Magalies River Valley Scenic Balloon Safari - Explorer Package

Description

Frequency:

• Balloons go up every morning including weekends, weather permitting.

Flight Departure Point:

• Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site on the border of Gauteng and North West Province, near Hartebeesport Dam, 45 kilometers north-west of Johannesburg’s Northern suburbs.

Time:

• Just prior to sun-rise dependant on time of the year (see schedule below). Note that hotel transfers depart earlier to allow for traveling time.

Hot Coffee, Tea, Biscuits, and Muffins.

Served as guests check-in at our traditionally exquisite, well-appointed Clubhouse Pavilion at sunrise.Flight Numbers are assigned and tickets are validated.

Professional Crew Prepare the Balloons for Flight

Guests watch from the comfort of the Pavilion and are called to board when the balloons are ready. The Captains give a safety briefing prior to take off.

Flight duration:

• About one hour (dependant on conditions).

Flight Landing Place:

• Always in the shadow of the basket (wherever that may be;-).

South African champagne:

• Served on landing while the crew packs up the balloon.

Mini-bus Transfer back to our Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant for… Champagne Breakfast

At Harrop’s fully licensed beautifully appointed Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant. Freshly cooked, wide choice and beautifully presented.

“Citations For Bravery” Presented with due ceremony.

What to wear:

• Clothing: Should be warm enough for the chilly early morning but it should be “peelable” because the sun, excitement and probably the champagne will soon warm you. “Country” shoes (no high heels or open sandals) are recommended, and if you are tall or a little thin on top (like Bill Harrop) wear a hat.

What to bring:

• Don’t forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space or extra film (does anyone still use film these days?) and batteries fully charged, as ballooning offers some most spectacular photo and video opportunities.

Fitness:

• Ballooning is suitable for adventurers from 7 – 70 (although our oldest passenger to date was 92 years old). Participants should be nimble, be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight, which is approximately one hour.

Disabled Frail or Challenged Participants:

• It may still be possible to fly, even if one cannot meet the fitness requirements noted above, subject to parameters noted for disabled passengers and a disclosure being made when booking. Our new base also sports approved ground facilities for the disabled.

Important information

Start times to be confirmed upon booking confirmation.

DAILY SCHEDULE: (Meeting Times at Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris Skeerpoort Country Base)

1 Nov. to 31 Jan - 04h45

1 – 29 Feb. and 16 – 31 Oct - 05h00

1 – 15 Mar. and 1 – 15 Oct - 05h15

16 – 31 Mar. and 16 – 30 Sep - 05h30

1 – 30 Apr. and 1 – 15 Sep - 05h45

1 – 31 May. and 1 – 31 Aug - 06h00

1 Jun. to 31 Jul - 06h15

MINIMUM NUMBERS: 2 passengers (can be from two different individual bookings). MAXIMUM NUMBERS: 120+ (2 to 18 passengers per balloon).

Tour Duration:

The flight will last about one hour and the total duration of the tour from check-in to departure for you next destination is about 3 to 5 hours (depending on whether one wants to hurry or relax after the flight) plus transport time.

Operated by: Bill Harrops