Magaliesburg: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast

Summary

Drift over Magalies River Valley at dawn with a glass in hand

You’ll float quietly above Magaliesburg as dawn breaks, glass of sparkling wine in hand and views stretching across the river valley below. With a local guide piloting your hot air balloon, you’ll share laughs over breakfast after landing — it’s equal parts calm and thrill, with memories that linger long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush — not silence, exactly, but that soft, expectant quiet before the sun comes up over Magaliesburg. The balloon basket felt rough under my hands, and there was this faint smell of burnt toast from the burners. Our pilot, Johan, grinned and said something about “the best view in Gauteng” as we drifted up. Honestly, I was too busy gawking at the pink light spilling over the Magalies River Valley to answer him. My sister squeezed my arm so hard I nearly dropped my camera.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would be up there. You just float — no engine noise, just the occasional whoosh from the burner and some birds calling way below us. At one point we passed over a herd of wildebeest (or maybe they were cows? Still not sure), and Johan pointed out Hartbeespoort Dam glinting off to the west. He told us a bit about the valley’s history — apparently people have lived here for thousands of years, which made me feel tiny in a good way. The air was cold but fresh, and someone popped open a bottle of sparkling wine right there in the basket. It tasted extra sharp at that altitude.

Landing was bumpier than I expected (Johan warned us), but we all laughed as we clambered out — nobody looked graceful doing it, trust me. There was a minibus waiting to take us back to the clubhouse for breakfast. The coffee was strong enough to wake anyone up, and there was this buffet spread with eggs and sausages that hit the spot after an hour standing in the chilly air. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning balloon flight and breakfast

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

Top questions

How long does the Magaliesburg balloon safari last?

The flight itself is about 1 hour, but you should keep 4 hours free for meeting, flight, post-flight drinks, transfer back to clubhouse, and breakfast.

Is breakfast included after the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, a buffet breakfast is included after your flight back at the clubhouse.

What time does the sunrise balloon safari start?

The exact meeting time is confirmed upon booking; it’s early morning before sunrise.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

A transfer is provided from landing site back to the clubhouse for breakfast; initial pickup details are confirmed with booking.

Can children join the hot air balloon safari?

Children must be at least 7 years old and 1.3 meters tall to participate in the flight.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness required.

Is sparkling wine served during the flight?

Yes, sparkling wine is served during your hot air balloon flight over Magaliesburg.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your morning includes an early meet-up near Magaliesburg followed by a one-hour hot air balloon flight piloted by an experienced local guide. Sparkling wine is served during your aerial journey, then you’ll return by minibus to enjoy a full buffet breakfast with coffee at the clubhouse before heading out again.