On a hot air balloon safari in Uganda, you will enjoy the scenes of the wilderness in a 360-degree vantage point. From the dense rainforests, woodlands, wetlands and marshes to the endless savannah plains, Uganda’s protected areas’ landscapes are extraordinary and way beyond description of just words.
There is nothing more adventurous, peaceful, beautiful and rewarding than floating high above the landscape of lakes and rivers, waterfalls, endless savannah plains and others in a hot air balloon. This signature experience is enjoyed all-year round in two places; Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park are more popular since introduction in 2011 by Dream Balloons. This company was certified by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), to provide this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is in addition to having the most experienced balloon pilots.
It is exciting to float over the country’s largest national park while sighting different wildlife animals. These include the Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, warthogs, antelopes and most interestingly the powerful waterfalls formed when waters of the Nile force through a narrow gorge of 7 meters.
Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Uganda
The activity normally begins at 5:00 am with converging at the starting point for briefing on the safety guidelines, pumping air into the balloon before starting off to soar through the different landscapes. While on this tour, the experienced pilot will slowly begin rising to different feet off the ground while relishing breathtaking aerial sights through the savannah. This teams with many wildlife species that are usually gathered around the riverbanks and other watering points.
This safari lasts about one hour, after which participants are awarded certificates, then get served a bush breakfast by Paraa Safari Lodge. It costs about US$380 per person for adults while children below 12 years are offered a 50% discount to enjoy this once in a lifetime adventure.
Hot air balloon safaris are also undertaken within Queen Elizabeth National Park, another protected area bisected by the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George. It also begins in the morning with phenomenal views of untamed wilderness marked by endless savannah plains which also lasts one hour.
Travellers first converge at the Kasenyi gate for registration and briefing that begins as early as 5:30 am. In the process, you will be introduced to the pilot in addition to receiving safety gear. After the one hour of floating through different landscapes, you will then be treated to a delicious bush breakfast by Mweya Safari Lodge.
For this adventure, sights of topis, African bush elephants, hippos, cape buffaloes, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks and others will be enjoyed. Later, a certificate is given to participants at the end of this unforgettable signature experience.