Flying at a height of anything from just above tree-top level several thousand feet, at a graceful speed and controlled only by the wind and the hot air in the balloon above you, is to experience freedom in the air.

A Bit of Air Balloon History

The oldest form known to mankind, hot air balloon adventures are still amazingly the most affordable air adventures currently available.

The first manned hot air balloon flight was made by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier François Laurent d’Arlandes on 21 November 1783 in a balloon built by the Montgolfier brothers.

Today’s hot air balloons are made up of a envelope and a gondola or wicker basket. The envelope is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath the envelope is a gondola or wicker basket which carries passengers and usually an open flame heat source in the form of propane burners.

Air to Air Africa Operators

Air to Air Africa hot air balloon operators are based in the Cradle of Humankind, close to Lanseria airport. The area is also home to a number of game and nature reserves. An exact location is chosen beforehand by our experienced pilot, depending on the current weather conditions and wind patterns. Due to this we always meet with our passengers at a prior arranged venue and transport you to the launch

We fly daily at sunrise, weather permitting. The timetable of our daily flights throughout the year are available here >>

Due to the proximity of the game to the hot air balloon during the sunrise flights, is it commonplace to see herds of wildlife moving in the bushveld and open land directly below. This freedom and closeness to nature is an experience that cannot be matched by any other air adventure.

For large groups we can fly from a site of your choice, if we perceive it to be suitable. For bookings or more information click here >>

In comparison to helicopter flips which only last 20-30 minutes, most hot air balloon flights are about one hour, depending on weather conditions. Large groups requiring two flights are about 40-45 minutes.

Air to Air Africa currently operate 3 large hot air balloons designed for the comfort and safety of our passengers. Each of these balloons can carry between 4 and 16 passangers per hot air balloon flight.

For more information on our hot air balloon adventure pricing options contact us on +27 84 602 3491 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting or click here >>

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Air Balloon History

The Montgolfier Brothers launched the first passengers in a hot air balloon on 19 September 1783 in Versailes. Little has changed since then with hot air balloon companies all round the world still practicing the old traditions of ballooning.

Eddie Jacobs started Air to Air Africa as a commercial hot air balloon operation in 1999. His wife Sheree Jacobs joined the company in 2004. With three large commercial balloons designed around the safety of the passengers, Air to Air Africa has maintained a 100% safety record to date.

Hot Air Balloons Description

All the baskets are double T shaped with two compartments either side of the Pilots Cockpit, which hold 4 gas cylinders and the very limited aviation equipment required for a hot air balloon flight. Air to Air Africa will try and keep all partners together and meet with your individual special requirements.

Passenger arrangement can all be set up as follows:

- Two per compartment up to 8 passengers
- Three per compartment up to 12 passengers
- Four per compartment up to 16 passengers

Location Information

Individual passengers are able to join a group balloon flight 30 minutes before sunrise at the Heia Safari Game Ranch in the Cradle of Humankind approximately 35km from Johannesburg.

Air to Air Africa have a number of launch-sites available in the “Cradle” so that the pilot may choose the best site once he has a current aviation forcast of the upper wind for that particular day. We may also launch the balloon on the banks of Lake Herritage, a man made lake 2.5 km long with a beautiful waterfall flowing into the Crocodile River.

Flight Information

Regardless of where we take off or where we land, the chance to interact with wild life is possible while having breakfast at Heia Safari. The giraffe will come to greet you at reception while the Zebra drink from the swimming pool and the buck roam the grounds of the Ranch.

All flights include tea/coffee prior to an hour flight, and sparkling wine and / or orange juice on landing wherever that may be. Once you have landed safely you will be transported back to the venue for a buffet style breakfast where you will be awarded your commemorative certificate. Duration of this excursion is 3-4 hours.

In the winter when the ground takes longer to heat up and the wind are more stable we can offer team building, corporates and product launches, a double hop flight. Groups of 16, 20 or 32 will be divided into two, for a 30-45 minute flight. The second group follows the 1ast group swopping over on landing. Unfortunately this is not advisable in summer as the 2nd group may not get to fly if the winds pick up during the first flight.

Air to Air Africa will bring the balloon(s) to a venue of your choice if at all suitable. This is only offered to a minimum of 8 passengers. There may be an additional cost for the transport and accommodation of the pilot crew and balloon(s).

Book your first hot air balloon flight with Air to Air Africa

Air to Air Africa has highly experience pilots to navigate your first hot air balloon flight and hopefully many more after that.

For more information on booking your first hot air balloon flight contact Air to Air Africa here >>
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