Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris
Meet at sunrise at the Magalies River Valley, and moments later you’ll be hovering over the tree tops sipping champagne and watching the light travel over the land as you look out over the Cradle of Humankind, or perhaps drifting above the Magaliesberg range, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. Either way you’re doing it in style. Professional pilots and attentive crew mean you can relax and enjoy the experience knowing you’re in good hands. After landing enjoy a magnificent and generous champagne breakfast at the new, exquisite clubhouse as you think back over your inspiring journey. Suitable for both the discerning individual traveller or a corporate group. Internationally praised, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris will give you lasting and cherished memories and an absolutely unique way to view the world.
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris prides itself on offering an “elegant, eccentric adventure in space and time”, whether it’s hovering at treetop height to wave to a local farmer or soaring high among the clouds.
A slow-moving hot air balloon ride affords an unparalleled panoramic view of the Magalies River Valley and nearby Hartbeespoort Dam.
Set aside four to five hours for the entire adventure, including transport to and from the launch. Although the ride itself takes about an hour, there is quite a bit of pre-flight preparation to be done.
Clients meet at sunrise at the Skeerpoort balloon launch-field near Hartbeespoort Dam in time for hot tea, coffee and biscuits. They are welcome to help the crew prepare the giant multi-coloured balloon for flight in the calm morning air – and the distinctive sound of the propane burners firing up will get the blood pumping.
An hour later the balloon is brought in to land and a vehicle collects everyone and transports them back to base for a superb champagne breakfast. Passengers are awarded a “citation for bravery”.
Clothing should be layered, so it’s warm enough for the chilly early morning but cool enough when the sun comes out. Trainers or similar comfortable flat shoes are recommended.
A degree of agility is required, although people aged three to 89 have gone up. A camera is imperative, since ballooning offers spectacular photo and video opportunities.
A selection of first-class accommodation is recommended as a prelude to the big event. Both Kloofzicht Lodge and Entabeni Private Game Reserve offer sunset cocktails on summer evenings and the welcome warmth of a crackling log fire in winter. Candlelit or starlit dinners feature country cooking accompanied by fine wines.
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris is a family-run business that has been operating as a legally licensed balloon air transport service since 1981. Bill and Mary Harrop, together with son Sam and daughter Sarah, work with more than 40 staff.
Only qualified and experienced professional pilots are employed, and more than 5 000 happy passengers a year bear testimony to the company’s professional attitude and safe, reliable operation.
They run a fleet of six balloons, which carry six to 18 passengers each. Flight choices range from a romantic balloon flight for two to a party for 18 adventurers in one of the biggest balloons in the world.
Bill has served on committees of the Southern African Tourism and Safari Association, the Magalies Meander, the Balloon and Airship Federation of South Africa, and two years as the National President of SKÅL International (a worldwide body of travel and tourism management professionals).
In addition the credo of service excellence, he believes that a commitment to caring for one’s community will build a better nation. He is a benefactor of the Tourism Education Trust.
Harrop’s is a South African Airways Prime Operator Principal and has five South African Aviation Safety Council Aviation Safety Awards.
Hot air balloon rides provide the perfect platform for corporate entertainment, including branding and photographic opportunities.
Flight times
Flights take place at dawn and dusk when the wind is minimal and conditions most stable. Balloons fly every day including weekends, weather permitting.
Cost
ZAR 2,310.00 pp in high season, Seasonal rates apply
Packages including various accommodation options are also available on the website.