Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg: A Bucket List Adventure for 2025!
Are you looking for the BEST hot air balloon rides in Johannesburg?
That’s what we’ve got here for you – reviews and details of the best. These are the top hot air balloon rides in the Johannesburg area!
I travel in South Africa as often as I can, and I’ve spent weeks exploring in and around Johannesburg. I’ve found that hot air balloon rides are one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable ways to experience this spectacular area!
🎈No time to read it all? Here is our top pick for the best hot air balloon experience in Jo’burg:
⭐️ 5 out of 5 star with over 350 reviews
Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast
from Magaliesburg – sparkling wine, spectacular views, and expert commentary!
I’m in awe of how peaceful a balloon ride is! It’s also much cheaper than a similar experience in East Africa. If you’ve never had this kind of air ventures, trust me – you’re going to love it.
Imagine yourself drifting over some of the most beautiful spots in South Africa, seeing it as the birds do. It’s one of the most incredible things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa!
Top 3 Picks: Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg
✔︎ Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg
☑︎ Sparkling wine and spectacular views
☑︎ Wheelchair accessible!
✔︎ Exclusive Wildlife Safari Balloon Flight
☑︎ free Johannesburg pickup
☑︎ see epic Africa wildlife from the sky!
The Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg
When it comes to hot air balloons, Johannesburg has some incredible rides to offer. Here are some of the absolute best ones around Jozie.
1. Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg
⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 | ⏳ Total tour length: 4 hours | 🎈Book now
🎈Why this flight? It takes you over the small but spectacular Magaliesberg mountain range and the UNESCO site the Cradle of Humankind.
This flight is operated by ‘Bill Harrops “Original” Balloon Safaris’. Its tours are considered by many to be the best quality balloon rides in South Africa!
🤔❓Good to know:
> free hotel pickup OR meetup in Skeerpoort at 5am
> approx US $230/ person
> operates 7 days a week
> English is spoken
> 1-hour flight, but allow 4 hours for transport, breakfast, etc.
> this experience IS wheelchair accessible
How to Book and Cancellation
This balloon flight is easily booked and paid for online, and you’ll receive an email confirmation within 48 hours. You will receive your mobile ticket by email also.
Cancellation Policy: If you decide to cancel 7 full days before your flight you will receive a full refund, or a 50% refund if you cancel at least 3 days before flight. As well, if your flight must be cancelled due to the weather you will be refunded the full price.
What to Expect
- check-in at the Clubhouse Pavilion and enjoy coffee, tea, and muffins
- watch the balloon being inflated
- a one-hour flight over the Magaliesberg mountains and the Cradle of Humankind
- post-flight orange juice and sparkling wine
- mini-bus transfer back to the Clubhouse Pavilion for a delicious breakfast buffet
This is an amazing experience! The views were spectacular. The staff was very welcoming and gave clear directions. Our pilot was a delight as well. The food after was amazing. A great experience and would definitely recommend
– Olayemi A (read more reviews)
Our hot air balloon experience was a unique and unforgettable journey that combined the thrill of flight with the serenity of floating on air. It offered a rare opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the world from a different perspective and created ever lasting memories. It was an adventurous, romantic and a peaceful escape.
– Bianca k (read more reviews)
The ambience in the reception area was so relaxed and peaceful. The staff was very friendly and welcoming… Champagne toast after we landed was amazing, followed by the 5-star breakfast… I will recommend them 100% anytime!!!
– Isabelida F (read more reviews)
Located about an hour northwest of Johannesburg, this hot-air balloon ride soars over the stunning Magaliesburg Mountains. As well, you get a bird’s eye view of the World Heritage site the Cradle of Humankind.
Here is found the world’s largest collection of fossils of human ancestry. Your guide will let you in on the history, facts, and stories about the area. They will also answer any questions about the region that you might have.
And all the while you’ can sip champagne and’ll enjoy the cool air and the unbeatable views. Post-flight, indulge in a delicious breakfast.
Guest raved about the knowledge and expertise of the pilots, as well as how professional and entertaining they were. The mouthwatering breakfast also earned much praise!
🎈If you love the sound of this balloon ride, click here
to learn more and to book your trip!
🎈🎈Prefer a similar tour that includes transportation from different points in Johannesburg? Check price and availability of this 5 hour, 4 am balloon ride!
2. Exclusive Wildlife Safari Flight
⭐️ Ratings: 5 out of 5 | ⏳ Flight length: 1 hour | 🎈Book now
🎈Why this flight? It’s a private, two-person wildlife safari flight! A hot air balloon safari around Johannesburg.
🤔❓Good to know:
> free transport from general meeting point to launch site at 5 am
> approx US $270/ person
> generally operates 7 days a week, with occasional closures. Click the ‘Check Availability’ button on the website to enquire about your preferred days.
> English is spoken
> 1-hour flight, although the entire experience will be about 4 hours
> this flight is NOT wheelchair accessible
How to Book and Cancellation
This balloon flight is easily booked and paid for online, and you’ll receive an email confirmation when you book. You will receive your mobile ticket by email also.
Cancellation Policy: Be aware that this flight will only be refunded if the flight itself is cancelled due to weather conditions. Otherwise it is entirely non-refundable.
What To Expect
- meet at the 5-star Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa inside the Cradle of Humankind, about 46 km from Johannesburg
- one hour flight over game reserves and the UNESCO site Cradle of Humanity
- traditional orange juice and sparkling wine
- full buffet breakfast at the 5-stay lodge
- certificates presented by your pilot
A hot air balloon safari is a unique and spectacular way to see Africa’s iconic wildlife. This flight takes you over several game reserves that lie within the UNESCO Cradle of Humankind site.
Four of the famous Big 5 roam the savannah in this area, and spotting them is never more exciting than from a balloon. Do NOT forget to bring your camera!
This was such an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, everything about this tour was incredible… We were transported to the balloon launch sight where we got to see the balloons being inflated… we got to see rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, impala, and even an emu… the experience felt like a dream and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
– aleeshyabroome (read more review)
Enjoy this flight with your favourite person, for a special occasion, or just because you can. Sip on the traditional mimosa while you soar above Africa.
Pre-flight coffee and tea are included, and a full buffet for breakfast at a nearby 5-star lodge. And, as a keepsake of your trip, you’ll be presented with a certificate of your flight.
This 5-star lodge is also the meeting point for your trip and is about 40 minutes from Johannesburg.
🎈If your ideal hot-air balloon ride includes wildlife sightings, you’ve
found the ride for you! Learn more and book your trip!
3. The Classic Flight
⭐️ Ratings: | ⏳ Flight length: 1 hour | 🎈Book now
🎈Why this flight? It can accommodate a group, which is great if you’re travelling with family or friends. It also makes the flight a little cheaper.
🤔❓Good to know:
> free transport from general meeting point to launch site at 5 am
> approx US $170/ person
> generally operates 7 days a week
> English is spoken
> 1-hour flight, although the entire experience will be about 3 hours
> this flight is NOT wheelchair accessible
How to Book, and Cancellation
This balloon flight is easily booked and paid for online, and you’ll receive an email confirmation when you book. You will receive your mobile ticket by email also.
Cancellation Policy: Be aware that this flight will only be refunded if the flight itself is cancelled due to weather conditions. Otherwise it is entirely non-refundable.
What to Expect
- meet at the 5-star Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa inside the Cradle of Humankind, about 46 km from Johannesburg
- one hour flight over game reserves and the UNESCO site Cradle of Humanity
- traditional orange juice and sparkling wine
- full buffet breakfast at the 5-stay lodge
- certificates presented by your pilot
You and your group be treated to a magical sunrise flight over the Magaliesburg Mountains or the Cradle of Humankind.
You’ll also be offered coffee and tea as you wait for the balloon to fill. And you can enjoy a full champagne breakfast post-flight.
Your meeting point will be at the Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa in Krugersdorp, approximately 40 minutes from Johannesburg.
The flight was incredible from the start to finish. The pilots were friendly and knowledgeable about the area and let us take as many pics as we wanted. It’s an unreal and magical experience
– Sihle, m (read more reviews)
TIt all started with me getting something awesome for my hubbies 50th birthday…. Being deathly afraid of heights myself I had my doubts, but I was pleasantly surprised! The views were just breathtaking, and of course my husband was like a kid in a candy store (if all the sweets were up in the air)
– Pam, s (read more reviews)
The entire experience was amazing. We started with watching the sun rise over the valley and then traveled to the launch site. At the launch site the balloons were partially inflated with the rising sun as a back drop, it was utterly breath taking… And at the end of it all we had a very delicious gourmet breakfast at the lodge. The entire experience was amazing and highly recommended.
– Kennita, A (read more reviews)
The Classic Flight can accommodate as many as 50 people in its large basket. You’ll get a chance to meet fellow flyers and save a bit of money!
They will also move their launch site at the convenience of their clients, providing the clients’ lodge can accommodate a launch.
The pilots, the breakfast, and the overall attention to detail all received rave reviews from guests on this flights!
🎈If you’re travelling with family or a group, this
is a great flight for you! Learn more and book your trip!
Essential Items for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Johannesburg
Prepare for an extraordinary and unforgettable hot air balloon ride in South Africa with these must-have items:
✔︎ Comfy shoes for standing throughout the entire ride
✔︎ Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen for sun protection
✔︎ Capture the awe-inspiring views with a camera. A GoPro is a great choice to capture everything, while still being able to enjoy the moment.
✔︎ Keep in mind the higher altitude, so bring a jacket or sweater, especially during South Africa’s winter months.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg: FAQs
How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in South Africa?
The balloon rides above cost between R4560 (South Africa Rand) and R5460, or US $250-$300. The large group flight is less than R3645, or US $200.
Are there hot air balloons in Africa?
Yes, and they’re a spectacular experience. Riding above the African savannah, whether you’re in Egypt, Morocco, Namibia or South Africa. If you get the chance to go for a ride, don’t pass it up.
Can I ride a hot air balloon over the city of Johannesburg?
No, I’m afraid not. However, there are balloon rides that offer ground transportation to the balloon’s launch site from Johannesburg.
However, the rides are over surrounding landscapes, usually around an hour’s drive from the city.
What country is best for hot air ballooning?
You can’t go wrong hot air ballooning in Africa. Each and every country can offer amazing views and an unbelievable experience. If your goal is to spot wildlife, your best chances might be in East Africa.
If you solely riding for the vistas, any country would be perfect. Namibia is a personal favourite.
Are hot air balloon rides worth it?
Absolutely! A hot air balloon ride is an hour spent on a serene flight over the world, seeing the planet as the birds do. It’s a unique experience you’ll never forget.
Summing It Up: Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg area offers a handful of fantastic hot air balloon rides. These promise unforgettable adventures and breathtaking views. And if you’ll be travelling around more of South Africa, too, be sure to have a look at the top hot air balloon rides in South Africa.
You might prefer a private ride over the picturesque Magalies River Valley or a group excursion with your family. Regardless, one of these top hot-air balloon rides is for you.
So let your dreams take flight as you embark on a journey that will leave you memories that will last a lifetime!
Happy travels!
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