Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley
Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 39 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $358
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley worth booking?

Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley is a 5-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $358 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 39 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (39)
Duration
5 hours
From
$358 per person

This tour offers guests a unique Hot Air Balloon experience in Johannesburg with Bill Harrops "Original" Balloon Safaris Tour hailed as Southern Africa's best value, best quality tour operator since 1981. We offer safe reliable transportation and an all inclusive tour, including pick-up and drop-off service.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour offers guests a unique Hot Air Balloon experience in Johannesburg with Bill Harrops "Original" Balloon Safaris Tour hailed as Southern Africa's best value, best quality tour operator since 1981. We offer safe reliable transportation and an all inclusive tour, including pick-up and drop-off service.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Breakfast
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Hot Air Balloon Flight tickets (shared with other passengers)

    Not included

    • Items of a personal nature
    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sandton

      You will be collected from the ‘My Sandton Stop’ station at the corner of 5th Street and Maude Street, Sandton. Collection time is strictly 4am.

      15 minutes here

    2. Hartbeespoort

      You will be transported via luxury SUV to the Bill Harrops Hot Air Balloon Launch site in Hartbeespoort. Dependent on traffic conditions the transfer will take approximately 1 hour.

      75 minutes here

    3. On arrival, you will receive your flight ticket and enjoy a hot beverage and freshly baked mini muffin. You can take photos while you watch the hot air balloons inflating with the sunrise. You will experience an approximately 1-hour flight along the Magalies River Valley. After the flight, you will be transported back to the launch site where you will enjoy a sparkling wine breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion. Please note that the “tour guide” will only drop off the guests and collect the guests – the “tour guide” is not involved in the flight, nor briefings.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Sandton

      After your Hot Air Balloon trip, dependent on traffic conditions, you will be transported (approximately 45 mins) back to the original pick-up point in Sandton.

      75 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Public Holidays 2026

      Hot Air Balloon tour Pickup included

    • Half-Day Private Johannesburg Bill Harrops Hot Air Balloon Safari

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    The Tour ist

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please note, that pregnant passengers will not be allowed to participate in the hot air ballooning (for safety precautions). Fitness: Participants must be nimble enough to climb in and out of the 1350mm high basket without assistance from anyone else, be able to jump unassisted from a height of 60cm and stand for the duration of the flight; approx. one hour unless stated otherwise.

    Photos

    Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 2Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 3Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 4Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 5Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 6Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    39 verified traveler reviews for Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    39
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    317tisam · October 2026

    Wonderful flight!

    Excellent experience. Crew and pilot were wonderful and helpful. We were blown over the mountain so our flight was extended but they adapted and made everything comfortable and safe. We enjoyed it very much! Breakfast was the icing on the cake!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review and we hope to see you again for your next trip

    via Tripadvisor

    joleneatterbury · October 2026

    Booking with Stuart from The Tourist

    I booked with “ the Tourist” and what a lovely positive experience. Our pick up was on time and the drive pleasurable. The hot air balloon flight was memorable and Flip was a treat. Breakfast was a bonus. Thank you to Stuart from The Tourist that kept my secret for my hubby so well. I recommend them extremely high for professional and hands on service.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Jo, appreciate the kind review.

    via Tripadvisor

    E3328GZjillc · August 2026

    A wonderful experience from start to finish

    From start to finish this experience was great. Communication with Stuart was fantastic, letting me know details via WhatsApp and arranging a clear pick up time and location from hotel. He attentive to all our needs and explained what we’d expect when we arrived. Stuart was kind enough to take loads of pictures and videos of us and create a fab short film as a keepsake from our experience. The balloon flight itself was stunning, we felt in safe hands from the beginning and the pilot was good fun. There were warm drinks of arrival, champagne after the hour long flight and a great cooked breakfast when we got back. We got a certificate after breakfast too! Highly recommend this trip!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind review hope to see you again on your next trip to beautiful South Africa.

    via Tripadvisor

    Navigate07796440895 · August 2026

    Surreal experience

    This is a must book experience if you're ever visiting Johannesburg. The whole experience from pick-up, to the hot air balloon ride, to drop off was excellent. Everyone was courteous and accommodating. The breakfast buffet was a nice addition after the 1 hour balloon ride.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review, we look forward to hosting you again on the next one

    via Tripadvisor

    BackPacker819539 · August 2026

    Awesome Hot Air Balloon experience

    10/10 Experience, definitely a bucket list item awesome host

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much appreciate the kind review, hope to see you soon

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $358 to $5,880
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by The Tour ist, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.1.

    See everything The Tour ist runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.

    How much does Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley cost?

    +

    Prices start at $358 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Johannesburg is not rushed.

    Is Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 39 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

    +

    Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Johannesburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Johannesburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Johannesburg?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

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    Included: Private transportation; Breakfast; Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Hot Air Balloon Flight tickets (shared with other passengers). Not included: Items of a personal nature; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Johannesburg. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Please note, that pregnant passengers will not be allowed to participate in the hot air ba. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

    +

    Across 39 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    What booking options are available for Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Public Holidays 2026, Half-Day Private Johannesburg Bill Harrops Hot Air Balloon Safari. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight along Magalies Valley.

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