Balloons Over Africa

Balloons Over Africa offers scenic balloon flights over the beautiful Sabie River valley in the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Come and join us for a ride on the wind!

ABOUT

BALLOONS OVER AFRICA is a family run business, with Kevin Roberson as the pilot, and Cathy Roberson seeing to the day to day running of the company. Their sons take a keen interest, and often act as crew. Other crew members are employed on a freelance basis - some are guides, some are local farmers, some are friends - all enjoy ballooning and help to make the experience even more memorable for our passengers.

We have been offering Hot Air Balloon Flights in the Sabie River Valley since 1998. Kevin, our pilot has been flying for more than 20 years, for fun and competition. Prior to 1998, Kevin also flew for some of the other balloon companies in his spare time. By the time he retired from competition ballooning (although there is always the chance that he will make a come back!) he had been the South African National Champion for 6 consecutive years, and had competed in 2 World Championships, as well as other international competitions in Japan and Canada.

Competition ballooning is very different from commercial ballooning, but competition flying hones skills that make the difference between a good pilot and an excellent pilot!

BALLOONS OVER AFRICA is a Civil Aviation licensed Non-Scheduled Air Service. (Air Service Licence Number N551D) We are fully compliant with Civil Aviation requirements which include carrying passenger and third party liability insurance. We use only approved and certified balloons, and employ the services of an approved and licensed maintenance organization, complying with an approved operations manual. Copies of insurance and licensing documentation are available on request.

INFO

BALLOONS OVER AFRICA offers scenic hot air balloon flights in the beautiful Sabie River valley, near Hazyview in Mpumalanga. Hazyview is a small town situated about halfway between the southern section of the Kruger Park, and the scenic attractions of the Northern Drakensberg escarpment - a convenient location from which to explore the whole area!

Balloon flights take place at sunrise while the air is still cool and stable, before the earth heats up. In windy, rainy or otherwise marginal conditions the pilot will postpone or cancel the flight ?" safety is the prime consideration ?" but generally flying conditions are good, and the cancellation rate is low. Balloon flights are offered all year round in this area.

The balloon launch site is on the front lawn at Sabie River Adventures, about 11km from Hazyview, on the Sabie Road. Passengers can make their own way to the launch site ?" we will provide a map and detailed directions. If they prefer, we will arrange to meet them at their hotel and bring them to the launch site, returning them to their hotel after the flight.

Usual itinerary

Upon arrival at the launch site, passengers are offered tea, coffee and biscuits and have a chance to take pictures of the preparation of the balloon for flight.

When the balloon is ready and the passengers are on board, the pilot explains what to expect on launch, in flight and on landing.

The flight is a scenic experience and lasts about an hour.

On landing we serve Cape sparkling wine (a Cap Classique Wine) to celebrate the flight in the champagne ballooning tradition. Fruit juice and bottled water are also available.

After the flight passengers join the pilot for breakfast at a country lodge, and for the presentation of flight certificates.

Area

During the flight passengers can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Sabie River Adventures is situated just where the foothills of the mountains begin, and the balloon floats over small hills and hidden valleys. The distant views to the west are of the mountains ?" God’s Window is clearly visible from the “other” side. The views to the east are of the land gradually flattening out towards the horizon, with the Sabie River winding its way towards the sunrise. The vegetation is a mix of riverine forest, indigenous bush and fruit orchards, and the sub-tropical climate ensures that the area is green and lush almost all year round. This is a beautiful ballooning venue!

Passenger carrying capacity

BALLOONS OVER AFRICA can take up to a maximum of 8 passengers per flight, depending on passengers’ weights and the ambient temperature. We will generally confirm up to 6 passengers, and only accept more if the total group weight permits. The small group size allows us to offer personal attention to each passenger. While we accept bookings of 2 or even 1 passenger, we need to have at least 4 passengers in order for the flight to take place, but as we mix groups, it is usually easy for us to fill the flight.

Although the flight lasts about an hour, passengers should allow 3 to 4 hours for the whole excursion, from the time of arrival at the launch site until after breakfast.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We can accommodate up to 6 to 8 passengers per flight. Individual weights of passengers determine the number of passengers on the flight, and we will ask for passengers' weights. We reserve the right to accept bookings from more than one group in order to accommodate the maximum number of passengers per flight. If we have fewer than 4 passengers by the day before the flight, the flight will be cancelled, and passengers will be given the opportunity to reschedule their booking.

Booking, Payment and cancellation policy

We will confirm reservations on receipt of a written booking, and will issue a pro-forma invoice. Full payment is required not less than 14 days before the date of the flight. Should payment not be received timeously, we reserve the right to cancel the booking without further notice.

Cancellations

14 days or less before the flight:

50% of the total cost

48 hours or less before the flight:

100% of the total cost

No-show:

100% of the total cost

Cancellation by Balloons Over Africa due to unsuitable weather:

No Charge

While we make every effort to obtain accurate weather forecasts, and prefer to cancel flights the night before if unfavourable weather conditions are likely, we are sometimes forced to cancel the flight at the launch site in the interests of safety. Should this occur, passengers would still be liable for the costs of any transfer, but would not be charged a cancellation fee for the flight.

The place of meeting will be notified on confirmation of the booking. If necessary we will fax a map to the passengers, showing the location of the launch site. The time of meeting will vary according to the time of year, but will usually be about an hour before sunrise. We will inform the passenger of the meeting time on confirmation of the booking. It is essential to be punctual. Passengers who do not arrive in time for the balloon launch will be considered “no - shows” and a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.

Passengers are asked to call us late in the afternoon of the day before the flight to confirm the meeting time and place, and to discuss the weather forecast.

Passengers with health considerations accept the responsibility to consult a doctor before embarking on a balloon flight. If there are any questions regarding physical suitability, or health limitations, passengers should discuss these with us before booking. We will do all that we can to accommodate prospective passengers, however we reserve the right to refuse anyone who, in our opinion, would be a safety liability to themselves and others. All passengers must be capable of standing for the duration of the flight, and be able to enter and exit the basket unassisted. WE CONSIDER IT UNSAFE TO FLY WHEN PREGNANT. Balloons Over Africa reserves the right to decline to accept any passenger should such person’s health, physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation, or the enjoyment of the other passengers. Anyone intoxicated will be denied participation. Should Balloons Over Africa decline to accept a passenger under the conditions described in this paragraph, that passenger will be deemed to have cancelled their reservation.

We often land in uncultivated fields and it would be the passengers’ responsibility to take precautions against ticks or other insects that may be prevalent in those areas.

Passengers’ vehicles are parked on the field at the passengers’ own risk.

We are reluctant to take children less than 12 years old, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We will not take very young children.

Rates are quoted per person unless specified otherwise. Rates include VAT at the current rate of 14%.

Prices may be subject to change without notice due to the fluctuating exchange rate, and increases in fuel and insurance costs. However, prices quoted for confirmed bookings will be honoured.

WHERE: Hazyview, Kruger National Park, South Africa