What is Hot Air Balloon?
A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft consisting of a bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket, which carries passengers and a source of heat, in most cases an open flame caused by burning liquid propane.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Prices In South Africa
Rates. Rates for hot air ballooning at Hartebeespoort are R2150 per person. Up to 2 children under 12 years old per flight of 6 passengers qualify for a 50% discount. If you require an exclusive flight (i.e. only a couple plus a pilot) it’s R3000 per person sharing.
Where is hot air balloon in South Africa?
The most popular hot air balloon trips are in the Magaliesberg (near Johannesburg), Sabie and Hazyview in Mpumalanga, in Oudtshoorn (in the Karoo), in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands (KwaZulu Natal) and during the summer months, (September to March) in the Cape Winelands.
Are hot air balloon rides safe
Hot air balloons are one of the safest ways to travel in the air. In fact, hot air balloons are safer than airplanes and helicopters. This is surprising to some people, but there are many reasons behind this fact. From the year 2000 to 2016, there were 21 fatalities from hot air balloon crashes and accidents.
How fast do hot air balloons go?
Generally balloons will not travel much faster than 8-10 mph. The distance the balloon travels will also depend on the speed of the wind as well as the duration of the flight.
For example, an hour long flight with winds averaging 5 mph will travel a distance of about 5 miles.
How does a hot air balloon work?
Hot air balloons work on a simple principle – hot air rises while cold air sinks. This means the balloons fly because the hot air inside weighs less than the air on the outside – causing it to float upwards.