the ground (this would be the feeling of a bumpy landing should we have one).
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Children must be 7 years and older to participate in a hot air balloon flight & children must be 1.3 meters in height - and be able to see over the edge of the basket.
    • Please note that pregnant passengers will not be allowed to participate in the hot air ballooning (for safety precautions).
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 64 travellers

    • If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
    • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
    • If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 34827P1

    From
    R 4 780,83
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • R560 Skeerpoort, 2146, South Africa
      The launch site is situated in a small town called "Skeerpoort", west of Hartbeespoort dam.
    • 1
      Whether catering to a large corporate group or an intimate engagement, this tour will provide you with a personal, professional service and an unforgettable experience!   
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
      827
      South Africa
      Joined in May 2008
    • patrachato
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bucket kist
      Excellent but Champayne during flight would take this trip to another level. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience
      Written 3 March 2024
    • Explore35428814439
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Anniversary Surprise
      Arnel and I would like to express our thanks to all concerned who made our 20th anniversary so special. It was the most memorable experience being our first hot air balloon flight. Special thanks to Eugene, a great pilot and guide. Best wishes and regards, Danie du Plessis
      Written 23 February 2024
    • Natliegh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A beautiful experience
      The experience exceeded my expectations. The information shared with us on the flight was really interesting. I loved that it wasn't just a "go up, come down" trip. Our pilot had a lot of experience and loads of knowledge of the area. He pointed out things and told us interesting historical stories. We loved the whole experience.
      Written 23 February 2024
    • AlexisCS25
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An amazing unforgettable experience
      From answering questions, to making the reservation to the whole flight experience, the service and staff are out of this world. There were no issues with dietary requirement that were mentioned and the catering was delicious and accounted for these requirements. Our Pilot was knowledgeable and made the journey enjoyable even for those of us afraid of heights. I would totally arrange to go again!
      Written 18 February 2024
    • marisavm38
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      The experience was truly memorable The staff are friendly and the food was so nice. Recommended to all
      Written 18 February 2024
    • 24andilem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Memorable
      Just a tip: I believe it will be more memorable if your guests take pictures with the pilot and crew or the pilot and the guests. Also when the guests receive the certificates, it will be nice to get pictures during that event.
      Written 11 February 2024
    • Pioneer671092
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Valentines experience!
      My hubby booked a balloon trip for our Valentines this year. It was one of our most memorable trips ever! If you want beauty, professionalism, friendliness and a once in a life time experience, then this is the place to go! Thank you Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris for making our Valentines memorable! Your team is absolutely amazing! Thank you for the staff which made the food as well, the food was wonderful.
      Written 11 February 2024
    • delrenekruger65
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bucket Listing fulfilled
      Fantastic experience, the staff and crew were phenomenal! Would love to do it again and it will definitely be again with Bill Harrops Hot Air Safari! Felicity the Pilot was friendly and so knowledgeable! Thank you for an awesome 70th Birthday celebration that I can now tick off from my Bucket List!
      Written 31 January 2024
    • guyhusselmann
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Top 5 on my most memorable experiences
      I have experienced life and this was definitely one of my top 5 life experiences. We were extremely lucky with almost perfect conditions. Super, well oiled, professional and friendly outfit that Bill Harrop has left behind, with amazing people to continue his legacy.
      Written 15 January 2024
    • ingecronje04
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Up, up and away
      We had to rebook as our former booking was cancelled because of weather. This was however an excellent experience, well worth the wait. Our pilot, Nik, was very informative and a true gentleman. We fully recommend everyone to go for this experience.
      Written 14 January 2024
    • darioneto18
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      AMAZING!!!
      I proposed to my girlfriend on our trip. Everything was handled so meticulously from the planning to the actual day and the proposal. Our captain Nik was incredible and provided the perfect moment for me to propose and was so incredible. Would highly recommend them.
      Written 10 January 2024
    • Nomad08606805856
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome Balloon Ride!!!1
      Our pilot Nik is very knowledgeable and experienced. Enjoyed his balloon related stories/tales and related quirks.
      Written 8 January 2024
    • denishapillay21
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful experience by a beautiful company!
      An absolute amazing experience and cannot wait to go again soon. From the initial booking to the actual flight, everything was handled with the the utmost efficiency and professionalism. What an awesome bunch of people at Bill Harrops. Great job!
      Written 8 January 2024
    • Tiren G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Professionalism personified
      From the initial query all through to the landing The BH team displayed exemplary attention to detail and executed their tasks with the skill and expertise that only experience can bring. Congrats to the entire team.
      Written 7 January 2024
    • Jaco2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bill Harrop's Balloon Safari
      This was a remarkable experience, very professional, safe and very knowledgeable/ competent staff. the food was amazing as well.
      Written 5 January 2024
    See all 827 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles400 reviews
    Excellent
    376
    Very good
    12
    Average
    6
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    4

    Izak S
    Centurion, South Africa23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truely breathtaking ! This is a full-package experience that will surpass your expectations in every way - professional, friendly, and breathtakingly beautiful! From the moment that the car guard Johannes greets you, the friendly restaurant staff providing a cup of early morning coffee, you witnessing the preparations for the flight, the skill of the pilots and supporting staff in getting the balloon in the air. And then the wonderful experience of floating up into the air, higher than the birds. Deep respect for his experience and truely enjoyed the quirkiness of our pilot, Flip. Closing out the morning with a really nice breakfast. One of the all-round best tourist experiences that I have had in my life!
    Written 1 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your kind words and feedback Izak. We appreciate your support.
    Written 2 December 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    stukkiecindy
    Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I will start off with the prompt and efficient communication when enquiring about a booking. I wanted to make a Sunday reservation on a Friday afternoon and couldn't talk on the phone and the email comms I got was within minutes and contained all of the information I could possibly think of!
    We were nervous about the early morning meet up, but the most enthusiastic guard was there to show us where to park, the pathways were well lit and we were met with friendly faces, coffee and muffin snacks.
    It was an experience to watch the balloons being "blown" up and we even got boarding passes!
    My favourite part about our specific trip was that our pilot, Felicity, was 1. A woman and 2. An experienced balloon pilot of over 30 years!!
    The views were stunning and our landing was smooth (we didn't even need the landing prep our pilot had prepped us for!). We had champagne upon disembarking.
    The flight was followed by a phenomenal breakfast with everything from bacon to fruit to flapjacks! This was followed by a little ceremony in which certificates of bravery were brought to us at our tables.
    Highly recommend and worth every cent!
    Written 19 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your amazing review!
    Written 19 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    JT
    Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021
    The overall experience is amazing. I am taking the time to write this review because I believe there are a few important details I wish I knew.

    Context: We were visiting SA from the U.S., two adults, two teenagers.

    Because of the early arrival time, depending on the time of year, you are driving before sunrise. If you are driving yourself, please be advised that the road to the location is dark and narrow (two lanes) in many places. If you are not up for a partially treacherous trek, then arrange for transfer. There is something to be said for being familiar with roads.

    Once we arrived, we were welcomed warmly with coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and a few COVID related forms. We sipped as we looked out onto the field as the balloon was being filled with hot air.

    Marc N. was our pilot. He had a relaxing demeanor and a good sense of humor (something very useful for first-timers). The ride itself is as advertised, 50-60 mins (includes takeoff and landing). Be prepared to enjoy every min. once inside the basket because it’s difficult to sense when the ride is ending. In a balloon, one does not typically travel a great distance in 50-60mins. The clubhouse remained in view the entire time. Sunrise was amazing, as was the SA morning air. Landing was uneventful. The weather conditions allowed Captain Marc to land the basket on the back of the flatbed truck with precision. Impressive given there is no steering wheel.

    The open field toast was amazing and surprisingly ceremonial—we did it! The crew packed the balloon with exactitude while we sipped mimosas prepared by Captain Marc. Once back to the clubhouse we were met by a really nice breakfast prepared by amazing staff. Captain Marc joined us for some really good conversation adding to our understanding of SA.
    Written 6 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tsungai M
    2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Couples
    My husband and I booked, last year October to go hot air ballooning and due to the bad weather, the trip was cancelled. We were informed that the trip would be valid for up to one year. As we were coming from Zimbabwe, we planned to come this September and made our re-booking well in advance.

    Now, when we arrived in SA, the office sent an email clearly stating 6.30 am as the time of departure, so we arrived as per instructed, and we tried to call the office numerous times with no answer. When we eventually got through to the office, they informed us that our trip had been cancelled and that they tried to get ahold of us to no avail (which was understandable due to our own oversight). However, the lady who we spoke to was extremely rude and condescending (i think it was either Darlene or Nancy). She spoke to my husband as if he was a 7 year old who lacked comprehension skills, continuously repeating '' did you read the email?''.

    Our trip was postponed to the next day and when we contacted the office again for the itinerary they stated that it had been sent via email, when i informed them that we had not received any email, the lady sent the email and wrote in all caps 'resend' but in actual fact, she had not sent the email to us but had forwarded the email to the her other counterpart. As such, i would've expected a little bit more courtesy, than sheer annoyance. Our trip was then cancelled again due to poor weather. Ultimately our trip was cancelled three times, one cannot help but ask, was it truly due to weather or was it some form of racial profiling.

    If indeed the trips were due to bad weather, i cannot stand for the patronizing and condescending tone and treatment from the establishment. Given we flew all the way from Zimbabwe for this trip. It left am extremely sour taste in my mouth and i would not recommend anyone use Bill Harrop's. If i could give 0 rating, i truly would.
    Written 19 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Good day Tinashe, Thank you for your review. We will address the matter internally.
    Written 19 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Claudine Harris
    Alberton, South Africa8 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2021
    We arrived very early for the ride, and was welcomed at their restaurant to be checked in and we received our flight ticket. Then we waited as they were setting up the balloons and we enjoyed coffee as the sun came up.

    We looked as other clients were called to their balloons and then our group was called. We walked to the balloon and there were lots of people around (some in uniform and others not). We were allocated where we will be standing in the hot air balloon and then settled in. We could see the other balloons and their "pilots" do an "in case of emergency" and we were anxiously waiting for our turn.

    The pilot started his speech and was interrupted by a random guy (with no logo or uniform) to fix something in the balloon first. This was quite worrisome for us as we did not know what was going on. The pilot, David or Dave, pulled on some strings and something moved at the top of the balloon. He then started getting ready to take off. We didn't receive the in case of emergency speech until someone stopped him again and we had to pay attention for a short speech by him.
    The pilot then took off and flew very low, he also flew in a box-shape and we ended back next to where we took off. 40 minutes of trying to get us in the air and we end back almost where we started. Talking to other clients we were concerned if this guy knew what he was doing.

    Coming back to the restaurant for breakfast we were a little disappointed because the other balloons flew high and much further. Some people even saw wildlife from a game farm in the area. Our flight was someone flying in a box and struggling to know what to do to get the balloon to respond.
    In hindsight, we talked about our experience and we didn't feel good about what we got. The pilot was not friendly and informative and the flight was a disappointment.
    Written 26 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Diane B
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023 • Friends
    This was the highlight of our whole trip. An adventure we will never forget. It was so amazing and definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was so enjoyable from beginning to end with the sunrise takeoff and the 1 1/2 hour flight time -it was calm and quiet and such a surreal experience. No words can express how amazing it was. The landing was gentle and then we did a celebratory toast with mimosas in the farm field where we landed. We then went back to the lodge for the most amazing breakfast buffet ever. Our pilot Felicity was just incredible -loved her and her knowledge and expertise. Would do this again-loved it !🎈❤️🌅
    Written 17 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for joining us. We are elated you had a pleasant experience with Pilot Felicity.
    Written 19 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Skip D
    Atlanta, GA281 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023
    Our family of four just did the Sunrise Ballon Safari with Bill Harrop's. I must say I was very impressed with every aspect of the experience. They were very organized and provided a very special experience for our family. We were greeted early morning with hot coffee and hot chocolate. Watching the balloons inflate was fascinating. The flight was indescribably beautiful and our pilot was experienced, confident, and insightful. We had never done anything like this and we had such a great time. The breakfast afterward was hardy and really great! Can't recommend this enough!
    Written 3 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Let's hope you will do many more adventures as a family. Thank you for choosing us on this adventure.
    Written 19 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Aharding001
    Johannesburg, South Africa9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2024 • Family
    This is a "Bucket List" experience that everyone should do at least once. Professionally organised. Our pilot. Flip, was fantastic with his little antidotes and his sense of humor. This is not a scary or adrenaline rush type of experience, in fact, more tranquil. There is a bus that meets you where you land where you have a celebratory glass of champagne before returning to the departure lounge for an excellent breakfast. Well worth the money.
    Written 4 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and feedback. We appreciate it. Thank you for your recommendation - we loved having you onboard.
    Written 2 December 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mieliegal
    London, UK9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must for anyone visiting South Africa. This has been on my bucket list for a long time and I can honestly say it exceeded all expectations. The whole journey from start to finish from the minute you get out the car till the time you leave was 10/10. The balloon ride was something out of the world and all the details from before the flight and breakfast were just sensational. Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟
    Written 20 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi, Thank you for your review. We appreciate it when passengers take the time to share their experience with us. We are happy to provide 10/10 service from the beginning to the end. Hope to see you again for more special memories.
    Written 6 June 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    OhmyfeastSA
    Pretoria, South Africa2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2019
    Floating above the ground in a majestic hot air balloon is something which didn't fill me with excitement at first; fear, dread and anxiety comes to mind, but not excitement. Oh, how I was wrong! An incredible experience to see the crew bustling around early in the morning and skilfully erect the massive balloon, whilst enjoying a warm cup of coffee in anticipation of the flight. The flight itself is majestic and peaceful, with the occasional burst of firepower to keep everyone afloat. It's an art form, a skill and an experience not to be missed.
    Upon touchdown it is customary to celebrate your achievement (of flight without a steering wheel or rudder) with sparkling wine as you soak in your surroundings and enjoy the early morning sun.
    Retrieval vehicles collect the "passengers" and pilot to return to base camp for a buffet breakfast which features warm flap jacks, Northumberland Oats (with whiskey nogal) and a selection of cold and warm breakfast items. The bubbly is on hand for more mimosas or you could refuel with filter coffee and a selection of teas. The crew and team at Bill Harrop's is 5 star; tending to your needs and always with a smile; but always quick to share a laugh or joke. Once you've managed to rustle up a breakfast for yourself (fit for a king/queen) from the selection and sit back to take in the tranquil surroundings, the pilots jump up (and if you are lucky, Bill Harrop himself) to honour the brave passengers with a "show" and handing out of Citations.
    Written 8 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg provided by Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris

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