Celebrating 45 Years of Hot Air Ballooning Tourism Excellence

Supplied by Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris

For 45 years, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has remained one of South Africa’s most iconic tourism experiences, carrying thousands of guests skyward in celebration of adventure, connection, and the timeless magic of flight.

Founded in 1981 by Bill and Mary Harrop, the company pioneered commercial hot air ballooning in Southern Africa and has since become the longest-established licensed hot air balloon airline in the region. What began as a passion for aviation and exploration has grown into a proudly South African tourism legacy recognised by generations of local and international travellers alike.

From sunrise flights over the majestic Magalies River Valley to unforgettable milestone celebrations shared amongst the clouds, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has spent more than four decades delivering experiences rooted in professionalism, safety, hospitality, and tradition.

While the tourism landscape has changed dramatically over the years, the company’s philosophy has remained refreshingly unchanged: offering guests an authentic, world-class ballooning experience with personal service and old-fashioned attention to detail.

Today, guests still gather before dawn at the private launch site in Skeerpoort to enjoy the excitement of balloon inflation, the tranquillity of a sunrise flight, sparkling wine on landing, and a celebratory breakfast overlooking the Magaliesberg mountains, a tradition that has become part of countless cherished memories over the past 45 years.

As the company celebrates this significant milestone, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris looks ahead with gratitude to its loyal guests, dedicated crew, tourism partners, and the broader South African travel industry that has supported the brand throughout its journey.

Forty-five years later, the balloons still rise with the sun, continuing a proud legacy of hot air ballooning excellence in the skies above the Magalies River Valley.

For more information:
+27 83 457 3402 / +27 83 443 2661/2 | www.balloon.co.za | nadia@balloon.co.za