Elope - Game Reserve Safari Tours

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot Air Balloon Safaris and Weddings in Africa - Experience Nature Walk in the Sky Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? To follow wild geese in flight across the sunrise? To soar hundreds of feet in the air, floating serenely above the most beautiful places on earth, in a quiet that allows you to hear the sounds of nature below. Exciting hot air balloon safaris in South Africa, Dubai and Kenya including the Masai Mara, Sabi Sands and Hartebeespoort Dam. It is one of the finest wildlife experiences. As you float silently above you see far more than is possible from the ground Incredible scenery is brought to you in way that cannot be surpassed. Treasures hidden away are revealed, treasured places that cannot be accessed from the ground. Treasured places around the world. Treasures of the rainforest. Treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun. Everywhere, the timelessness creative atmosphere of constant change and magical light

Imagine a wedding ceremony in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania proceeded by a romantic hot air balloon safari reception and champagne breakfast! Couples can have a ceremony in South Africa, Kenya followed by a trip upsky overlooking wildlife and game! In South Africa hot air balloon locations and destinations include Sabi Sands, Hartebeespoort, Sun City and Kwa Zulu Natal. For our couples planning a wedding in Dubai or honeymoon in Dubai check out our new site where we can arrange a desert hot air balloon experience!

How long is the flight? Depending on weather conditions: most flights are about one hour, Large groups requiring two flights are about 40-45 minutes Do we need to book beforehand? Yes. Balloons are limited to the amount of passengers and, more importantly, the weight they can carry. For this reason it is very important that you book well in advance, so as not to be disappointed. Please go to our Terms & Conditions before booking. Can anyone fly in a balloon? All passengers must be capable of standing for the duration of the flight, and able to enter and exit the basket unassisted. A parent or guardian must accompany children under to age of 16. Passengers with health considerations accept the responsibility to consult a doctor before embarking on a balloon flight. If there are any questions regarding physical suitability, or health limitations, please discuss these with us before booking. We will do all that we can to accommodate prospective passengers, however we reserve the right to refuse anyone who in our opinion would be a safety liability to themselves or others. We consider it unsafe to fly when pregnant.

How do you know how many passengers a balloon can take? Balloons are rated by cubic capacity of their envelopes. The cubic capacity of the envelope determines the size of the basket it may be attached to. The balloons we fly can carry 6 - 12 plus a pilot. What do we need to wear & what to bring? Clothing should be layered, (keeping in mind the early morning chill of dawn, the warmth of a flight, and the sunshine on landing). Walking shoes are a must as you will be landing in fields and climbing into baskets. Hats or caps are recommended. A camera and film to remember this event. Binoculars and even a Cell phone to call a friend or family!

What are balloons made of? The envelope is constructed of anti-porous treated rip-stop nylon, with load bearing webbing tapes, This structure is attached to the burner frame by 24 stainless steel wires using eight 3000kg-rated carabineers. The burner frame is permanently attached to the basket by eight wires that pass through and under the wicker, creating a fully supportive cradle right under the basket. The basket holds three propane burners, fed by four 30kg propane tanks (120kg) that are controlled by overhead press handles (or “toggle taps”) which release the gas into the burner-heads where it is ignited by a pilot-light.

Where do you launch from? We are willing to launch anywhere in South Africa, if at all suitable. Other destinations include Dubai, Kenya. Please phone or e-mail for quotations, How is the balloon inflated? The balloon envelope is spread out on the ground and attached to the basket and burner frame. Initially, cold-inflation is done using petrol-driven fans to pump cold air into the envelope for about 20 minutes. Once the envelope's mouth is large enough, the burners can be used to heat the air inside the envelope. Continued heating causes the envelope to rise above the basket and bring it upright.

How do you steer a balloon? Balloons cannot be steered! However ascending or descending into differing air currents at different altitudes achieves limited directional control. By controlling the temperature inside the balloon the pilot can make the balloon rise or descend. As the air in the envelope cools a sink rate will set in, unless one burns gas (which is noisy and breaks the silence with a roar, but is essential to maintain lift). What is the highest a balloon may fly? The wind currents govern a flight on any given day, so a balloon can fly at treetop level or climb several thousand feet high. The Maximum the authorities allow is 6500ft. Generally, balloonists like to fly at lower levels as more can be seen.