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| Activities: Western Cape: Karoo |
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Experience the unique sensation of Hot Air Ballooning in the Klein Karoo. Drifting on a gentle breeze, you will enjoy a sense of peace and tranquillity whilst soaking in the panoramic view of Oudtshoorn and the majestic Swartberg Mountain range – memories that will stay with you forever!
| Family / Children Activities: |
Children between 8-12 years are welcome to fly at reduced rates but must be taller than 1,2 meters, in order to see over the edge of the basket. Children under the age of 12 must be in the company of their parents or guardian.
Balloon flights are enjoyable by all. It requires no special effort or training other than rising a little earlier than usual for some, in order to meet in the early morning at the launch site. Then whilst you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, we prepare the Balloon for the flight!
Shortly before sunrise and the pre-flight briefing, you will join the pilot in the basket for take-off. Your adventure begins when we gently rise and float away in the crisp morning breeze! After landing the retrieve crew will meet us and whisk you off to a sumptuous breakfast.
Hot air balloon flights are best enjoyed during the early hours of the morning, around sunrise, so late autumn, summer and early spring (September to February) launch times are normally at 5:15am and 6:30am for the rest of the year. Passengers should arrive 15 minutes prior to take-off. Passengers should allow around three hours in total for the entire experience of arrival, briefing, launching, flying, retrieval, champagne and then breakfast.
We operate from Langenhoven Gymnasium School on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. This location is within a comfortable walking distance from the town centre and quite convenient for those without transport. We also have a base in Gauteng from where we offer flights in Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Magaliesberg Valley and Cullinan. Flights can also be arranged anywhere to suit specific needs.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but preferably casual clothing like jeans or slacks and flat sturdy shoes for landing. Avoid woollen socks as annoying plants and seeds tend to stick to them, and don't wear nylon. Thin layers of clothing in natural fibres are preferable to bulky items such as a Parka. Something warm for the early morning chill is advisable.
Please leave bulky handbags or grips locked in your car and remember to bring your camera and binoculars! We recommend a cap or floppy hat to shield your head from the heat of the burners.
Can the "inexperienced" do this?
Most definitely! Ballooning is a "gentle adventure" suitable for anyone. You do however need to inform us if you have a physical condition which may require special care. Please note that we do not normally allow ladies to fly if they are pregnant.
Am I too old or to young?
If you feel adventurous enough to want to fly in a balloon, then you are not too old or to young to do so - providing you can stand during the flight, are able to jump from a height of 60cm and can see over the edge of the basket. We will be more than happy to fly you if you are of average fitness and mobility.
I suffer from a height phobia?
Suspended beneath the balloon in a wicker basket is totally different from standing on a cliff or roof of tall buildings. You normally feel no wind in a balloon, and in between the firing of the burner, peace and tranquillity combine to give the impression that you are not moving at all. From experience, even the most nervous person soon relaxes and thoroughly enjoys the flight.
Our fleet:
At present our fleet consists of two Balloons. For groups between four and eight passengers we use our 180,000 cubic feet capacity balloon. Our smaller version [70,000 cubic feet capacity] is mainly used for training purposes. |
- Our standard price is R1760.00 per person.
- A minimum of two passengers are required to warrant a flight. You may be joined by one or more persons if your group consists of less than four persons.
- A discount of 30% will be allowed for two children in a group, if under 12 years old.
- At a small charge of R100 per grown-up and R50 per child, family or friends may join the retrieval vehicle in following the flight to the pickup spot, then return to the launching site and enjoy breakfast with the passengers.
- 50% of the fee is payable in advance to secure your booking.
Cancellations:
- Flights cancelled due to inclement weather conditions may be transferred to an alternative venue or to another day at no additional cost. Passengers preferring to cancel will be refunded, less a small charge to cover expenses.
- With safety being our primary consideration at all times, weather conditions are monitored up to the morning of the flight, and a final decision whether to fly or not will be made by the pilot from the launching site. You will be informed of cancellations by phone, prior to your departure to the site whenever possible.
- Flights cancelled by passengers or agents will result in the forfeiture of the initial deposit.
- Confirmation of the booking by payment of the required deposit, confirms your agreement to these terms and conditions.
The flight package includes:
- Hot beverages arrival at the launching site.
- A fantastic 45-60 minute cross country flight depending on the location of a suitable landing spot.
- Passengers may enjoy champagne after the flight.
- Passengers will receive a personalised, attractive certificate as a reminder of the flight.
Requirements for an enjoyable flight:
- The payment of half the flight fee in advance.
- The passengers’ names, weight, ID or passport number.
- A contact phone number (preferably cellular) for inclement weather notification.
- Details of special or preferred beverage and breakfast requirements.
- Details of requirements for special occasions.
Flights for groups of eight or more passengers can be arranged in other areas providing that the area is suitable for hot air ballooning. A price adjustment will be applied to cater for our additional expenses to travel and stay-over if necessary.
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