When Do Flights Operate?

Flights are available year-round and take place at sunrise. Sunrise times vary seasonally, with mid-summer departures around 05:00 and mid-winter departures around 06:30. Guests are required to meet at the Sun Catchers Launch Site approximately 50 minutes before sunrise.

Please note: due to a high likelihood of weather-related cancellations during peak festive season, no flights will operate between 18 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.

What to Expect

Guests will be welcomed approximately 45–50 minutes before sunrise, where tea and coffee are served while the balloons are inflated, an experience in itself.

The flight lasts about one hour, floating gently over a landscape of farmland and riverine forest, with the Northern Drakensberg Mountains providing a spectacular scenic backdrop and natural shelter from prevailing winds.

Our experienced pilots and crew ensure a safe, informative, and memorable journey, often regarded as a highlight of visits to the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.

After landing, guests will enjoy a traditional sparkling wine celebration, followed by the presentation of a personalised flight certificate.

Booking Information Required

To confirm a reservation, the following details are required:

• Preferred flight date
• First and last name, and weight of each passenger
• Name and contact number of the lodge where you will stay the night before the flight
• A mobile number to contact you the day before the flight for reconfirmation
• Self-drive or transfer preference

Please note: Reservations must be completed and confirmed by 15:00 to be included on the flight manifest for the following morning.

Important Information Before You Fly

Who Can Participate?

• Passengers must be physically fit enough to stand unassisted for approximately one hour and be able to climb in and out of the basket
• Children must be at least 7 years old and a minimum of 1.2 m (4 ft) tall
• For safety reasons, pregnant guests are unable to participate

What to Wear & Bring

• Dress comfortably for the season and wear layers
• Closed, sturdy footwear is essential (no sandals or high heels)
• Cameras, binoculars, and mobile phones are welcome (carried at your own risk)
• A hat is recommended

Prohibited Items on Board

For safety and aviation regulations, the following items are not permitted:

• Explosives or fireworks
• Flammable liquids or solids
• Toxic or poisonous substances
• Gases or camping fuel
• Weapons of any kind
• Pressurised containers or spray cans
• Large or wet batteries
• Alcoholic beverages
• Knives, scissors, or sharp objects
• Radioactive, magnetised, or other hazardous materials

Safety Briefing

Before take-off, all passengers receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering:

• Entering and exiting the basket
• Smoking and alcohol regulations
• Emergency equipment locations
• Correct positioning inside the basket
• Landing procedures
• Emergency protocols

Why Do Flights Only Operate at Sunrise?

Hot air balloons fly during early morning hours when winds are at their most stable. As the earth warms during the day, thermal winds develop, making conditions unsuitable for safe ballooning.

Weather & Cancellations

Flights may be cancelled if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. The pilot has the final decision, and safety is always the top priority.