Otters Den is a River Lodge on an island in the Blyde River at the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment, near the Orpen gate to Kruger National Park. They offer fully catered accommodation and a variety of activities for nature lovers or adventure seekers. Whether you prefer more peaceful pursuits like birding and hiking, or the romance and excitement of Hot Air Ballooning, their qualified and experienced staff will arrange it.
Every morning at sunrise, balloons depart from launch sites in the Hoedspruit area. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime.
Experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight over the private nature reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park, or over the Lowveld section of the Blyde River near Otters Den River Lodge. Their pilots and guides will ensure a safe, enjoyable and informative adventure that will be one of the highlights of your visit to the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.
Otters Den is located near Hoedspruit, and they offer flights over Kapama Game Reserve, Otters Den, Thornybush, Tshukudu and other lodges and game reserves that have suitable terrain. Depending on forecast wind directions, they select a launch site that will place them upwind of good flying terrain.
The decision is usually made the evening before the flight. Self-drive passengers are provided with a detailed map showing the locations of their regular launch sites.
For lodge guests who don't have their own transport, they can help arrange a transfer company to take you to the launch site.
They meet before sunrise and coffee is served while you watch your eight-storey high balloon being inflated and prepared for flight.
