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SPECIAL "GAME VIEWING BALLOON SAFARIS" and individually planned tours of several days are also available on request.

SELECT BALLOONING LODGES PACKAGES with BILL HARROP'S "ORIGINAL" BALLOON SAFARIS

A selection of first class Lodges and Country Houses particularly recommended for a very special getaway, and prelude to a most memorably enjoyable Balloon Safari the following morning.

Sunset cocktails on summers evenings, or in the welcome warmth of a crackling log fire in winter. Dinner of choice country fare accompanied by fine wines will be an occasion to remember, in the company of your knowledgeable hosts or just yourselves, by candlelight perhaps, or "alfresco' under the canopy of a million stars.

After a comfortable night you will be woken in time to dress and travel to arrive at the Balloon Field of Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris just as the sun rises to soar gently over the majestic Magalies River Valley and surrounding mountains.

LEOPARD LODGE
55km north-west of Sandton, 15 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

Situated in the Magalies Mountains overlooking the Hartbeespoort Dam this exclusive, 248 hectare game farm abounds with a wide variety of bird life including one of the remaining vulture colonies on the cliffs high above.

Guests may take walks along the many paths through dense bush and trees, sit at the waterholes to watch game such as Giraffe, Impala, Kudu and Wildebeest.  With a sharp eye and good luck one might even catch a rare glimpse of one of the Leopards that live on the mountains.  Drives in open game viewing vehicles and private braais for small groups can be arranged. Leopard Lodge has a number of well equipped conference and meeting rooms as well as a pool for your relaxation.

WILLINGA LODGE
75km north of Johannesburg, 15 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

Will and Ingrid Laarman have created this fascinating and tranquil paradise of 6 thatched luxury suites nestled on the Magaliesberg mountainside in exclusive Cosmos village. Take a leisurely journey on the Hartebeespoort Dam craft route and visit many of the top quality original craft studios in the area, or explore safe, secure walking trails in the immediate vicinity.

Relax in the hillside gardens, sip a sundowner and enjoy spectacular views of Hartebeespoort Dam and the Witwatersberg Mountains before a memorable dinner with your hosts. A bird lover's paradise.

The Suite adjoins the large main house situated in 5 acres of fine open land with horse arenas, lawns, tall trees, garden and large swimming pool. Conveniently situated on the northern rural border of Sandton.

15 minutes from Sandton City and 25 km north of Johannesburg, This extensive accommodation with its own private entrances consists of an elegant double bedded room, en-suite bathroom, private patio, comfortable spacious lounge/dining room with T.V., and access to telephone, fax and e-mail facilities. For larger parties, an extra twin room is also available.

Meals can be served in the privacy of the suite, or guests can join with our family in the splendid dining hall in the main house.

For horse lovers Mary runs a fine stable yard with riding and basic instruction available on the property. "Out-Rides" in the surrounding area can also be arranged. If you like dogs, that's important too, as we have plenty (all friendly).

MOUNT GRACE COUNTRY HOUSE AND SPA
75km north of Johannesburg, 30 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

Nestling in the folds of the Magaliesburg Hills, Mount Grace is a romantic getaway offering gracious country hospitality, award-winning conference facilities and a world-class spa less than an hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.  Accommodation is in 80 beautifully appointed thatch and stone rooms privately situated in 10 acres of gardens.

Surrounding the spa are 10 luxury Mountain Village suites each with a private, heated plunge pool, view veranda, dining area and DVD player.  The hotel offers a wide range of leisure activities including guided walks, horseriding, mountain biking, flyfishing, tennis and bowls.

RIVERBEND COTTAGE
65 km north of Johannesburg, 5 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

"And a river runs through it...."

Riverbend Cottage is situated in the beautiful and scenic Skeerpoort valley, near the Hartbeespoort Dam, by the mountains on the banks of the Skeerpoort River. This is a private and well equipped self contained cottage, nestling amongst the trees which offers sleeping facilities for 5 people (one double room and one twin bedded room) separate bathroom, open plan kitchen, dining room and lounge.

Country style interior, décor, antiques, stained glass lamps, original paintings, fresh flowers and romantic candlelight creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity which will make you feel welcome and at home.  Relax at night overlooking the river, under bright African stars to fall asleep peacefully with the sound of the river music in your ears.

AMANZINGWE
45km north of Johannesburg, 20 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

This is a taste of Africa in all its splendour. Tranquil, rustic beauty, gentle bird and animal sounds and luxury and comfort all combines to restore mind, body and soul.
The Lodge falls within the area newly proclaimed as World Heritage Site - The Cradle of Human Kind. It is a privately owned nature reserve that has a distinctly unique charm.
On the estate there are about 120 animals, which include Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Gemsbok, Impala, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Blesbuck, and Duiker. Jackals roams at night, Karakuls are often sighted and even Leopard tends to visit during the breeding season.
The suites are situated on the gentle slope leading towards the valley.  Their thatched roofs and terra cotta walls blend perfectly with the surroundings and the game roam freely among the suites.  All of the suites have a sundeck for game viewing or gazing at the sunsets.

ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
80km north of Johannesburg, 25 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

In the early 1900's the Magaliesberg Mountains were rich in wildlife and home to abundant elephants. One hundred years later the elephants have returned to this area. A special place in the heart of beautiful African Bushveld, has been set aside, and within this sanctuary, you will meet our elephants: Mosadi, Maroela, Khumba, Thandi, Jabu and Tembo.
At the sanctuary, under professional supervision and control, guests can observe and interact with Elephants.
Enjoy sundowners on the mountain while watching the sun set over the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains.
Dinner is served in the Traditional African style Ndlovu Boma.  5 Indo African style rooms - en suite.

VALLEY LODGE
65km north-west of Johannesburg, 30 minutes drive from the Skeerpoort balloon field

This fine country lodge in the Magailesburg is a glorious blend of time-honoured tradition and modern hospitality. Valley Lodge, with a professional and welcoming staff, is known for its imaginative cuisine, carefully selected wines from a well stocked cellar, comfort and tranquillity.
This secure, exclusive getaway contains 64 individually decorated bedrooms and suites, some with fireplaces.
Complimentary facilities include floodlit tennis courts, golf practise centre, gymnasium, boating, fishing, library, snooker room, a natural bird sanctuary, nature walks and a reflexology clinic. Comprehensive conference facilities are available in one of seven different venues.  Soak up the sun at the sparkling pool or meander through the lush, manicured gardens to totally revitalize yourself. This peaceful spot is the ideal country escape suitable for any occasion. No matter the pace you desire, Valley Lodge will give you a new appreciation of the art of living.

Mabula Private Game Reserve
Warmbaths area, Northern Province

Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris operate game viewing flights giving guest a magnificent aerial view of Mabula Game Lodge and the unique 12 000 ha. game reserve, situated in the Northern Province, a mere 2 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Share in the legacy of Mabula's wide variety of wildlife, including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Hippo.  Only the multitude of bird species including the rare Cape Vulture, breaks the silence of this tranquil sanctuary.

After your balloon safari enjoy the game-viewing drives in open Land Rovers, or bush walks, or ride horse-back along the trails to observe the animals.  During the heart of the day, relax at one of Mabula's two sparkling swimming pools.  In the evening take a thrilling night game drive before a delightful boma dinner.  Accommodation is in comfortable thatched chalets, with en-suite bathrooms and private patios.