The Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in South Africa
Rise above the everyday worries of politics, pandemics, and deadlines, and take your holiday to breathtaking new heights with a magical hot air balloon ride in South Africa. Floating silently in a giant balloon basket as the sun rises, you’ll experience romance, adventure, and scenery unlike anywhere else in the world.
Over the past decade, ballooning in South Africa has grown into one of the country’s most enchanting adventure activities. Flights are now available in some of our most spectacular settings — from the majestic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains and the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the rugged beauty of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vredefort Dome, the Cradle of Humankind, and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
One of the most unforgettable experiences is a balloon safari. Drift over vast grasslands, with the silence broken only by the occasional roar of the burners, as you scan for antelope, giraffe, and other wildlife below. It’s the closest feeling to being an eagle gliding over the land.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a proposal, or simply chasing a new adventure, South Africa’s balloon rides deliver a blend of thrill and tranquility that stays with you long after you land.
Our Dirty Boots team has handpicked the top hot air balloon rides in South Africa, each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable moments. The hardest part? You may just find yourself booking more than one!
As dawn breaks over the Mother City, Table Mountain slowly reveals itself, sculpted out of the darkness by the first rays of sunlight. A hot air balloon ride near Cape Town offers a perspective that is both surreal and unforgettable.
Floating gently above the patchwork of vineyards, farmlands, and mountain ridges, you’ll watch the city and coastline wake to a new day. On a clear morning, you may glimpse the glistening Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island in the distance, and even the rugged Cape Peninsula stretching south. It’s a serene yet awe-inspiring adventure that captures Cape Town at its most magical.
Start your day in the Cape Winelands on a literal high note with a hot air balloon flight over its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and endless vineyards. As the sun rises, it bathes the Cape Fold Mountains in soft golden light, creating a breathtaking backdrop to your journey.
On particularly clear mornings, the silhouette of Table Mountain may even appear on the horizon, reminding you just how close you are to Cape Town. Drifting silently above wine estates, orchards, and quaint towns, you’ll witness this celebrated region from a truly unique perspective before touching down to enjoy the Winelands’ famous hospitality.
Experience a truly otherworldly adventure with a hot air balloon flight over the Vredefort Dome in the Free State, the site of one of the planet’s oldest and largest meteorite impacts. From above, the geological scars of this ancient collision are strikingly visible, alongside the glistening meanders of the Vaal River winding through the landscape.
Launching near Clarens, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most scenic ballooning destinations, your flight offers sweeping views of rolling hills, sandstone cliffs, and quaint villages below. Drifting silently over this remarkable environment, you’ll gain a perspective impossible from the ground, making it a bucket-list adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
4. Garden Route & Little Karoo
Experience the vast, unspoiled beauty of the Little Karoo from a hot air balloon, drifting silently over its arid plains, rugged hills, and distinctive mountain ranges that separate it from the lush Garden Route.
This region, once an ancient inland sea, reveals its geological history in sweeping views of rocky outcrops, winding rivers, and colorful valleys. Easily accessible from towns along the Garden Route, an early morning balloon flight lets you watch the sunrise illuminate the dramatic landscape below.
Floating above this serene and ancient terrain, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the Little Karoo’s natural wonders that few ever experience.
Step back in time with a hot air balloon flight over the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg.
As you float above the Magaliesberg valleys and hills, you’ll glimpse the landscapes where prehistoric homo sapiens once lived, hunting and surviving in caves, plains, and rocky outcrops.
Along the way, you may also spot wildlife, including some of the modern descendants of the animals they relied on, and occasionally even glimpses of the Big Five. Ideal for a special occasion or romantic getaway, this flight combines history, adventure, and sweeping aerial views just a short drive from the city.
KwaZulu-Natal offers three spectacular hot air balloon launch sites, each with its own unique charm. Drift over the Drakensberg’s Champagne Valley, often called “the dragon,” where crisp mountain air and clear skies provide ideal ballooning conditions and breathtaking vistas.
Alternatively, explore the rolling, pastoral beauty of the Midlands, where gentle hills, farmland, and charming villages create a romantic and serene experience, often ending with a decadent breakfast at one of the region’s premier lodges.
For those closer to the coast, Tala Valley, just 45 minutes from Durban, offers a convenient yet scenic launch site, combining lush landscapes and wildlife sightings for a memorable flight.
Elevate your South African safari adventure with a hot air balloon flight over the greater Kruger Park area. At dawn, the bushveld comes alive, and floating silently above the savannah gives you a rare perspective on the region’s iconic wildlife.
From elephants and giraffes to antelope and plains game, your pilot will not only ensure a safe flight but also help you spot animals and interpret their behaviour.
As the sun rises, the warm light illuminates the rolling bushveld, creating breathtaking scenery that perfectly complements the thrill of gliding above one of Africa’s most famous wildlife regions.
For a truly thrilling adventure, take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari in the North West Province, where you can hover silently above wildlife in their natural habitat. Imagine drifting above a pride of lions lounging in the early morning sun, witnessing their movements after a night of hunting, all without disturbing them.
The quiet, unobtrusive nature of a balloon allows for unmatched wildlife observation, making it one of the safest and most magical ways to experience the African bush.
Combining the excitement of ballooning with a classic game-viewing adventure, this experience delivers memories that last a lifetime.
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