Hot air ballooning in Graaff-Reinet

Gallery Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — A few locals had the pleasure of floating over the picturesque town of Graaff-Reinet and its surrounds in Karoo Ballooning's hot air balloon on Tuesday, November 7.

Meeting Karoo Ballooning's pilot and proprietor, Stefan Strauss and his crew at the Botanics Sports Grounds just before dawn, the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser's editor, Mariëtte Burger, and sales rep Corrie van Zyl, as well as Karoopark Guesthouse's Marizanne Mills, and her sister, local tour guide Chantelle Marais, joined Profcon Resort's Fanie and Leanne Bezuidenhout, for an early morning flight.

Upon arrival, Karoo Ballooning's guests were treated to a cup of coffee and rusks, to ward off the morning chill while the pilot prepared for the flight, and inflated the balloon.

The pilot gave a quick safety briefing before the balloon took to the sky and the passengers could then watch the sunrise paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.

During the absolute tranquillity that prevailed throughout the flight over Graaff-Reinet, the Nqweba Dam and the Camdeboo National Park, the passengers enjoyed the sights below them, which included an abundance of wildlife.

Upon landing, the passengers sipped some champagne and fruit juice, while talking about the flight and watching the crew deflate the balloon.

Upon arrival back at the Botanics, Karoo Ballooning's guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast with the pilot and crew.

Click here for a photo gallery.

Some hot air balloon facts:
• The science of ballooning is about hot (heated) air inside being hotter than air outside the balloon, which causes it to rise the balloon causing it to rise.

• Propane, which is used to fill balloons, is a lot more expensive than petrol.

• Bigger balloons stand over 30m tall, and occupy up to 6 000 cubic metres.

• Balloons have no actual directional control over balloon flight, skilled pilots can actually change direction by changing altitude to harness different wind currents.

• Registered balloon operators are strictly governed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, as a non-scheduled commercial airline.

• Balloons and balloon pilots have to comply with the Civil Aviation regulations, are subject to regular inspections.