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BALLOONING ADVENTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Hot air
ballooning in South Africa - Up up and away: Hot air
ballooning in South Africa is arguably the best way to
take in the landscapes of this beautiful country.
Floating high above the ground, you have a spectacular,
uninterrupted view of the gorgeous countryside below.
Described as a somewhat magical experience, hot air
ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight known to
man. Nowadays tailored to meet the needs of the public,
hot air ballooning in South Africa has become a highly
sought after activity.
In South Africa, hot air ballooning was originally used
by the military for reconnaissance purposes. During the
Boer War, hydrogen gas balloons were used as observation
points for the army for locating enemy camps and
monitoring their enemy movements. In 1969, the first hot
air balloon arrived in South Africa and in 1972 the Aero
Club of South Africa founded a Balloon Section. Four
years later, 16 pilots took part in the first
International Balloon Race from Johannesburg to Durban.
These events led to hot air ballooning in South Africa
having a firm footing in the countries list of
activities.
A hot air balloon trip will usually begin just before
sunrise. You’ll gently lift off the ground to a height
of approximately 10-20m and leisurly float along with
the wind. At this height you’re able to have a glorious
view of the sunrise as well as keep on the lookout for
animals on the ground below. The panoramic views that
you are privy to from this height leave many speechless
as they witness the sunrise and the spreading light
extending to the opposite horizon. It’s a magnificent
experience and will leave you with a warm glow for weeks
after.
Whilst the cost of hot air ballooning in South Africa is
somewhat high, the experience is one that you won’t
achieve anywhere else. Ballooning is incredibly tranquil
and is thus ideal for people of all ages - you don’t
have to be an adrenaline junkie! There are few physical
requirements for hot air ballooning, besides being able
to stand or lean for about an hour and being able to
climb in and out of the basket. Hot air ballooning in
Mpumalanga and surrounds is an all-year-round activity
because of the generally good weather conditions
throughout the year. However in Kwa Zulu Natal, hot air
balloon operators are forced to close between June and
October because of high winds.
You can expect to spend about 4 or 5 hours out with your
organizers from the time of arrival. The actual hot air
balloon flight will last approximately an hour and most
hot air ballooning companies will close off your
ballooning experience with a champagne breakfast once
you’re back on terra firma. Due to the popularity of hot
air ballooning in South Africa, its vital that you book
at least 2 weeks before you wish to do it. Because of
ballooning’s reliance on the weather, most bookings are
provisional until a few days before the event to ensure
that the weather is ideal for your journey.
So if taking in stunning scenery in a perfectly tranquil
setting is your idea of spending an afternoon, then make
a plan to enjoy all the wonders that hot air ballooning
in South Africa has to offer.
Prime Hot Air Ballooning Locations: The most popular hot
air balloon trips are in the Magaliesberg (near
Johannesburg), Sabie and Hazyview in Mpumalanga, in
Oudtshoorn (in the Karoo), in the Drakensberg and Natal
Midlands (KwaZulu Natal) and during the summer months,
(September to March) in the Cape Winelands.
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