Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Sparkling Wine Breakfast

Float over the Magalies River Valley at dawn with champagne in hand

You arrive before dawn, watch the balloon inflate, float for an hour over the Magalies River Valley with sparkling wine, then land and eat a full breakfast at the clubhouse. The whole experience takes four hours including transfers and the post-flight meal. Hotel pickup is included, and you need to be physically fit enough to stand during the flight and land without assistance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning balloon flight and breakfast

• Enjoy hot air balloon flight
• Drink sparkling wine during flight
• View Magalies River Valley
• Have included breakfast after flight

The experience

The balloon is already inflating when you arrive at the launch site west of Hartbeespoort Dam. Ground crew move around it in the half-light, checking lines and heating the air inside. You're standing there with a handful of other passengers, most of them still quiet, watching the envelope fill and rise. This is the part nobody tells you about: the 20 minutes before takeoff where you realize you're actually doing this, and the scale of it hits different when you're standing next to the basket.

The flight itself runs an hour, drifting with the wind over the Magalies River Valley. You'll be standing the whole time (the basket doesn't have seats), so you need to be steady on your feet and comfortable with height. The view shifts as you rise: the river bends below, the valley opens out, and the light changes faster than it does on the ground. Sparkling wine comes with you in the basket, so you're holding a glass and trying not to spill it while the landscape tilts. It's the kind of thing that sounds cliché until you're actually up there.

After you land (and yes, it's bumpy, like stepping off a chair with force), there's more. Post-flight drinks at the clubhouse, then a full sparkling wine buffet breakfast with the other passengers. The whole morning takes four hours from pickup to drop-off, not just the flight hour. You need to be on time for the meet-and-greet. They'll confirm your exact start time when you book, and arriving late means missing your slot. Children can come if they're at least seven years old and tall enough to see over the basket edge, and they have to be able to jump down on their own if the landing gets rough.

Not everyone can do this one. Pregnant travelers aren't allowed for safety reasons. If you have spinal issues or heart concerns, check with the operator first. But if you're fit enough to stand for an hour and you want to see the Magalies from the air with a glass in your hand, this is the closest thing to it in the Johannesburg area. Book early: availability fills up, especially on weekends.

What’s included

Hotel pickup from Johannesburg, meet-and-greet at the launch site, one-hour hot air balloon flight over the Magalies River Valley, sparkling wine during the flight, post-flight beverages at the clubhouse, sparkling wine buffet breakfast, and return transfer.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:45 and 05:00

Book up to22h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 64

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full morning experience that includes the flight, breakfast, and transfers all arranged. You show up, float, eat, and get driven back. The four-hour commitment is what makes the breakfast and the post-flight drinks possible without rushing.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

How long is the actual flight?

One hour. The full experience, including pickup, briefing, breakfast and return, takes four hours.

Is sparkling wine included?

Yes. You have wine in the basket during the flight and a sparkling wine buffet breakfast after landing.

Can children go?

Children 7 years and older can participate if they're at least 1.3 meters tall and able to see over the basket edge. They must be able to jump down unassisted.

What if the weather is bad?

Flights are weather-dependent. If conditions aren't safe, the operator will reschedule or offer a refund.

Do I need to be very fit?

You need moderate fitness. You'll stand for the full hour and land with some impact. Spinal injuries, pregnancy, and poor cardiovascular health are contraindications.

What time does it start?

Meeting time is confirmed when you book. You must arrive on time. Late arrivals miss their slot.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is included from the Johannesburg area.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Breakfast and wine are provided. Inform the operator of any dietary requirements (vegetarian, non-alcohol, allergies) when you book.