Meet Our Chief Pilot, Explore Our Safari Flight & Experience Winter Ballooning in South Africa

Meet Our Chief Pilot Behind Every AirVentures Hot Air Balloon Flight

Behind every unforgettable flight is a team dedicated to delivering the safest and most memorable experience possible.
This year marks ten years since Chief Pilot Japie Leipoldt joined AirVentures.
With thousands of hours in the air, Japie oversees every aspect of our flying operations and also heads our Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, ensuring our fleet is maintained to the highest standards.
His calm professionalism, extensive knowledge and passion for ballooning have helped create memorable experiences for guests from around the world.
Whether he's conducting pre-flight inspections before sunrise or sharing stories after landing, Japie's commitment to safety and excellence is at the heart of every AirVentures flight.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Spend a few minutes talking to our Chief Pilot, Japie, and you'll quickly discover why winter is one of his favourite times of year to fly.

The mornings begin crisp and clear, with frost across the grass and the landscape slowly coming to life as the sun rises. From the balloon, guests watch the changing light reveal the rivers, ridges and open bushveld of the Cradle of Humankind, with the cool, dry winter air often providing exceptional visibility across the landscape.
Winter also brings calm, stable flying conditions, making for beautifully smooth flights and some of our clearest views of the year.
It's no coincidence that winter is a favourite among our pilots. The combination of crisp mornings, remarkable visibility and gentle flying conditions creates the kind of morning that stays with guests long after they've landed.

Discover Our Safari Hot Air Balloon Flight

As our signature experience, the Safari Flight showcases everything guests love most about flying with AirVentures - spectacular scenery, peaceful sunrise flights and the opportunity to view wildlife from above.

Our Safari Flight is a unique hot air balloon experience near Johannesburg, combining spectacular sunrise views with the opportunity to spot wildlife from above. Flying over private game reserves in the Cradle of Humankind, guests may drift over rhino, giraffe, zebra, antelope and other plains game as the first light reveals the landscape below. No two flights are ever the same, making every morning a unique adventure.

After landing, guests celebrate with a sparkling wine toast before enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a five-star lodge. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the morning before continuing to explore the Cradle of Humankind.

For travel agents, the Safari Flight is more than just another excursion. It combines wildlife, aviation and exceptional hospitality into a seamless morning activity that's easy to incorporate into almost any Gauteng itinerary. Located less than 45 minutes from Johannesburg, it's an unforgettable addition for international visitors, business travellers and South Africans alike. Time and again, guests describe it as one of the highlights of their South African journey.

Lear more about our Safari Flight

Things to Do After Your Hot Air Balloon Flight

Build a Full Day in the Cradle

A sunrise balloon flight is the perfect way to begin a day exploring the Cradle of Humankind. Guests are back on the ground by mid-morning, leaving plenty of time to discover more of one of South Africa's most remarkable regions.

A suggested itinerary could include:

Sunrise
• Hot air balloon flight
• Sparkling wine celebration after landing
• Leisurely breakfast

Continue the adventure
• Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre to explore the story of humankind.
• Discover the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves.
• Enjoy a game drive through one of the area's private reserves.
• Unwind with a spa treatment at Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa.
• Settle in for a relaxed lunch at one of the Cradle's acclaimed country restaurants.
• For more active travellers, Cradle Moon offers a network of hiking, trail running and mountain biking routes through the surrounding countryside.

Less than 45 minutes from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is an easy addition to any Gauteng itinerary. Whether your clients are visiting for a weekend, travelling on business or beginning a South African holiday, an AirVentures Safari Flight offers a unique way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site from above. Combining spectacular scenery, wildlife and over 20 years of ballooning expertise, it's the kind of morning guests remember long after they return home
 
Thank you for being part of the AirVentures journey. We love working with travel partners to create memorable experiences for visitors to South Africa. Whether you'd like assistance building customised itineraries, arranging group departures or discussing trade rates, our team is always happy to help.