Air Ventures Hot Air Ballooning is an established commercial hot air balloon operation, and currently offers air balloon rides over the Cradle of Humankind, Magaliesberg and selected game reserves.

Our air balloon rides are customised to provide fun and excitement for anyone. We cater for the romantic couple to the larger groups,as well as corporate and incentive events.

To date AirVentures has been the proud recipient of three tourism awards and is one of the largest and most professional hot air balloon operators in South Africa.

The motivating force behind Air Ventures was to create a hot air ballooning company that incorporated an African "feel", and provided a quality air-borne adventure that would leave the passengers with the memory of a true "African experience".

This has been achieved through the careful selection of our corporate identity, and the uniqueness of our hot air balloons, displaying a combination of cultural design and the warm, rich colours of an African sunrise.

Our mission is to provide a five star product to local and international guests, which will allow them to experience the environmental beauty and splendour that South Africa has to offer.

Air Ventures Hot Air Ballooning is a commercial air transport service that is registered with the South African Civil Aviation Authority and abides by the same strict rules and regulations set for commercial airlines - License no. G874D/N837D We use the latest and safest equipment which, is maintained to the highest safety standards. Our pilots are well qualified and experienced, ensuring a safe and memorable air balloon ride.

A Hot Air Balloon has no real directional control and it is up to the pilot to use the various wind directions, found at various altitudes, to direct the air balloon to a safe landing area. Because of this, each flight is different and an adventure for everyone on board.

Due to the balloon not landing at the same place from which it launched, a very important aspect of the air balloon ride comes into play, which is your retrieval team.

Upon departure of the hot air balloon, two vehicles (a 4x4 with trailer from which the balloon was unloaded and a luxury passenger bus) will start to follow the balloon. The balloon pilot will stay in radio contact with the 'Chief Crew', giving him instructions on the best roads to take to follow the balloon.

On landing, the retrieve vehicles will usually be moving onto the landing site and asking for permission from the landowner to pack up the balloon. On very calm mornings, with much skill from one of our experienced pilots and the retrieval crew, the balloon will be landed onto the trailer.

Champagne and orange juice will then be served as you watch the crew pack this massive balloon into a bag that doesn't look as though it could fit even half of the balloon into it.

The luxury bus then whisks you off back to the launch site where you will enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.