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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