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.

A Perfect Cape Winelands Day Trip: Sunrise Balloon Flight to Sunset

A full Cape Winelands day trip itinerary from Cape Town — sunrise hot air balloon flight, breakfast, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine tasting, lunch spots and the drive home.

The perfect Cape Winelands day trip starts with a sunrise hot air balloon flight at Klein Joostenberg, followed by breakfast nearby, two Stellenbosch wine tastings, lunch in Franschhoek, and a scenic drive home over Helshoogte Pass.

Sunrise hot air balloon flight over Stellenbosch vineyards on a Cape Winelands day trip — The balloon is the only fixed point in the day — it only flies at dawn.

The Morning: Balloon Flight at Dawn

04:30 — Depart Cape Town

Set the alarm early. The drive from the City Bowl or Camps Bay to Klein Joostenberg takes roughly 35–45 minutes on empty roads. Arrange a driver or leave extra time; you cannot be late for a balloon launch.

05:15 — Meet at Klein Joostenberg

Meet the crew in the parking lot, watch the balloon inflate in the dark — a genuinely spectacular process — and get your safety briefing from the pilot.

06:00 — Approximately one hour in the air

Lift off as the sun clears the Boland mountains. You'll drift silently over vineyards, farm dams and orchards with the Cape Fold ranges on one side and Table Mountain in the far distance. The whole experience runs 2–3 hours, including a celebratory toast after landing.

Midday: Breakfast and Stellenbosch

09:00 — Breakfast in the Winelands

Breakfast isn't included with our sunrise flights, which leaves you free to choose. There are excellent farm-style breakfast spots minutes from the launch site — a slow coffee after a balloon flight is one of life's better mornings.

10:30 — Stellenbosch wine tasting

Stellenbosch is a 20-minute drive away and is the heart of South African wine. Aim for two estates before lunch rather than four — tastings are more enjoyable unhurried. Look for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc, the region's signatures.

Cape Winelands vineyards and mountains viewed from a hot air balloon at dawn — Seeing the estates from above first changes how the tastings feel.

Afternoon: Franschhoek and the Drive Home

13:00 — Lunch in the Franschhoek valley

Head over to Franschhoek for lunch. The valley is compact, walkable in the village centre, and packed with restaurants that range from relaxed farm kitchens to fine dining.

15:30 — One last estate, then home

Fit in a final tasting or a cellar tour, then take the scenic route back towards Cape Town via Helshoogte Pass for the views. You'll be back in the city in time for a sunset drink at the V&A Waterfront.

Planning Notes

Booking order

Book the balloon first. Everything else in this itinerary is flexible; the flight is not.
Allow a spare morning. If weather cancels, you can reschedule free of charge.

On the day

Arrange transport. Wine tasting and driving don't mix — use a driver or a Winelands tour service.
Dress in layers. Freezing at 05:00, warm by 11:00.