What time do the hot air balloon flights depart?

All flights depart at sunrise. The entire experience lasts approximately 2-3 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the balloon flight?

Klein Joostenberg Parking Lot in the Cape Winelands, near Stellenbosch.

Is hot air ballooning safe?

Our pilot is SACAA certified with countless flight hours. Balloons are regularly inspected.

What is included in the balloon flight experience?

Pre-flight coffee/tea, a scenic balloon flight and sparkling wine. Breakfast and meals are not included, except on our Exclusive Flight Experience which includes a full meal at the local bistro.

How many passengers fly in each balloon?

Up to 8 passengers per flight for a comfortable and intimate experience.

Can children go on a hot air balloon ride?

Children 10+ or at least 1.2m tall are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for the balloon flight?

Warm layers, closed flat shoes, hat and sunglasses recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We will contact you to reschedule. Safety is our priority.

How much does a hot air balloon flight cost in Cape Town?

Weekday flights are R4,050 per person and our Sunrise Package is R4,500 per person. Both include the scenic flight and sparkling wine.

How do I pay for my balloon flight?

Sunrise flights are secured with a non-refundable R250 per ticket admin fee via EFT or SnapScan, with the balance paid on site by card machine on the day. Gift vouchers are paid in full.

How much does a hot air balloon flight cost in South Africa?

Hot air balloon flights in South Africa range from R3,000 to R5,000 per person. Cape Town Ballooning offers gift vouchers from R4,050 and sunrise flights from R4,500 per person, including sparkling wine.

Is hot air ballooning in Cape Town a good gift idea?

Yes! A balloon ride over the Cape Winelands is one of the most popular gift experiences in Cape Town, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and bucket-list adventures.

What is the best time of year for balloon flights in Cape Town?

Flights operate year-round. Autumn and winter (April to August) offer the most consistent flying conditions, though summer flights are also spectacular.

Can I book a private hot air balloon flight?

Yes, we offer private balloon charter flights for proposals, corporate events, and celebrations. Contact us to arrange a private experience.

How do I get to the balloon flight launch site?

Our meeting point is Klein Joostenberg Parking Lot on the R304 Stellenbosch Road, about 25 minutes from Cape Town CBD and 15 minutes from Stellenbosch.

What is the best month for a hot air balloon ride in Cape Town?

November through March offers the most reliable flying weather, with the highest number of calm, clear sunrise mornings over the Cape Winelands.

Can you balloon in Cape Town in winter?

Yes. Winter mornings can be beautifully still between cold fronts, but cancellations due to rain and wind are more common, so allow flexible dates.

What time do Cape Town balloon flights take off?

Flights launch at sunrise, when the air is coolest and calmest. The whole experience takes 2 to 3 hours, with roughly one hour in the air.

The Best Time of Year for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cape Town

Month-by-month guide to ballooning season in Cape Town and the Winelands — when the weather flies most reliably, what mornings feel like, and how to plan around wind and rain.

The best time of year for a hot air balloon ride in Cape Town is late spring to early autumn — roughly November to March — when sunrise mornings over the Winelands are most often calm and clear. Flights run year round, but winter brings more weather cancellations, so book flexible dates.

Hot air balloon over Cape Winelands vineyards on a still summer morning — Summer sunrises give us the calmest air of the year.

Why the Season Matters

Balloons fly on calm air, not warm air

We launch at sunrise because that is when the wind is at its lightest. A season is "good" for ballooning when it delivers the most windless, rain-free dawns — not when it is hottest.

The Cape's two weather personalities

Summer is dry with the south-easter arriving later in the day, which often leaves the early morning perfectly still. Winter brings cold fronts that sweep through with rain and stronger wind, then clear into gorgeous, crisp mornings in between.

Month by Month

November to March — peak season

The highest success rate of the year. Mornings are mild, skies are usually clear, and the vineyards below are green and full. This is also the busiest period, so book well ahead, especially around December and January.

April, May, September and October — shoulder season

Quieter, cooler and often stunning. Autumn brings colour to the vines and spring brings wildflowers and snow-dusted peaks in the distance. Weather is a little less predictable, but good mornings are common.

June to August — winter

We still fly whenever conditions allow, and a still winter dawn with mist in the valleys is unforgettable. Expect a higher chance of postponement, and give yourself several possible dates.

Planning Around the Weather

Book early in your trip

If you are visiting Cape Town, schedule your flight for one of your first mornings. That leaves room to reschedule if the weather turns.

Rescheduling is free

If we cancel for weather, you move to another available date at no charge. Safety decides, never the calendar.

What to wear in each season

Layers all year. Summer dawns are cooler than the day that follows, and winter mornings call for a warm jacket, long trousers and closed shoes for landing in a field.

How Long You Need

Allow 2 to 3 hours from meeting point to return, with approximately one hour of actual flight time. You will be back with the rest of your day free.