Hot Air Ballooning Over South Africa
I have a terrible cold, my second in a month. (How is this even possible?) The last thing I felt like doing this morning was waking up at 4:30 a.m. and driving more than an hour through the cold winter darkness.
I did that anyway though, because one can’t pass up a chance to go hot air ballooning through the Magaliesberg Mountains at sunrise.
This week the South African National Hot Air Balloon Championships are happening at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris in Skeerpoort, near Magaliesburg. I was invited as part of a media contingent to photograph part of the competition – from the vantage point of our own media balloon.
I took a Bill Harrop’s balloon safari once before and blogged about it. I won’t repeat myself now, other than to reiterate that taking a balloon ride over the Magaliesberg is one of the coolest tourism experiences in this area. It’s worth the price – around R2000-R2500, or $150-$185, depending on the package.
Anyway, today I just want to show you this morning’s pictures.
Up in the Air at Bill Harrop’s
Almost ready to fly.
Thanks so much to Bill Harrop and his team for the fun morning. Learn more about the Balloon and Airship Federation of South Africa (BAFSA) and the SA National Hot Air Balloon Championships here.
AH, so the competition is to show markers, demonstrating an ability to pilot accurately. I was wondering how balloonist could compete. Do they win anything?
I think the only prize is glory :)
Bragging rights!
Apart from bragging rights the winner will represent South Africa at the World Hot Air Ballooning Championships in 2020. The world champs is held every 2 years, so the 2018 and 2019 winner will represent SA in 2020!
Oh cool!
I wish I had the guts to do this but I do like my feet firmly on Mother Earth. Wonderful photo’s.
Hahaha. You’re right, it’s not for everyone I guess. I love it so much!
Ahhhh these photos! Love the colours of balloon!
Thanks :)
You have to admit: that’s a lovely way to wake up in the morning!!
It was! But I did have to wake up two hours earlier and brave a long drive on very dark and dangerous roads. The best way to do this is to stay overnight somewhere nearby :)
I would have loved it. Sorry to have missed it although 4:30 AM doesn’t appeal to me either.
Yeah, maybe we can do it together another time in summer :)
Oh but actually in summer you have to wake up even earlier because the sun rises earlier.
Consider VitaminD3 2000iu two or three times a week. I think our exposure to sunlight can be erratic even in South Africa. (i have not had a cold for over a year now - touch wood). Lovely photos. Amazed at how expensive SA has become.
Thank you for the tip. At this point I’ll try anything.
Fab photos! I can feel the cold morning winter air. I bet it gave you a great start to the day.