{"id":43047,"date":"2026-10-13T10:52:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T08:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=43047"},"modified":"2026-10-13T10:52:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T08:52:21","slug":"bill-harrops-balloon-safari-gauteng","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bill-harrops-balloon-safari-gauteng\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill Harrop\u2019s Celebrates 45 Years With Private Sunrise Balloon Safari for Four Near Gauteng"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bill Harrop\u2019s \u201cOriginal\u201d Balloon Safaris has introduced a private hot air balloon experience for four passengers as the company celebrates its <strong>45th anniversary in October 2026<\/strong>. The new offering, called The Private Four, costs R21,995 and operates on selected weekdays during October and November in the Magalies River Valley near Hartbeespoort Dam. Located approximately one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the experience gives families, friends and visiting guests an opportunity to share a private sunrise flight, with refreshments and breakfast included.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-325261333\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch adds a limited private booking option to the company&#8217;s ballooning activities, with passengers receiving exclusive use of a balloon and a dedicated pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the package comes with specific conditions. Reservations, full payment and the flight itself must all take place during October or November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/restaurant-week-2026\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Restaurant Week 2026: Where To Eat In Johannesburg And Pretoria<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Private Sunrise Experience Over The Magalies River Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Private Four takes passengers into the skies above the Magalies River Valley, an area near Hartbeespoort Dam that forms part of the wider tourism region surrounding Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience begins before sunrise, when passengers arrive for preparations ahead of their scheduled flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Bill Harrop\u2019s \u201cOriginal\u201d Balloon Safaris, guests can watch the balloon being inflated before boarding for their journey above the surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The flight lasts approximately one hour, giving passengers time to view the landscape from the air as the morning begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What distinguishes The Private Four from the company&#8217;s shared ballooning experiences is the arrangement itself. The balloon is reserved exclusively for one group of four, accompanied by a dedicated pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company says the offering is intended for families, groups of friends, two couples or visitors looking to experience the region together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What The R21,995 Private Balloon Safari Includes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Private Four is priced at<strong> R21,995 for exactly four passengers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For groups sharing the cost equally, this amounts to<strong> R5,498.75 per person<\/strong>, although the experience is sold as a single private booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The price covers more than the flight itself. According to the operator, the experience includes refreshments before departure, approximately one hour in the air, and a traditional sparkling wine celebration after landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guests are also served breakfast at the company&#8217;s Clubhouse Pavilion following the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The combination of a private balloon and the accompanying activities means passengers are booking a complete morning experience rather than an individual balloon ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company has not provided separate rates for smaller groups or additional passengers under The Private Four package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4122260766\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why The Magalies River Valley Is Part Of The Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The flights operate from the company&#8217;s private launch site in Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam in North West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the location falls outside Gauteng&#8217;s provincial boundaries, it is approximately one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, according to the operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surrounding Magalies River Valley provides the setting for the sunrise flights, with passengers viewing the countryside from above rather than exploring it from the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng residents, the location places the activity within reach of the province&#8217;s major urban centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company has also identified visiting friends, family members and international guests as potential passengers, particularly those staying in Johannesburg or Sandton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience requires an early start, with passengers travelling to the launch site ahead of the sunrise departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Celebrating 45 Years Of Ballooning In Southern Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The introduction of The Private Four coincides with a milestone for<a href=\"https:\/\/balloon.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Bill Harrop\u2019s \u201cOriginal\u201d Balloon Safaris.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded by Bill and Mary Harrop in 1981, the company marks 45 years of operations in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The business describes itself as Southern Africa&#8217;s longest established licensed hot air balloon airline and operates from the Magalies River Valley near Hartbeespoort Dam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the years, the company has provided ballooning experiences for local and international visitors travelling to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its latest offering focuses on a smaller, private group arrangement, allowing four passengers to share the balloon without other paying guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The anniversary also provides context for the limited availability of the package, which the company has introduced specifically for October and November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-150x187.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-450x562.png 450w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2-767x959.png 767w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Private-Four_-Sunrise-Balloon-Escape-2.png 1122w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4122260766\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">October And November Flights Come With Booking Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Private Four is available on selected dates from Monday to Thursday during October and November 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The advertised arrangement does not include Friday, Saturday or Sunday flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advance reservations are required, and all bookings are subject to operational availability and suitable weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operator has also confirmed that the offer is available through direct bookings only and cannot be booked through travel agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, passengers must complete the reservation, make full payment and undertake the flight during the two advertised months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means the package cannot simply be purchased in November for a flight scheduled later in the year or during 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because hot air ballooning depends on suitable flying conditions, passengers should also confirm the operator&#8217;s arrangements for weather related changes before paying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied booking information does not specify the refund or rescheduling terms that would apply if a scheduled flight cannot proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Private Four introduces another tourism experience for Gauteng residents considering activities beyond Johannesburg and Pretoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its proximity to the province makes it relevant to families planning a shared outing, couples travelling together and residents hosting visitors from elsewhere in South Africa or abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fixed price also gives groups a clear indication of the cost before booking, while the private arrangement means the four passengers travel together in one balloon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the weekday availability may require planning for those with work or school commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents should also account for travel to Skeerpoort in North West, as the experience does not depart from Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The limited booking period is another consideration, particularly for anyone hoping to arrange the experience around a birthday, anniversary or family visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4122260766\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does The Private Four Balloon Safari Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience costs R21,995 for exactly four passengers. Shared equally, the price works out to R5,498.75 per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Does The Private Balloon Safari Take Place?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flights operate in the Magalies River Valley near Hartbeespoort Dam, from the company&#8217;s launch site in Skeerpoort, North West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Included In The Experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The package includes a private balloon, dedicated pilot, refreshments before departure, approximately one hour of ballooning, a sparkling wine celebration and breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Is The Private Four Available?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The package is available on selected Mondays to Thursdays during October and November 2026, subject to availability and suitable weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Plan A Private Balloon Safari Before November Ends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents interested in The Private Four can make enquiries directly with Bill Harrop\u2019s \u201cOriginal\u201d Balloon Safaris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operator can be contacted on <strong>083 457 3402<\/strong>, while further booking information is available through its <a href=\"https:\/\/balloon.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passengers should confirm their preferred date, arrival time, payment requirements and applicable booking conditions before finalising their reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Private Four remains a limited offering for October and November 2026, with the company requiring all bookings, payments and flights to be completed within that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bill Harrop\u2019s \u201cOriginal\u201d Balloon Safaris has introduced a private hot air balloon experience for four passengers as the company celebrates its 45th anniversary in October 2026. The new offering, called The Private Four, costs R21,995 and operates on selected weekdays during October and November in the Magalies River Valley near Hartbeespoort Dam. Located approximately one<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":43052,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"bill harrop,hot air balloon,balloon safari","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[11891,1753,101],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-43047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-visit-gauteng","tag-balloon-safari","tag-safari","tag-visit-gauteng"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng - producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43047"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43053,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43047\/revisions\/43053"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43047"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=43047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}