Balloons Tours in South Africa: 5 Ranked for a Real Itinerary

1.Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 418 reviews · from $240Our pick

Rise early at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris for a one-hour flight above the Magaliesbergs and Cradle of Humankind. Your pilot provides live commentary, then you return for post-flight drinks, a sparkling wine buffet breakfast, and a flight certificate. Allow four hours in total, and arrive ready to stand for the full flight.

“Everyone was very friendly helpful and we had so much to talk about and to see the sights was amazing and our guide knew what he was doing thank you to each and every one it was lovely.”

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2.Pilanesberg National Park/Sun City Hot Air Balloon Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 63 reviews · 4 hours · from $421

Start before sunrise with a hotel pickup and an open safari drive through Pilanesberg National Park to the launch site. After a 45-minute to one-hour balloon flight, celebrate with sparkling wine, then enjoy a full English breakfast at a private lodge. English-speaking pilots and guides lead this shared experience.

“Absolutely amazing balloon ride over the park. Beautiful scenery and many game sightings. We saw giraffes, rhinos, zebras, different antelopes and many more. Really expensive but it is an experience that will stay with you for many many years. We were 3 families, 10 people aged 12-61, and everybody enjoyed it.”

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3.Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 5 hours · from $360

Meet your driver at My Sandton City Stop for a private ride to Hartbeespoort. Watch the balloon inflate with coffee and mini muffins, fly for about an hour with guides such as Stuart, then celebrate with sparkling wine and a buffet breakfast before returning to Johannesburg.

“Absolutely out of this world adventure, this was really beautiful, from the pick up at home, the flight, breakfast and transfers home. Stuart was a great guide/host. We'll definitely do it again!”

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4.Hot air Balloon and Cape Winelands Private guided tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 10 hours · from $635

Start with an early hot-air-balloon flight over the Stellenbosch winelands, then enjoy breakfast, historic Stellenbosch, Lanzerac, Delaire Graff, and Franschhoek. Your private English-speaking guide can shape the wine stops around your interests. Natasha and Joseph have earned especially warm praise, while guide quality can vary.

“Natasha organized a perfect day for us. Great ballooning adventure and beautiful vineyards with delicious wines. Thanks.”

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5.Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $360

Start early with tea, coffee, and biscuits, then take a roughly 60-minute hot air balloon flight above the Magaliesberg in the Cradle of Humankind. Experienced pilots and a dedicated crew handle the flight, followed by sparkling wine and a full breakfast at the clubhouse. Bring warm clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

“Loved, loved, loved our Hot Air Balloon flight! The early pickup time had me questioning whether this was really worth it, but it was soooo worth it. Our pilot was great in explaining how everything would work and the views were amazing. This was the one of the best parts of my trip to Johannesburg. As if the thrill of being in a hot balloon and beautiful views weren't enough, after our flight we had a champagne toast and a full breakfast with lots of options for everyone. Definitely a great way to wrap up the activity. I would definitely recommend.”

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