Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 4 180
per adult
Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
5
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About
Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris. If you're going to do it, do it in unassailable style. It's sunrise. The silence is only punctuated by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable. Picture yourselves sipping champagne as you hover gently above the tree tops, or soar high above the mountain peaks. After landing, savour a delectable champagne breakfast at our well established, traditionally exquisite and beautifully appointed Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant where you will be filled with the warmest of memories. Check for special Group Rates and Occasional Specials
Magaliesburg, South Africa
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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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
823 reviews
Excellent
768
Very good
32
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
6
taniaku2022
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
I booked Bill Harrop's Hot Air Balloon safari trip for my family last year as an Easter surprise for them in 2022! Arriving there while it was still dark already added to the sense of excitement and adventure we were about to experience. Watching the hot air balloons growing in size as they filled up with air was magical, as if the crew were getting ready to shoot a movie. My family was lucky enough to be part of a crew that was taken care of by Tracy, a pilot with 42 years experience. As dawn arrived, the sun stretched its rays across the entire Magalies River Valley, exhibiting the exquisite beauty of the natural mountain and lake scenery to us. The hot air balloon trip was a spectacular experience for my entire family that would become a fond memory of ours long into the future. Many thanks to the Bill Harrop's excellent hot air balloon team that made us feel extra special!
Written 20 April 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.
Thank you for the great review - we appreciate it when passengers take the time to review and highlight their favourite parts of the morning. Pilot Tracy is amazing - we love having her on the team.
Written 6 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
217farooq
Johannesburg, South Africa3 contributions
Dec 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Flip communicated so well that you forget it’s a first time ride and before you know it you are comfortably smoothly sailing in the air snapping away as you you drift and soar. A wonderful breakfast to top it up and friendly people all around to make it a fun and welcoming experience. I could swear I made new friends and will certainly come again.
Written 21 December 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.
NLG
8 contributions
Sept 2021
I had made an initial booking which had to be rescheduled due to lockdown restrictions and further extensions however Kathy handled this with care and contacted me to rebook each time. The entire experience was breathtaking, all staff were pleasant and friendly. It was great to see that everyone was like family and treated the guests with the same level of hospitality. Tracy was our pilot and her one liners started from before we left the ground and kept all guests properly entertained! Her talent in flying and knowledge of the area was memorable. I have already been recommending Bill Harrop's to many people!
Written 13 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.
Claudine Harris
Alberton, South Africa8 contributions
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.
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 an 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. We didn't receive the in case of emergency speech until someone stopped him again and we had to pay attention for a rushed 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 for breakfast we were a little disappointed because the other balloons flew high and much further. Some people 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.
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 an 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. We didn't receive the in case of emergency speech until someone stopped him again and we had to pay attention for a rushed 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 for breakfast we were a little disappointed because the other balloons flew high and much further. Some people 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.
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.
aggenba
Midrand, South Africa1 contribution
Apr 2021
I surprised my partner with a balloon ride. I knew that she has a fear of heights, but still went ahead and booked. The way that Bill's crew welcomed us and prepared us for the excursion put us at ease, and my girlfriend was relaxed and even looked forward to the experience. And what an experience!! I recommend a balloon ride with this outfit to anybody who ever thought about it and/or has it on their bucket list. Thank you very much Bill and crew. Many happy ascends and landings!
Written 7 April 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.
Jeff T
10 contributions
Mar 2022
We had an awesome experience. Leading up to the day, all communication was clear and upbeat. Upon arrival there was a definite feeling professionalism that made us comfortable and confident. Hospitality was excellent and it definitely was money well spent! I would highly recommend Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safari for your bucket list adventure!
Written 21 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 Jeff,
Thank you for your review.
We appreciate it when passengers take the time to share their experience. We love what we do, and wish to share our passion for hot air ballooning with all.
Written 6 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CoughieKid
5 contributions
Dec 2020
A hot air balloon ride is definitely a bucket list item. the price may be a bit of a deterrent, but I can assure you that it is well worth the price. Bill and team are absolutely spectacular and have definitely found the right recipe when it comes to delivering a truly memorable experience.
Written 18 December 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.
arisoh2021
Magaliesburg, South Africa1 contribution
May 2021
It was my first ballooning experience and I must say that flying with the Bill Harrop team was nothing short of amazing. The staff was friendly and ever willing to help. Our captain Tracy was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable, eager to answer all our questions and her skill in giving us one of the softest basket landings I have seen was outstanding. I have already started recruiting my family and friends for a next flight with Bill and his Team. Keep up the excellent work.
Written 5 May 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.
struancampbell
1 contribution
Feb 2022
Loved it, exceeded expectations! Would recommend highly to anyone considering doing this. What I was most impressed with is how we cancelled a couple times due to not being able to make and the team just kept rolling it without a problem. Thanks
Written 14 February 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.
Tanya C
5 contributions
May 2021
Nothing was too much trouble. We had to move the dates due to COVID etc. and the team were efficient and professional about it. No qualms. The morning ran smoothly and we were treated like royalty. It was a worthwhile experience and I would recommend not only this experience but THIS company to anyone wishing to book a trip like this
Written 26 May 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.
Gostaria de saber se o transfer pega no hotel Peermont D’Oreale Grande Hotel e qual seria o valor.
Written 7 July 2024
is the child 6 years old about 1.2 meters ok for the trip？and what is the price ?
Written 13 February 2020
Dear yorkli,
Children under 12 are 1/2 price but I am sorry to advise we are not able to take any child under the age of 7 years old.
Children must now be 7 years or older.
It is also preferable for any person to be taller than 1.5 meters otherwise they will not be able to see over the side of the basket.
Written 13 February 2020
Yes, you see animals but keep in mind that some of them are frightened by the sound when the burner is being used to make the balloon rise. I hadn't thought of that beforehand. Better way to view animals is in a safari vehicle.
Written 7 March 2020
Olá, gostaria de saber se vocês têm o serviço de transporte que busca e retorna ao hotel para fazer o passeio de balão, nós estaremos em 3 adultos e uma criança em Joanesburgo no mês de abril.
Written 23 August 2019
Thank you for your enquiry.
We do have a shuttle that picks up from the main hotels in Sandton and Fourways. Let us know where you are considering staying and we will give you a price.
We look forward to giving you a really fantastic morning.
Written 24 August 2019
Nitzan B
Krkonose National Park, Czech Republic
Hi there,
We are planning to be just one day in johannesburg ( arriving at 13:00 and leaving on 9:00 already in the day after)
Do we have enough time to do this magical adventure , is there an option to do it on sunset time ?
Thank you ❤️
Written 6 July 2019
Hi,
Thanks for your enquiry.
We fly only in the early mornings because this is the most reliable time of day in this area where we experience some of the most reliable ballooning weather in the world over the northern sector of the beautiful Cradle of humankind World Heritage Site.
The starting times vary throughout the year. In summer we meet at our Clubhouse Pavilion at 04:45 and this time gradually changes through the year to be as "late" as 06:15 in winter .
The whole experience including check-in and welcome hot drink and muffins on the pavilion patio, the balloon flight of about an hour, sparling wine on landing and a really super breakfast lasts for about 3 to 3-and-a-half hours. Oliver Tambo Airport is about 1-and-a-half drive from here.
Written 7 July 2019
We are trying to decide which balloon safari company to go with. I see lots of photos of the experience, but only 1 with animals. We hope to see more animals. Did you see any?
Written 7 March 2018
Hi,
This is a scenic safari and we do not promise animal sightings, but we do get rave reviews from those that fly with us as you can see.
Our Game Viewing Balloon Safaris take place over the Mabula Game reserve and the Entabeni Game reserve. They are more expensive but you can see what they are about on our web site.
Kind regards,
Bill Harrop
Written 5 April 2018
Hi,
My husband and I are planning to visit South Africa sometime in May '18. We definitely would like to do hot air balloon ride. We're planning to stay in Johannesburg. Will you guys pick us up from the hotel or should we rent our own vehicle?
This sure seems so exciting! Waiting for a reply.
Written 3 December 2017
I was able to pay extra and get picked up from the Intercontinental in Sandton. They wouldn't pick me up from my B&B (which was right down the road) but they did drop me off at the B&B after.
Written 31 December 2017
Taboubi A
Munich, Germany
Hey is it possible to pick me and bring me back to casa hotel in Brits ?
Thank you and best regards
Enis
Written 10 September 2017
Dear Enis,
My apologies for the late answer to your question, the reason being that I was inefficient.
Everything is possible BUT . . . . As we do not have a vehicles stationed in the Brits area it would be more economical to use an Uber rather than us send a special vehicle such a long way with 2 "empty legs".
Kind regards,
Bill Harrop
Written 19 October 2017
Eu e meu noivo estaremos do dia 15 ao dia 19 de fevereiro hospedados nas proximidades de Rustenburg. Poderia me dizer se haverão passeios nestas datas e se podemos chegar ao local de partida por conta própria? Qual seria o endereço para colocarmos no gps? E o horário que devemos chegar? Quanto custaria para nós dois o Safari de balão? E quantas pessoas por balão? Quais as formas de pagamento e como faço para agendar?
Muito Obrigada!
Written 2 February 2017
Natalia, entra no site deles. Tem todas as informações. Eu paguei para mim e meu marido 4300 rands em novembro de 2016. Paguei no cartão de crédito daqui do Brasil. É muito fácil chegar lá e se trata de uma área muito bonita para se passear ao redor. O balão é grande e cabem em torno de 16 pessoas, mas tem outros.
Written 3 February 2017
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