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. Our September Special is R3,825 per person, bookable on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September. 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 our September Special from R3,825 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September) 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.

Can you fly hot air balloons in Cape Town in winter?

Yes. Flights operate year round. Winter brings more cold fronts and therefore more cancellations, but the still mornings between fronts are among the most dramatic of the year.

What time does a Cape Town balloon flight start?

Flights launch at sunrise, so meeting times range from about 4:30 AM in midsummer to about 6:30 AM in midwinter at Klein Joostenberg near Stellenbosch.

How likely is my flight to be cancelled for weather?

Cancellations depend on the season. Autumn and early spring have the highest success rates, while winter cold fronts cause the most cancellations. Weather cancellations are rescheduled free of charge.

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

When is the best time to go hot air ballooning in Cape Town? A month-by-month guide to Winelands weather, flight success rates, sunrise times and what to expect each season.

The best time of year for a hot air balloon ride in Cape Town is late summer through autumn (February to May) and early spring (September to October). These months bring the calmest sunrise winds and the highest chance that your flight goes ahead.

Hot air balloon at sunrise above the Boland mountains in the Cape Winelands — Calm, stable air at sunrise is what makes a flight possible.

Season by Season in the Cape Winelands

Summer: December to February

Long, warm mornings and green vineyards make summer beautiful, but the Cape's famous south-easter can pick up quickly. Sunrise is early — you'll be meeting in the dark around 4:30 AM. When summer mornings are calm, they're spectacular, with the Boland peaks glowing gold. Book with a flexible day or two in your itinerary.

Autumn: March to May

Many pilots' favourite season. The south-easter fades, mornings turn crisp and still, and the vineyards turn copper and gold before the harvest is done. Sunrise moves to a more civilised hour, and flight success rates are among the best of the year.

Winter: June to August

Cape winters bring cold fronts and rain, which means more cancellations — but the gaps between fronts can deliver perfectly still, glassy mornings with snow on the distant peaks and mist lying in the valleys. Winter flights are dramatic when they happen; build flexibility into your plans.

Spring: September to November

Wildflowers, green vines and lengthening days. September and October often deliver excellent conditions before the summer wind pattern settles in. Spring is also when our seasonal specials tend to run, making it the best-value window of the year.

Autumn vineyards seen from a hot air balloon near Stellenbosch, South Africa — Autumn colour across the Stellenbosch vineyards, seen from the basket.

Tips to Maximise Your Chances of Flying

Plan your dates well

Book early in your trip. If the weather cancels, you still have days left to reschedule.
Avoid your last morning. The one date you can't move is the worst date to book.
Midweek is quieter. Fewer guests in the basket and easier rescheduling.

Trust the weather call

We check the forecast the evening before and again at around 3:30 AM. If it's marginal, we don't fly — and you reschedule free of charge.

What Time Will I Fly?

Meeting and sunrise times

All flights are at sunrise, because that's when the air is coolest and most stable. Expect a meeting time roughly an hour before sunrise at Klein Joostenberg — around 4:30 AM in midsummer and closer to 6:30 AM in midwinter.

How long the morning takes

About an hour in the air, and 2–3 hours in total from meeting to farewell. You will be back in Cape Town well before lunch.