Hot air ballooning in KZN
14 Sep 2024. Ballooning is fairly safe (I've survived all my flights) but we'd be lying if we said mishaps never happen. Well done to the pilot on getting everybody down safely in Camperdown, KZN, after clipping a tree. The pax were told to crouch and hold onto the handles at the bottom of the basket; a standard procedure in these circumstances.
Video: A hot air balloon crash near Camperdown Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The pilot managed a controlled landing in a field after clipping a tree. No injuries reported. #SouthAfrica #HotAirBalloon #Camperdown pic.twitter.com/0c4sHV0YXq
— Republic (@republic) September 14, 2024
Hot air ballooning is possible from a number of locations in proximity to the berg (KwaZulu-Natal):
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Tala private game reserve near Camperdown (Off the Tala Valley road; 45m drive from Durban)
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Champagne Valley (Berg Air Lifestyle Centre/ El Mirador airfield by Drakensberg Brewery)
Not available at present:
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Engeleni lodge near Kamberg and Nottingham road
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Antbear lodge near Giants castle
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Sandford park lodge Bergville
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Amphitheater backpackers lodge northern berg.
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Winterton country club in Winterton
Flight details
Drakensberg ballooning requires take-off about 1/2 an hour after sunrise due to the air being more stabile and temperatures lower at that time of the day (the estimated time of take off will be confirmed clos to the flight date).
Before the flight, you will have time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, watch and photograph the crew preparing and hot inflating the balloon. Sometimes you may be asked to help!
After briefing, and once airborne, you will experience flying at altitudes that vary from tree top height to 1500' above ground level depending on prevailing met conditions and passenger comfort. If concerned about a fear of heights; please be assured, 99% of passengers do not experience any of this discomfort in a balloon.
As you drift with the wind, you will experience little to no turbulence during the flight, and the quiet is only interrupted by occasional blasts of the burner, earthbound creatures and fellow travelers. Balloons cannot be steered in the true sense of the word, speed and heading are determined by prevailing winds so the destination is largely unknown, however by using possibly different directional winds at different altitudes, course adjustments are possible and a suitable field in which to land is found. Flying time is approximately an hour.
The crew do their best to follow the balloon during flight, find us and pack it up whilst you celebrate your achievement with a glass of champagne, making the most of the last photo opportunity.
You then return to the lodge for a full english breakfast.
Cost
Fill in the booking form above to get a quotation for ballooning in KZN. The cost is from R3600 per person.
Please note that at least 6 people are needed for a flight. Private flights are more expensive.
To secure a booking, a deposit is required, with the balance due 2 weeks before the flight. Payment should be made into the following account using your surname and flight date as your reference, and the receipt emailed to rob@southafrica.to
If your deposit is not received within 5 days, without prior arrangement for an extended period to pay, your provisional booking will be released without notice.
Bank account details
Hot Air Ballooning SA
Standard Bank Rivonia
Branch code 001255
Account no 420021868
Details per passenger
Please email the following details for each passenger to rob@southafrica.to, as soon as possible for the flight manifest:
First name and surname
ID number
Weight
Cellphone no
Details of any medical conditions (that may require your GP's permission)
General terms and conditions:
1. The cost is per person and is inclusive of VAT.
2. 25% deposit is required upon booking, the balance to be paid 2 weeks prior to the flight.
3. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to reschedule a booked date if less than 4 passengers from any source book for that particular date.
4. Should the flight be cancelled for safety reasons (e.g. weather) the flight will be re-booked or you will be refunded, at your discretion.
5. Hot Air Ballooning SA reserves the right to launch from an alternate venue if necessary.
6. Children under 10 years of age by prior arrangement and subject to adult accompaniment.
7. Passengers will be required to sign indemnity before a flight.
8. Passengers are required to declare their approximate weight and any pre-existing medical conditions upon booking.
9. Bookings will be considered as confirmed only upon receipt of payment in full.
10 Cancellations within two weeks of the date of the flight will not be eligible for refunding.
11. No shows on the day of the flight will not be refunded.
You can also go ballooning at the Cradle of Humankind or the Hartbeespoort Dam. And we are running a competition for a R500 hot air balloon voucher.