Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Uganda
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Uganda are a must-do for any tourist visiting Uganda as it offers you a totally unique experience as you explore one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Murchison Falls national park.
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda were previously conducted in Queen Elizabeth national park as well; however the activity was cancelled due to a number of reasons, finances being one of them. Currently, Murchison falls national park is the only destination that offers hot air balloon safaris in Uganda.
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda are totally safe for visitors given that the hot air balloons are regularly maintained by certified hot air balloon engineers, inspected by Civil Aviation Authority on regular basis. In addition to this, the ground crew is trained on ground operations by a specialized certified instructor therefore you don’t have to worry about safety during your hot air balloon safari.
Hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda spanning over a radius of 3,843 square kilometers. The park is located in northwestern Uganda about 305 kilometers from the capital Kampala.
The national park is among the best safari destinations in Uganda with a variety of wildlife species such as; elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, bushbucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, primates like chimpanzees, baboons, red tailed monkeys, bird species like the shoebill stork, grey headed kingfisher, black headed lapwing, vegetation types among others.
Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison falls national park are conducted by Dream Balloons a company which was registered in 2011 and certified by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, National Environmental Management Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Communications Commission before it started operating.
The hot air balloon pilots are very professional and experience; with certification from Ugandan and Egyptian aviation authorities prior to their operation in the park. They should have an experience of 1000 hours of flying which is more than enough time to take a group of eight tourists on a hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park.
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda and specifically in Murchison falls national park are conducted in groups of a maximum of 16 individuals per trip and about 2- 8 people for a small group. Children below the age of 6 years are not permitted to embark on a hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park because the hot air balloon goes as high as 10000 feet above the sea level and the kids might get afraid or anxious.
The hot air balloon safaris in Murchison falls national park are conducted in two sessions which include the morning and the sunset hot air balloon safaris. The morning hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park starts very early at 5:00am at the starting point near Paraa lodge. You will be picked from your lodge to the starting point where you will see the pilot and crew preparing by pumping air into the balloon and you will be served a cup of tea.
At the starting point you will be briefed on the safety precautions, expectations, rules and regulations of the hot air balloon activity. After the briefing you will fly up in the air with a pilot and the hot air balloon can go as high as 10,000 feet above the sea level but for visibility the pilot will elevate to a maximum of 1000 feet above ground level where you will have beautiful views of the national park, the tree tops, savannah vegetation, wildlife like the elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, Nile Delta, River Nile, Lake Albert, beautiful view of the sunrise among others.
The hot air balloon safari in Uganda usually take about 3 to 4 hours and the actual flight takes one hour as you enjoy the beautiful scenery where after you will land on the landing site or area.
After the post sunrise hot air balloon safari, visitors are given a certificate which shows that you have participated in the activity during your visit to the park. Other souvenirs and a special continental bush breakfast with a bottle of champagne organized by professional chefs from Paraa lodge. After the bush breakfast you will be taken back to your lodge or you can go for a morning game drive in the park to add on your safari experience.
The park also offers the sunset hot air balloon safari which starts at 4:00pm. The sunset hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park does not include the bush dinner special offer like the one in the morning. The sunset hot air balloon safari offers visitors spectacular views of the colorful sunset, plenty of animal species in the national park, Nile Delta, River Nile among others.
After the sunset hot air balloon flight, you will also receive a certificate and other souvenirs and later taken back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Hot air balloon safari package in Murchison falls national park includes a participation certificate, bush breakfast in the wild, one hour hot air balloon ride, and panoramic views of Murchison falls national park. It also includes sunrise and sunset views, pick up from set destination and ferry crossing.
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda cost USD 380 dollars per person in Murchison falls national park. East African citizens get to pay a fee of UGX 925,000 Shillings per person for an hour tour in a hot air balloon in the park.
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda can always be combined with other interesting activities such as; guided game drives, boat cruise, chimpanzee trekking, sport fishing, top of the falls hike, birding, nature walks and community tours which are all conducted in Murchison falls national park.
Conclusion: Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda are best done with friends or family which makes the entire experience even more exciting and memorable. Contact our team of expert tour consultants if you wish to include this activity in your tour itinerary!
