Welcome!
Welcome to your ideal opportunity to balloon the wonderful South African skies where you
can see forever and savour views from a perspective unknown to man in centuries gone by.
Please browse the following pages for all the information you need and let us look after you.
About Action Balloon Flights
Action Balloon Flights was formed to give you the most exciting balloon flights in South Africa at the best possible prices without compromising on safety, legality and promise fulfilment.If you want the "extra fancy frills" a list of suppliers of optional extras is available to enhance our basic package to suit your style.
We only use highly experienced, reliable, legally licenced air service and transport providers who work within our strict code of conduct for your safety, enjoyment and fun.
Action Balloon Flights is owned by Adventure and Safari Tours (Pty) Ltd.
(Previously Adventure and Safari Tours CC.
Our airborne adventures give you about an hour's memorable flight through the skies in the regions adjoining the Magaliesburg Mountains and Cradle of Humankind in the North West and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa
Contact Details
It is always a pleasure to hear from you!
Email: Click to email
Cell: 078 838 8309 - Office Hours
Ballooning Packages!
A. Glorious Golden Morning
Price: R1995.00 per person (Including Vat)Frequency: Every Day subject to space availability and weather.
Flight Duration: About an hour.
Meet your pilot and crew at sunrise at Van Gallen Cheese Farm in Skeerpoort. Travel by mini-bus
to a launch site selected by your pilot for the best possible flight. Join with experienced crew in the preparation of the balloon. Fly for about an hour through the skies in the regions adjoining the Magaliesburg Mountains and Cradle of Humankind in the North-West and Gauteng Provinces.
14 to 16 passengers per balloon. Participate in the fun of pack up before boarding transport back
to your meeting point.
Tour Duration: 2 - 2½ hours in total.
{Buy your Action Balloon Flight Now!}
This is something really special – ENJOY!
MAP & DIRECTIONS Click here for {Van Gaalen Map}
MEETING TIMES Click here for {Action Balloon Flights Meeting times}
WHAT TO WEAR Click here for {Clothing Recommendations}
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS Click here for {fitness requirements}
Click here for {Terms and Conditions}
B. Weekday Silver Sunrise Special
Price: R1895.00 per person (Including Vat)Frequency: Weekdays only (Excludes Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)
Flight Duration: About an hour.
Meet your pilot and crew at sunrise at Van Gallen Cheese Farm in Skeerpoort. Travel by mini-bus to launch site selected by your pilot forthe best possible flight. Join with experienced crew in the preparation of the balloon. Fly for about an hour through the skies in the regions adjoining the Magaliesburg Mountains and Cradle of Humankind in the North-West and Gauteng Provinces. 14 to 16 passengers per balloon. Participate in the fun of pack up before boarding transport back to your meeting point.
Tour Duration: 2 - 2½ hours in total.
{Buy your Action Balloon Flight here}
This is something really special – ENJOY!
MAP & DIRECTIONS Click here for {Van Gaalen Map}
MEETING TIMES Click here for {Action Balloon Flights Meeting times}
WHAT TO WEAR Click here for {Clothing Recommendations}
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS Click here for {fitness requirements}
Click here for {Terms and Conditions}
NOTE:
Occasionally we have short lead time voucher and coupon offers as well as last minute specials.
How to Buy & Book?
BOOKING
Contact one of our friendly reservations staff who will assist you. Call: 078 838 8309She will ask you to refer to the unique reference number of your voucher or coupon.
If you do not have a voucher or coupon,
buy one now by contacting Wicount for a very special COUPON deal.
Your voucher or coupon will be issued within one business day of your payment being processed.
*Please note that it is recommended that you have these documents handy when you book your flight as you will be required to refer to the relevant reference numbers or passwords.
Click here to view our Wicount deals.
It is important to book as far ahead as possible to ensure space is available on the date you prefer. Week-ends and especially holiday periods are in high demand and can fill up fast so book more than the “usual couple of weeks” ahead if you have a special date in mind.
Your Reservation Confirmation (date, time and location of flight) will be sent by email. If you prefer your Reservation Confirmation to be sent by Registered Post or Post Net, a charge of R100 will be levied to cover administration costs and postage. Although we will make every reasonable effort to post these items within one business day of receipt of your order payment, please note that we cannot be responsible for any delays caused by the SA Postal Services or Post Net.
If you require further information as to how our vouchers or coupons work, please view FAQs.
The difference between a voucher and a coupon:
Your voucher can be revalidated and the expiry date can be extended on written request at no extra cost. (Vouchers are non-refundable, but a 10% surcharge can be paid to guarantee a “weather refund option” after 3 attempts.)Your Wicount Coupon usually costs less than a regular voucher but it is issued with an ultimate expiry date which can be extended on payment of an extension fee of 50% of the original price for each additional and equal period required.
Unless otherwise stated in the original specific offer, vouchers and coupons are initially valid for one year from date of issue.
Take Aways...
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FaQ?
If you have a question that is not answered here or on our website,
please e-mail us here and we will quickly confirm receipt of your email
with either an answer or a commitment to get back to you with more details.
1. What is the best time to fly a Hot Air Balloon??
Hot Air Balloons are most often flown within the first couple of hours after sunrise. This is the time when the air is cool, stable and tranquil and conditions are best to fly. As the day progresses, the air warms up, wind speed and thermal activity increases, all of which are unsuitable conditions for balloon flying.
2. Can one steer a Hot Air Balloon?
Balloons have very limited steering as they go in the same direction as the wind. However, the wind goes in different directions and speeds at different heights. The pilot uses his skill and knowledge by using the gas burner to control the temperature in the balloon which then allows the balloon to ascend or descend into the various winds and fly in the most favourable direction.
3. After landing how do the passengers get back?
A retrieve vehicle will follow your balloon to collect you from wherever you land and return you to the original meeting point.
4. How long is a flight normally?
Depending on weather and optimal conditions the duration of a balloon flight is generally about one hour.
5. Is a Hot Air Balloon considered to be an aircraft?
Yes hot air balloons are a fully recognised form of air travel.
6. Are there regulations for ballooning in South Africa?
Yes. The operation of balloons is governed and regulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Those that fly for hire and reward are considered as commercial operations which must comply with the even stricter standards and controls of operating just the same as any other commercial air service. The South African Civil Aviation Authority issues and validates licences and air service operation certificates which are checked on a yearly basis to ensure that the operation is running in the correct manner. The law requires that a currently valid “air operation certificate” must be available for passengers to see at any time on demand. If this is not available, you may decline to fly and demand a refund.
7. Can anyone fly a balloon?
No. Only a qualified pilot can fly a balloon. The pilot needs to be licenced in accordance with the South African Civil Aviations Authority’s regulations.
8. Can children fly in a balloon?
Yes however they must be able to see over the top the basket with their feet firmly on the basket floor. We recommend that children from the age of 7 and up are able to fly.
9. Do we need to book in advance?
Yes. A two week lead time is generally sufficient time to ensure space on board, but space fills up quite quickly over week-ends an public holidays. If you have a special day in mind, book as far ahead as possible and we will always try to assist you wherever we can.
10. Do you need to be fit and young to fly in a balloon?
No. What is required is that you need to be capable of standing for the duration of the flight and climb into and out the basket without assistance from anyone else. A parent, legal guardian or approved responsible adult, must accompany children who are under the age of 16 at all times. You need to be generally healthy if you do however have any medical problems please make us aware of them in advance and we will do our best to assist you wherever possible. If you are in any doubt about any medical or mental condition you may have it is recommended that you check with your medical advisor. Disabled passengers can be flown under certain conditions which are available on request.
11. Can one fly a Hot Air Balloon at night?
Unfortunately this is not allowed as pilots need to see all obstacles and have a clear visual on possible landing areas.
12. How many people can be flown at one time?
Balloon baskets in South Africa range from small baskets that take a pilot and 2 passengers to large baskets that can take up to 18 passengers in 4 separate compartments. However there are various factors apart from the size of the basket that determine this, such as the total weight of the passengers, the ambient air temperature and the height of the proposed flight. We can accommodate a minimum of 2 passengers up to large corporate groups of over 130.
13. What should one wear?
We always suggest that you wear peelable layers, to be warm enough for the chills of dawn and cool enough as the day warms up. Comfortable walking shoes (high heels are not allowed) hats, beanies or caps are recommended.
14. Can I take photographs easily?
Yes, one can take the most beautiful photographs on your balloon flight and we always encourage you to bring your camera or video along to record your amazing experience.
15. Can we bring our own food and drinks?
You are welcome to do this, but their consumption is not allowed on the company’s vehicles or hot air balloons. We are not allowed to take passengers in our balloons who are under even the slightest influence of liquor or drugs and the pilot is absolutely obliged by law to disembark them at any time without question and without compensation.
16. How high does one fly in a Hot Air Balloon?
A balloon can fly very high but most balloon flights in South Africa can go up to 7500 ft (2500m) above sea level unless restricted by aviation regulations, safety considerations or unfavourable wind directions. Most hot air balloon flights in South Africa do not go higher than about 3500 ft (1200m) above the ground. The view is stunning!
17. Is Hot Air Ballooning safe?
Yes, hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation pursuits. Every balloon is carefully inspected before each take off by your pilot and undergoes an inspection every year or every 100 hours by an examiner licenced by the South African Civil Aviation Authority who issues a Certificate of Airworthiness or a Certificate of return to Service which is available for your inspection on demand.
18. What if I am afraid of heights?
No problem. Our pilots are very sensitive to every passengers needs and we have experienced that passengers soon relax and enjoy themselves. If you do have a major problem, however, just bring this quietly to the attention of your pilot who will land as soon as possible to let you disembark and follow the balloon with the crew in the retrieve vehicle. Still having fun.
19. Where do you fly from?
We have a few take off spots in the Magalliesbergs and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng and North-West Province. If you have a private group of 8 or more we can relocate to anywhere in the country that is conducive to safe balloon flying for a reasonable fee to cover the extra expenses.
20. How far do you travel on a balloon flight?
This all depends on the wind and how far it takes you which can be anything from 5–20 kilometres.
21. What are balloons made of?
There are three main components to a hot air balloon.
The basket is made out of woven wicker. It is exceptionally strong. The envelope is the large colourful part of the balloon. This is made from lightweight reinforced fabric that looks and feels just like the sail of a racing yacht. The burners, made mainly from stainless steel are powered by propane gas which heats the air inside the envelope which causes the balloon to lift. The burner is attached to the basket and the envelope by stainless steel wires.
The basket is made out of woven wicker. It is exceptionally strong. The envelope is the large colourful part of the balloon. This is made from lightweight reinforced fabric that looks and feels just like the sail of a racing yacht. The burners, made mainly from stainless steel are powered by propane gas which heats the air inside the envelope which causes the balloon to lift. The burner is attached to the basket and the envelope by stainless steel wires.
22. Where can I book?
Right here! just hit the How to Book & Buy tab below.
We are looking forward to seeing you soon, in a balloon.
