Cape Town Ballooning flies sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Cape Winelands from Klein Joostenberg, between Stellenbosch and Paarl. What began with one balloon and a love of flight has become one of South Africa's most requested aerial experiences.
The company grew out of a simple conviction: that the Western Cape looks better from the air at first light than from any road, viewpoint or cable car. One balloon, one pilot, one launch field.
We still keep flights intimate at a maximum of eight guests per basket, still launch from the same Winelands field, and still fly only when the morning is right.
Conrad Van Wyk is a SACAA certified commercial hot air balloon pilot with thousands of logged flight hours, the large majority of them over the Cape Winelands. He personally flies our sunrise flights, briefs every guest, and makes the weather call each morning.
Winelands mornings are shaped by the south-easter, mountain funnelling and valley mist. Years of flying the same valleys is what turns a forecast into a confident go or no-go decision.
We operate under a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, with compulsory passenger insurance, documented maintenance signed off by an approved engineer, and full operations and emergency manuals.
Balloon and burner inspection, a fresh wind and weather assessment the evening before and again at around 03:30 on flight morning, and a full passenger briefing before boarding.
The most important safety feature of any balloon operation is a pilot willing to cancel. If conditions are marginal, we reschedule free of charge rather than fly.
Pre-dawn coffee, the inflation under torchlight, approximately an hour in the air, and a sparkling wine toast after landing — two to three hours in total.
Breakfast and meals are not included with the Sunrise Package or gift vouchers. Both Exclusive packages include a full meal at the local bistro.