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.

What should I wear on a hot air balloon flight?

Wear warm layers you can remove, long trousers or jeans, and closed flat shoes such as trainers or boots. Add a cap because the burner radiates heat overhead, and sunglasses for after sunrise.

Can I wear sandals or heels in a hot air balloon?

No. Landing fields are uneven farmland, often wet with dew, so closed flat shoes with grip are required for safe footing.

Can I take my phone or camera in the balloon?

Yes, provided it is secured with a wrist strap or kept in a zipped pocket. Tripods, selfie sticks, drones and large bags are not allowed in the basket.

Is there a weight limit for hot air balloon flights?

Yes, the limit is 130 kg per guest for basket and lift safety. Pregnant guests cannot fly, and minimum age and height requirements apply to children.

What to Wear on a Hot Air Balloon Flight (and What to Bring)

What should you wear on a hot air balloon ride in Cape Town? A practical packing and clothing guide covering shoes, layers, cameras, weight limits and early-morning essentials.

Wear warm layers you can remove, long trousers, and closed flat shoes such as trainers or boots. Add a cap and sunglasses, bring a charged camera with a strap, and leave bags, tripods and selfie sticks on the ground.

Guests dressed in warm layers and closed shoes in a hot air balloon basket at sunrise — Dress for a cold field at 05:00 and a warm basket by 07:00.

How to Dress for a Sunrise Flight

Layer up

You'll be standing in a dark field before sunrise, which in the Winelands can be genuinely cold even in summer. Once the sun is up and the burner is firing overhead, it warms up fast. Layers you can peel off are the answer:

A warm jacket or fleece over a t-shirt or long-sleeve top
Long trousers or jeans — comfortable and protective for landing
A hat or cap (the burner radiates real heat above your head)
Sunglasses for after sunrise

Footwear: the one thing people get wrong

Wear closed, flat shoes — trainers or boots. You'll be walking on uneven farmland, often through dew-soaked grass, and you need stable footing for the landing. Skip sandals, heels and anything slippery. Your feet will get damp; that's normal.

What to Bring — and What to Leave

Bring

Your camera or phone, fully charged, with a wrist strap or secure pocket.
Sunscreen — the sun climbs fast once you're up.
Your booking reference and proof of payment for the admin fee.
A card for the balance payable on site.

Leave behind

Large bags, tripods, selfie sticks and drones stay on the ground. Basket space is shared and anything that can drop over the side is a hazard to people below.

Hot air balloon burner firing above the basket during a sunrise flight in Cape Town — Nothing loose in the basket — secure your phone with a strap.

Practical Details Worth Knowing

Who can fly

Weight limit: 130 kg per guest, for basket and lift safety.
Pregnancy: we cannot fly pregnant guests, as landings can be firm.
Children: minimum age and height requirements apply — ask us before booking.

In the basket

Standing: you stand for the full flight (about an hour), so reasonable mobility is required.
Landing position: knees slightly bent, holding the rope handles, facing the direction of travel. Your pilot briefs you before take-off.

Eat Something First

Why it matters

Breakfast is not included with our sunrise flights, and you'll be up very early. A full hour on your feet at altitude on an empty stomach is no fun.

What to do

Have a light snack and some water before you leave home, and plan a proper breakfast nearby afterwards. Dress warm, wear real shoes, charge the camera, and the rest is just floating over vineyards at first light.