Winter is well on its way and although we are pulling out the electric blankets and soups to keep warm, there is no reason to stay indoors. Air to Air Africa offer winter hot air ballooning safaris over some of the most treasured land in the Highveld.

Visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za

Based in the Cradle of Humankind, Air to Air Africa launches from the banks of Lake Heritage. Hot air balloon flights take passengers over Game and Nature Reserves to admire the landscape and wildlife that lingers below.

The flight course provides the perfect opportunity for keen photographers to capture some inspiring shots from a bird’s eye view. In fact, all guests are encouraged to bring cameras along. Sunrises on lift- off, floating above tree tops and admiring landscapes below lend to memorable photographic opportunities.

Large groups of passengers (if flying together) are able to choose a launch site of their choice. The site needs to be big enough for the balloon to linflate comfortably. (Contact Air to Air Africa for requirement sizes.)

What to bring on the hot air ballooning winter safari?

Hot air balloon rides always launch in the early hours of the morning. This ensures that the lift- off is as smooth as possible as the air is at its most stable. Hot air ballooning winter safaris are especially cold before the sun rises. Guests are urged to bring layer items so that they are as comfortable as possible and able to enjoy their hot air ballooning experience. Once on board the heat from the burners will keep you nice and warm.

• Jeans (or something that can get dirty)
• Walking shoes (required for walking through long grass)
• Jersey
• Windbreaker/ waterproof jacket
• Scarf/ gloves/ beanie (depending on the temperature)
• Binoculars and camera

Winter hot air ballooning safaris offer passengers an opportunity to admire the cloudless winter horizon that exposes the landscape for kilometers. Whether a birthday gift, winter proposal, anniversary or just to experience the South African winter countryside, hot air ballooning is an experience that leaves passengers with picturesque memories.

More information on hot air ballooning

All hot air ballooning passengers will be met with a glass of sparkling wine upon landing, to compliment the famous French tradition.

To book a hot air ballooning winter safari contact Air to Air Africa on: +27 84 602 3491 or Email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za

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A bunch of flowers, box of chocolates or a lovely arrangement of bath salts never quite does justice when it comes to showing your mother how much she means to you. With Mother’s Day on the 8^th May this year, maybe it’s time to start planning something special.

Hot air ballooning will offer more than just a memorable adventure this Mother’s Day. Based in The Cradle of Humankind, Air to Air Africa provides the oldest form of flight over some of the richest visual landscape in the country.

The World Heritage Site is made up of Nature and Game Reserves which are politely situated on the banks of the Crocodile River. The hot air balloon rides take guests from The Cradle of Humankind, off the banks of Lake Heritage and over Heia Safari which is a private game reserve boasting an array of wildlife.

• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Blesbok
• Impala
• Springbok
• Zonky
• Black Springbok

A hot air ballooning experience this Mother’s Day may be the perfect chance for you to spoil your mother and offer an opportunity to view the countryside and what comes along with it, from a completely different angle.

The early morning hot air ballooning lift- off offers guests the chance to enjoy the alluring sunrise as they slowly float upwards, above tree tops, wildlife and the beauty of The Cradle of Humankind. Guests have the opportunity to take photos of the views and with the 360° backdrop, even the most amateur photographer will appreciate the canvas they are given.

What to bring

• Layered clothing
• Walking shoes
• Hat or cap
• Camera
• Binoculars

Hot air ballooning is a great opportunity for a family to enjoy an activity together. Air to Air Africa offers large groups the chance to customise their hot air ballooning experience.  With a suitable and large enough space to and on, large groups are able to choose an area over which they would prefer to have a hot air ballooning experience. This is the perfect opportunity for a Mother’s Day balloon ride and will certainly make the trip more memorable.

Once the hot air balloon ride has come to an end and passengers have their feet safely back on land, they are welcomed back with a glass of sparkling wine. This is the perfect way to toast any mother this Mother’s Day.

Air to Air Africa offers single flights for up to 7 passengers and group flights for between 8 and 10 people or 16 to 32. Click here to view hot air ballooning prices in 2011.

Hot air ballooning is the ultimate air adventure and is certainly something that will offer a different perspective towards life. With The Cradle of Humankind being such a cherished part of Southern Africa, Air to Air Africa has chosen this piece of land to share with guests. The experienced pilot will share information on the area as the hot air balloon passes drifts by slowly.

Book a hot air balloon flight today for Mother’s Day and share a special adventure with the special woman in your life.

For more information on hot air ballooning with Air to Air Africa, visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za or call +27 84 602 3491

Email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za

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It may be the oldest form of flight known to man but hot air ballooning is certainly still a booming success all over the world. The blend of personal challenge, the unknown, adventure and sometimes a bit of romance offers guests a perspective of earth like no other.

Hot air ballooning is something a little less intense than skydiving and bungee jumping but still gives all guests the chance to experience adventure in the air. The peace and tranquility of hot air ballooning offers the chance for guests to enjoy the adrenaline rush of height whilst floating amongst clouds and over large stretches of land.

Not only are hot air balloon rides a great way to relax and unwind, they are also the perfect gift, on any occasion. The adventure that hot air ballooning offers, is something that people of all ages are able to take part in.

Hot air ballooning over admired lands

Air to Air Africa is based in the Cradle of humankind, one of the most credited pieces of land in South Africa. The area is a World Heritage Site and includes Game and Nature Reserves upon the banks of the Crocodile River. The extra delight of seeing wild life on each flight makes these hot air balloon rides a magical experience for anyone. Viewing game from great heights, allows guests to not only appreciate the spectacular view but keen photographers are able to capture great images whilst being surrounded by a panoramic view.

Visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za

Air to Air Africa also gives large groups of guests the chance to choose a place of their choice to take off from. If the grounds are suitably large enough, this allows guests the chance to personalise their hot air balloon flight.

Hot air ballooning is certainly something that anyone who is a keen adventurer should try. The hour long ride (give or take) is completely unpredictable as each flight offers something more or new. Hot air balloon rides take off in the early morning, allowing for the best possible conditions. It’s at this time of the morning when wildlife can be clearly seen and the air is still, allowing for a stable and relaxing balloon ride.

Once the hot air balloon has landed, guests are invited to sip on a glass of champagne and enjoy conversations with the pilot and other staff about the wonders of hot air ballooning and the surrounding areas.

For more information on hot air ballooning or to book a hot air balloon flight, call Air to Air Africa on +27 84 602 3491 or emailfly@airtoairafrica.co.za

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So many people have a collection of unused things that they have received over the years as Christmas gifts. Whether it’s a set of glasses that you would never use, or a table cloth that a relative thought would match your curtains, these presents are collecting dust at the back of a cupboard.

There is however a Christmas gift that is perfect for the whole family. It’s something that no object could ever replace and will certainly create memories that stand no chance of collecting dust.

Hot air ballooning is a popular choice amongst those looking for something new and thrilling to experience with friends and family. Not only is it the perfect way to spoil colleges and friends on birthdays but it is the perfect Christmas gift that comes with space for memories, fun and lots of photos.

Where do we fly?

There really is no bad time to experience the joys of flying. Hot air balloon rides are one of the most delightful ways to start a day. The slow lift off and lazy drifting above tree tops offers one of the most beautiful perspectives of what lies below.

There are many different occasions that hot air balloon rides are perfect for.

Birthday surprises

Although all hot air balloon flights take off in the early morning to ensure that the air is at its most stable, there are periods of the year that are favored flying times.

Air to Air Africa offers some of the most beautiful land to fly over in the Highveld region. Based at the Cradle of Humankind, the World Heritage Site offers game and nature reserves upon the banks of the Crocodile River.

Visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za

What can you expect in different seasons on your hot air balloon ride?

Considering that fact that guests are able to view a wide variety of wildlife when on a hot air balloon ride, there are certain times of the year that are better suited for hot air balloon safari’s. Spring and summer bring with them newborn wildlife and the sprouting of all things green. With the sun rising earlier in the summer time, guests are able to enjoy their hot air balloon ride in the early morning warmth. At this time of the year, the clear air allows for the perfect panoramic view for kilometers.

Autumn of course is one of the prettiest times to enjoy a hot air balloon ride as nature displays its abundance of colour and charm below. With trees changing colour, hot air balloon rides in autumn lend themselves to picture perfect views and photographs.

Winter mornings, although a little more on the chilly side, offer a completely different perspective from a hot air balloon. With flights taking off a little later, guests are able to enjoy the mist as it clears slowly in the horizons to reveal the wildlife below.

Every season of the year offers a different and exciting perspective of our stretches of land. Guests are able to enjoy the oldest form of flight and the thrills that come along with it.

Book your hot air balloon ride now, Call Air to Air Africa on +27 84 602 3491 or email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za

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So many people have a collection of unused things that they have received over the years as Christmas gifts. Whether it’s a set of glasses that you would never use, or a table cloth that a relative thought would match your curtains, these presents are collecting dust at the back of a cupboard.

There is however a Christmas gift that is perfect for the whole family. It’s something that no object could ever replace and will certainly create memories that stand no chance of collecting dust.

Hot air ballooning is a popular choice amongst those looking for something new and thrilling to experience with friends and family. Not only is it the perfect way to spoil colleges and friends on birthdays but it is the perfect Christmas gift that comes with space for memories, fun and lots of photos.

Where do we fly?

Air to Air Africa offers a Christmas experience over the majestic planes of The Cradle of Humankind. Hot air ballooning in this part of Gauteng allows guests not only enjoy life from an aerial view but also appreciate unforgettable sights as they pass over the banks of Lake Heritage, on Heia Safari game ranch. There are a number of animals that are to be spotted from the great heights above this ancestral land.

Visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za

Take off

With lift off being in the early hours of the morning, this Christmas gift brings with it more than one wonderful surprise. Guests have the chance to experience the rising sun as they take in the fresh air and morning awakenings. .

The slow ascent of the hot air balloon means that all passengers get to experience the panoramic view as distance grows between them and life below. This is the perfect opportunity to take great photos that will help guests to create their hot air ballooning Christmas gift memories.

Landing

Passengers are able to talk to the pilot whilst drifting above tree tops. Listening to stories about hot air ballooning and what lies below, is as captivating as the views that will surround the guests. Once passengers have landed they will be able to indulge in a glass of sparkling wine and reminisce over their hot air ballooning experience.

Hot air ballooning offers more than just a Christmas gift, it paves the way for the chance to make memories with friends and family,

View Air to Air Africa’s pricing.

For more information on hot air ballooning with Air to Air Africa, call +27 84 602 3491 or email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za

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Lifting off a little past dawn and feeling the brisk morning air rushing over your face, is an excellent way to start our morning as you embark on one of the most exciting experiences of your life.

Hot air ballooning is one of the oldest forms of flight. This long heritage and closeness to nature that hot air ballooning brings then makes it ideal for flying near silently over wild game.

Air To Air Africa’s standard take off ground is in the Kromdraai area on the banks of Lake Heritage near Lanseria airport. The Cradle of Human Kind (as this area is also known) includes many game and nature reserves which we are able to fly relatively low and silently over.

For more information on booking your affordable air – venture in a hot air balloon over a game reserve, contact Air To Air directly on fly@airtoairafrica.co.za or call Sheree on +27 84 602 3491.

As the flight lifts off you will not even feel the pull of gravity trying to keep you flat on Mother Earth; nor will you get a rush of excitement and adrenalin that feeling may come on landing which are always interesting, no matter how many times you fly Swooping initially low over the scrub and trees; you begin to get a little perspective as to how beautiful the environment that we live in actually is.

When the balloon comes in over a grazing herd of wild game, be it impala, rhino or wildebeest; they are not scared away as they would be with a normal aircraft such as a helicopter due to the low noise that a hot air balloon makes as it glides effortlessly in the air. The occasional punctuation of the burner doesn’t scare the game away either. The intimacy that you feel with nature as you observe from above is unmatched by any other form of flight.

Hot air ballooning over wild game and game farms is ideal for both young and old as every time you go up you see something different and experience something brand new. Whether you are taking the balloon ride out of curiosity, for the thrill of it or as many hot air balloon enthusiasts out of sheer enjoyment, hot air ballooning with Air To Air Africa is guaranteed to be the perfect flight for you.

Taking photos from a hot air balloon is particularly special. Taking in the view from the sky gives you a completely different perspective on the world below you and capturing this on film is the perfect way to remember your flight. With the rolling hills forming the backdrop and the herding game taking centre stage of your photo; the scene is set from your hot air balloon vantage point.

Booking your sunrise hot air balloon ride over a game farm, or anywhere else, cannot be simpler. Simply call Sheree at Air To Air Africa on +27 84 602 3491 or click here. For more information on Air To Air Africa, visit their website at www.airtoairafrica.co.za.

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When Christmas rolls around in its speedy fashion, it’s the same story every year. What corporate gift are we giving to our valued clients this year? Bottles of wine are always a good idea. Maybe an expensive box of chocolates or a fancy bottle opener to compliment that bottle of wine you gave away last year. What about those clients who bring in more money that you ever hoped for? It goes without saying that spending a little more on their corporate gift is important.

Hot Air Balloon rides- an unforgettable corporate gift for any occasion

Whether it’s a client’s birthday, Christmas or any other reason to give out corporate gifts, you can never go wrong with a hot air balloon ride. Give your top clients the corporate gift that keeps on giving. Hot air balloon rides will stay with anyone long after the flight is over. There is no reason why a corporate gift or any gift at all should run out, run dry or just sit around looking pretty. Instead they should be remembered, cherished and appreciated long after the holiday season comes to an end. What better way to do this and show your gratitude or give your best wishes to clients than giving them the chance to ride in a hot air balloon.

Hot air balloon rides are ideal for corporate gifts, giveaways or any kind of gesture towards a client. The ideal way to thank someone or give them your blessing is to send them up into the air. To give them the opportunity to float above wildlife and relax in a basket as they are carried above long stretches of magnificent earth. A ride in a hot air balloon is also a great way for you to welcome your foreign business travelers to South Africa. One way or the other, a hot air balloon ride makes an unforgettable corporate gift.

To book a hot air balloon ride as a corporate gift, giveaway or just for yourself, call Air to Air Africa on +27 84 602 3491 or email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za. All flights need to be booked in advance. Book early to avoid disappointment.

With outdoor advertising everywhere we look, there is a lot of competition to get noticed. Billboards, street pole ads, flyers etc are everywhere we go. Eventually people stop paying attention to information around them.

Your company moving upwards

What better way to gain exposure and make a statement than to advertise your company on the outside of a hot air balloon basket? Corporate flights will certainly assist with your message being remembered above all those on ground level. Sending your company up into the air on a hot air balloon is an alternative approach to corporate promotion. Corporate flights are also a great way to attract attention to your company and brand.

Whether it’s a corporate gift you are after or an idea for a corporate giveaway, hot air balloons are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Visit www.airtoairafrica.co.za for more information.

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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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The first time man defied the laws of gravity in a hot air balloon was in 1783. From this time on it has been one of the adventure activities on many peoples must do list. This simple form of flight has not changed much in all this time. Air to Air fly 3 commercial balloons. The traditional wicker baskets can carry 8 , 12 and 16 passengers. These baskets are weight related depending on the cubic capacity of their envelopes and for this reason booking well in advance is essential.

Balloons require stable air conditions and for this reason flights take place at sunrise. Passengers meet for tea and coffee 30 minutes before take off. Most of the flights take place from a private golf estate on the Crocodile River in the Kromdraai Conservancy also known as the Cradle of Humankind, approximately 35km from Jo’burg. As all the balloons are on trailers these can be moved to a destination of your choice for larger groups.

You don’t need to be physically fit to stand for an hour while you float along at tree top height and you may get to pick a leaf from the top of a tree, or speak to passers by who have stop to take a picture of you as you drift along in relative silence. That is until the pilot burns to maintain heat in the envelope and keep the balloon in flight. Tranquil and calming are the word that most describe the experience.

Balloons move with the wind and therefore where you land no one knows. Not even the Pilot can tell you prior to flight. Each flight is different and the ground crews job is to find the balloon on landing. As tradition dictates the landing is celebrated with a glass of Champagne and /or orange juice. You are then whisked away in the retrieval vehicle and taken for a well deserved breakfast. Air to Air Africa will then present you with a certificate to remember the day you defied the law of gravity.

Flights take place daily throughout the year, and is a wonderful gift to receive or a romantic way to celebrate­ that special event, be it a birthday, engagement and anniversary. For a corporate function or team building experience or even to launch a new product. Air to Air Africa can place your companies banner around the balloons.

For more information email fly@airtoairafrica.co.za or call +27804 602 3491

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