Ballooning

Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris. A fun and fascinating way to start the day is with an early-morning balloon ride. Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris flies daily at sunrise from a site close to the Hartbeespoort Dam for about an hour, weather permitting. A flight costs R2,575, including breakfast and sparkling wine. Bill Harrop's will pick you up from Johannesburg at an additional price, if necessary. R560, near Skeerpoort Rd., 011/705–3201; www.balloon.co.za.

Flying Pictures. Flying Pictures offers daily (though dependent on good conditions) hot-air balloon trips at sunrise over the Magaliesberg and Cradle of Humankind, and are a reputable operator, having been in business for many years. The flight costs approximately R1,900, lasts about an hour, and includes sparkling wine and a full English breakfast on landing. You can be picked up from any hotel in the Magaliesberg. The company also partners with Airtrackers, which operate daily flights over the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Magaliesberg, North-West. 082/990–6924; www.flyingpictures.co.za; www.airtrackers.co.za.