examples of an alkaline ring complex.
the wetter Lowveld or Bushveld vegetation.
This unusual location gives rise to singular
landscape features within the park and a
fascinating combination of mammals, birds
and vegetation.
of this landscape. Rocky outcrops, rolling
grasslands, wooded valleys and deep gorges
all add to the charm of a game reserve that is
home to some 7,000 animals including nearly
all the mammals of southern Africa and more
than 300 bird species.
quite possibly the most unique game viewing
experience on earth.
modes of transport. How safe any one balloon
is in particular though, will depend on the
skill of its pilot and the quality of the balloon and
its maintenance. Be thorough when choosing
which balloon safari company to fly with. Check
the company and its pilots' credentials. How
many years has the company been in business,
how good is its safety record, what are the
qualifications of its pilots and how many hours
have they flown? Around 1000 flight hours is
a good benchmark for an experienced pilot. If
you're still not convinced, then search online
sites like www.tripadvisor.com and www.
lonelyplanet.com for reviews from people who
have flown with the operator.
Hot air balloon safaris in Pilanesberg are offered every morning (weather and number of
passengers permitting) and are operated by Airtracker Hot Air Balloon Safaris.
Visitors to this area have an assortment of accommodation options to choose from, which
are almost as abundant as its wildlife. The area abounds with everything from private game
lodges, to resorts and caravan parks, some located within the Pilanesberg National Park and
others close by.
of the park. The hour-long flight takes off at sunrise and upon landing, guests are served
sparkling wine before being taken overland by game-viewing vehicle to a nearby private Game
Lodge for a full English breakfast. www.airtrackers.co.za
baLLooN Safari SiTeS
up to two hours are increasingly popular
in this ancient city and offer tourists a rare
opportunity to take in such immense vistas
as the Valley of the Kings and the Tombs
of the Nobles, at a glance. Finding reliable
information on hot air balloon tour operators
online is difficult at best and visitors would
be well advised to obtain this information
and book these tours via a reputable
tour company.
mountains and mammoth pink and red
sand dunes of Sossusvlei have made this
the most photographed destination in sub-
Saharan Africa and a balloon safari over the
region is without exception the best way to
take in this breathtaking sight. Visit www.
namibsky.com for information on balloon
safaris in the area.
softness,
The sun has greeted you with its warm
hands,
You have flown so high and so well,
That God has joined you in laughter,
And set you back gently into
The loving arms of Mother Earth.
Prayer,' believed to have been adapted
from an old Irish sailors' prayer.
"Original" Balloon
Safaris for a hot air ballooning experience in
Gauteng. Visit www.legacylifestyle.co.za for
more. Lifestyle members earn 10% reward