South Africa Hot Air Balloon Rides Tours: The 9 Best to Book

1.Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

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

Float above the Magaliesbergs and the Cradle of Humankind on a one-hour flight from Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. Your pilot provides live commentary, and the morning ends with sparkling wine and a buffet breakfast. Pilots may include Nic, Nick, Marc, or Eugene, depending on the day.

“Absolutely amazing! Certainly ticked off my bucket list. The team are so friendly and helpful and the views from the balloon are breathtaking. Cannot recommend this highly enough.”

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

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

Rise before sunrise for a guided hot-air balloon flight over Pilanesberg National Park. You may spot lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and zebra from the basket, then toast the landing with sparkling wine before a full English breakfast. Transfers from Sun City and nearby lodges are included, with pilot Mark among the team members praised for making the flight memorable.

“This was a great experience! Amazing views, great staff and a recommendation to everyone! To see wild life and nature from the hotair balloon is such a unique experience. Loved every minute of it”

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4.Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley

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

You’ll leave Sandton before sunrise for Hartbeespoort, watch the balloon inflate with coffee and mini muffins, then fly for about an hour above the Magalies River Valley and Magaliesburg range. Stuart may host your visit, with private transfers, a sparkling-wine toast, and a buffet breakfast included.

“We enjoyed every moment from the pick up to the drop off! Very happy with the certification as well. The rode itself was memorable!”

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5.Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $334

Start at 4am in Sandton, then ride to Hartbeespoort for a one-hour sunrise balloon flight over the Magalies River Valley. Stuart handles the transfers and often helps with photos, while the balloon crew operates the flight. Coffee, a mini muffin, breakfast, sparkling wine, water, and return transport are included.

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6.Hot air Balloon and Cape Winelands Private guided tour

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

Start before sunrise with a one-hour balloon flight above the Stellenbosch winelands and Table Mountain. After breakfast, your private English-speaking guide takes you through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with tastings at Lanzerac, Delaire Graff, and Dieu Donne. Guides such as Natasha and Joseph are known for warm, flexible service, though the guide can shape the day.

“The Hot Air ballon ride was an amazing experience. The whole team organising everything was great and the pilot was so much fun! You start the experience with a homemade coffee, which is a sweet warm up. After the ride, an amazing sparkling wine on the landing site to celebrate (and wish for a successful next flight) before heading for breakfast at this lovely local spot. This had a big variety of different choices on the menu so there is something for everyone to eat and enjoy. The wine tour after was incredible. Definitely worth purchasing this as an extra after the ballon to make a full day experience! Started…”

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7.Hot Air Balloon and Wine Tasting Private Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $545

Start at 5:00 am with a hot-air balloon flight over the Stellenbosch winelands, followed by breakfast, Stellenbosch, Lanzerac, Delaire Graff, Franschhoek, and Dieu Donne. Your private vehicle and guide handle the long day, while the balloon route depends on the wind. Joseph is one guide named in past bookings.

“Absolute perfection! Loved it! Highlight of our trip. Balloon ride was smooth and the views were awesome. Thank you!”

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8.Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $360

Meet the experienced balloon crew north of Johannesburg for pre-flight tea and biscuits, then rise over the Magaliesberg range for about 60 minutes. After landing, toast with sparkling wine and sit down to a full breakfast at the Clubhouse, Pavilion, and Restaurant. This suits proposals, anniversaries, and bucket-list mornings.

“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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9.Private Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $683

Meet your pilot before sunrise for a one-hour balloon flight over the Stellenbosch Winelands, with views of Simonsberg and Paarl Rock. Your private vehicle then visits Delaire Graff and Spier Wine Farm before returning to Cape Town. Pickup, transport, a guide, balloon ticket, and bottled water are included.

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