Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Pilanesberg National Park

Organized by
5 hrs
Occasionally sporty
From 7 years-old and up
Instant confirmation
New
From€297

Take to the skies for almost an hour in a hot-air balloon in the Pilanesberg National Park and watch the local South African wildlife flourish!

A small national park (550 km²), the Pilanesberg National Park is teeming with wild animals enjoying an unspoilt area within an ancient volcanic crater offering an exceptional environment. Wildebeest, zebra, impala, giraffe, lion, elephant and many other species thrive in the heart of this natural area, particularly near its largest waterhole, Mankwe Dam. And to admire all these animals without disturbing them, with the bonus of breathtaking views of the surrounding area, what could be better than a hot-air balloon flight over the Pilanesberg National Park?

This incredible hot-air balloon safari experience in the Pilanesberg National Park begins with a drive through the park in an open safari vehicle from the Bakubung Gate, after you have been collected from the Sun City Resort or one of the lodges around the park. You will be taken to the balloon launch point in the centre of the park, where large gondolas (8 to 12 passengers) await you. Once on board, you will take off for a 1-hour hot air balloon flight over the Pilanesberg National Park, an unforgettable adventure offering breathtaking panoramas! At your side, an experienced guide will share a wealth of information about the park, its history and biodiversity so that you can learn more about the region. After landing, you will be served a full English breakfast in a private lodge in the park before being transferred back to your hotel.

Just a 2-hour drive from Pretoria and 2.5 from Johannesburg, the Pilanesberg National Park is a little gem that would be a shame to miss. So, if you have the chance to visit it during your stay in South Africa, don't miss this hot-air balloon safari, which offers a superb aerial escapade!

Book your activity

From€297

Practical information

Enjoy the extraordinary experience of a hot-air balloon safari in the Pilanesberg National Park: for 45 minutes to 1 hour, you will fly over the national park while trying to spot the animals there, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, orange juice and breakfast canapes after landing.

⚠️ Please note that hot-air ballooning is a very weather-dependent activity and that it is advisable to keep 2 to 3 mornings free in case the flight has to be postponed for safety reasons.

Course of events

Please allow around 5 hours for the whole experience.

  • Pick-up in an open safari vehicle at your hotel (Sun City Resort and lodges around the Pilanesberg only) or at the Bakubung Gate in the Pilanesberg National Park
  • Approximately 1 hour's drive through the national park to the balloon launch site
  • Meeting with the team and pilots, who will give a briefing on the activity and safety instructions
  • 8 to 12 passenger per basket
  • Take off for a 45-minute to 1-hour hot-air balloon flight over the Pilanesberg National Park
  • Landing
  • Transfer to a private lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park, where a full English breakfast will be enjoyed
  • On completion of breakfast, transfer back to your hotel to end the activity
Activity requirements

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Being in good physical condition is required to take part in this activity, as you will have to climb aboard the 1.2-metre-high balloon gondola yourself and crouch down when you land.

A minimum number of 4 participants is required to run this activity.

Special terms

Once your booking has been confirmed, the reservations team will contact you with further instructions on pick-up time. The pick-up time for this activity is given as an indication and depends on the weather: it will be confirmed by the team the day before the flight, between 5.30 and 6 p.m.

⚠️ The price does not include entry to the national park or taxes:

  • Adults: R90
  • Adults Foreign Nationals: R140
  • Children (6 to 12): R40

This activity is not accessible to pregnant people or people with reduced mobility.

People who simply wish to accompany participants without taking part in the balloon flight must send their request directly to Mankwe Gametrackers at least 48 hours before the start of the activity. Kindly note there is an additional cost for accompanying.

Pets are not permitted to join in this activity.

Meeting point:
Pick-up at Sun City Resort or your lodge around Pilanesberg National Park or at the Bakubung gate of the national park
Spoken languages:English
Included
  • Guide
  • Transfer to and from your hotel (Sun City Resort and lodges in the Pilanesberg area only) or to the Bakubung Gate
  • Full English breakfast
  • Flight certificate
Excluded
  • National park entrance fees and taxes
Do not forget to bring
  • Closed-toe comfortable walking shoes
  • Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing suited to the weather
  • Jacket/Vest
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • In winter (May-Aug) beanies, scarf and gloves are also recommended

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