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.

Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Guide: Pair It With a Sunrise Balloon Flight

The ultimate Stellenbosch wine tasting guide — best estates, tasting fees, what to try, and how to combine your wine day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Winelands.

Stellenbosch has over 200 wine estates within 30 minutes of Cape Town. Plan two tastings before lunch and one after, prioritise Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cape Blends and MCC, and arrange a driver for the day.

Stellenbosch wine estates and vineyards seen from a hot air balloon at sunrise — Seeing the valley from above makes the geography of the wines obvious.

When to Visit Stellenbosch for Wine Tasting

Summer and autumn

Summer (December to March) brings long, warm days perfect for outdoor tastings, while autumn (April–May) catches the vineyards turning gold and red.

Winter

Winter (June–August) is quieter, often cheaper, and the mountains are sometimes dusted with snow — magical from the air.

Best Stellenbosch Wine Estates to Visit

Classic all-rounders

Spier Wine Farm — Family-friendly, beautiful gardens, excellent food, and reliably good wine.
Tokara — Stunning modern architecture, panoramic views from the Helshoogte Pass, and superb Chardonnay.
Jordan Wine Estate — Award-winning whites and a restaurant that's worth the trip on its own.

For serious wine drinkers

Kanonkop — Legendary for Pinotage and Cape Blend reds.
Delaire Graff Estate — Luxury wine and art experience with some of the best mountain views in the valley.
Rust en Vrede — One of South Africa's top fine-dining wineries; book ahead.

What to Expect to Pay

Tasting fees

Tasting fees range from R80 to R250 per person for a tasting of 4–6 wines. Many estates waive the fee if you buy a bottle or two.

Lunch

Lunch at an estate restaurant typically runs R300–R700 per person, and popular kitchens need booking well ahead in season.

Wines South Africa Does Better Than Anywhere Else

Whites and bubbles

Chenin Blanc — South Africa has more Chenin vines than the entire Loire Valley. Crisp, complex, and brilliant value.
MCC (Methode Cap Classique) — Cape sparkling wine made the traditional Champagne way, at a fraction of the price.

Reds

Pinotage — A South African original (Pinot Noir × Cinsault). Smoky, bold, divisive — but unforgettable when done well.
Cape Blends — Red blends with Pinotage in the mix. Look for Kanonkop's "Kadette" or Beyerskloof's range.

Hot air balloon over Cape Winelands wine estates near Stellenbosch, South Africa — Balloon first, tastings after — never the other way around.

The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Morning

5:00 AM — Meet at Klein Joostenberg for your sunrise hot air balloon flight.
7:30 AM — Sparkling wine toast on landing.
8:30 AM — Breakfast nearby at your own cost (not included).

Afternoon

10:30 AM — First tasting at Spier or Tokara.
1:00 PM — Lunch at Jordan, Rust en Vrede, or Delaire Graff.
3:30 PM — Second tasting, plus a couple of bottles to take home.
5:00 PM — Back in Cape Town, or stay on for sunset in the Winelands.

Why Add a Balloon Flight to Your Wine Day?

It is the rare half of the day

Almost every Cape Town visitor does the wine tour. Very few experience the same landscape from 300 metres in the air at sunrise.

Practical tips

Hire a driver or use a wine tour company — drink-driving laws are strict.
Book the balloon flight first and plan tastings around it.
Wear layers — sunrise is chilly, midday is hot.
Eat breakfast before tasting. Trust us.