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Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris, Hartbeespoort, North West, South Africa. Photo By South African Tourism

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Bill Harrop鈥檚 鈥極riginal鈥� Balloon Safaris 

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris is a company that offers Hot air balloon rides over the South African landscape. They offer a unique and inspiring way to view the world. 

Hot Air Ballooning is the safest aviation sport in the world and this establishment鈥檚 location, just 45 km north of Johannesburg鈥檚 northern suburbs, has some of the best ballooning weather so safety is almost guaranteed.  

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Bill Harrop鈥檚 Original Balloon Safaris. 

1. It is a Market Leading Family Business 

Bill Harrop鈥檚 鈥淥riginal鈥� Balloon Safaris has been operating as a legally licensed balloon Air Transport Service since 1981. It is a family business that was started by the late Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Mary Harrop. 

Sadly, Bill, the 81-year-old veteran balloonist, who pioneered hot-air balloon tourism in SA, died of Covid in 2021 just eight days after his wife succumbed to the disease. 

It is currently run by their daughter Sarah working in partnership with over 60 full-time, part-time, contract, and casual staff. With professional pilots, an attentive crew, and immaculately maintained equipment, this business is the longest-serving licensed Balloon Airline in southern Africa.  

The company is internationally hailed as Southern Africa鈥檚 best value and quality tour operator and even has awards to show for it. They focus on improving the standards in the ballooning industry.  

2. The Safaris Are Done Very Early In The Morning 

Rides start at sunrise. Photo By South African Tourism –

Hot air balloon safaris are done at sunrise because the air needs to be stable, in other words very gentle surface wind and no high temperatures. As the day heats up, thermals and wind generally get stronger which compromises safety. 

Scenic flights depart from Harrop鈥檚 exquisite Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant. It is at the Magalies River Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site bordering Gauteng and North West Province.  

They have rides early every morning from Monday to Sunday when the weather allows. They require a minimum of two people and departure times are confirmed at the time of booking. Most balloon flights last about one hour. 

3. The Balloons Capacities Ranges From 2 to 18 People 

The number of passengers each balloon can carry depends on the weight of the passengers, the size of the balloon 鈥渆nvelope鈥�, the air temperature, and the proposed height of the flight.  

They have a fleet of balloons, with the smallest balloon taking between two and eight passengers and a pilot. The big balloons can each take up to 18 passengers and a pilot. 

The balloons are huge and the comfy baskets have compartments. They allow children seven years and above but they must be accompanied by an adult.   

4. The Experience is Unforgettable 

Getting ready for the flight. Photo By South African Tourism –

Hot air balloon rides are on a lot of people鈥檚 bucket lists. This establishment has always been famous for its awesomely spectacular scenic flights at sunrise and the indescribable thrill. 

From the epic sunrise to the thrill of letting the wind take you any direction it sees fit, to the early morning silence that is only interrupted by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath, the adventure is unforgettable.  

The unique and almost supernatural view of the world is the closest thing to heaven known to man. Enjoy the magical and fascinating aerial sightseeing flight. 

5. They Receive Over 5000 Customers Annually  

Being the preferred choice for safe, reliable, and quality ballooning, this company serves over five thousand very happy passengers a year. They happily facilitate one of the most memorably enjoyable experiences in their customers’ lives.   

Their commitment to offering excellent service and their professional attitude in entertaining and creating enjoyable experiences has their customers coming back and referring this ballooning company to friends and family. 

6. They Offer Morning Coffee to Passengers 

Minibus Transfers from various hotels to the clubhouse where the flight starts can be arranged at an extra cost.  

At the clubhouse, they receive guests before dawn and offer them preflight tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and muffins served on the patios before the ride begins as guests watch the balloons being prepared.   

After the flight lands, there is a Mini-bus Transfer back to the Clubhouse Pavilion for Champagne and Breakfast 

7. They Offer Breakfast After The Ride  

Photo By South African Tourism –

Bill Harrop鈥檚 鈥極riginal鈥� Balloon Safaris has a Clubhouse, Pavilion, and a fully licensed Restaurant at Bill Harrop鈥檚 country base in the Magalies River Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site near Skeerpoort. 

After landing, guests are treated to generous amounts of champagne, fresh juice, porridge, and a 5-star breakfast at the well-established, traditionally exquisite, and beautifully appointed Clubhouse.  

The menu for the breakfast varies and depends on what is available and in season at the time. They offer quite a variety, making the package flexible for vegetarians or those on special diets. Special menus can be created on request. 

8. Souvenir Certificates are Issued After The Ride 

Bill Harrop鈥檚 鈥極riginal鈥� Balloon Safaris have gift vouchers that are valid for a full 12 months from the time of purchase. You can buy and gift a loved one as a present for their special day. 

The company has beautifully designed Souvenir Citations that are issued to the passengers after the ride for their bravery. 

9. The Company Does Custom-Made Safaris on Request 

Beautiful view. Photo By South African Tourism –

Apart from the beautiful Magalies River Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site and Game Viewing balloon flights in Mabula Private Game Reserve in the Northern Province, Bill Harrop鈥檚 鈥極riginal鈥� Balloon Safaris offers special flights to other areas of South Africa.  

For special events like marriage proposals, birthdays, and other special occasions, they will be happy to help. All you have to do is provide the details, research the proposed destination for feasibility, and give a special quote. They have small balloons that carry 2 passengers so privacy can also be planned for. 

10. They Also Organize Safaris for Large Groups 

A hot air balloon flight is a perfect corporate entertainment or team-building activity. They have special rates and can tailor-make a package for your team.  

Upon request, they can arrange to have a professional photographer or videographer available to take souvenir pictures of all the activities before, during, and after the hot air balloon flight.  

Their large compound is convenient and large enough for the access of large tour buses, helicopters, and safe secure parking.