A hot air balloon safari is an activity that involves clients being flown over the park at a very low altitude, over the animals, with the aid of a hot air balloon moving in the direction of the wind. The hot air balloon safari is one of the unique activities that has been recently introduced into two Uganda’s national parks, that is, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park.
Hot air balloon safaris are one of the most remarkable, unique, interesting, exciting and memorable activities one would love to participate in. This is because it’s the best experience at the Murchison Falls National Park where one can sight wild animals at an incredible landscape, and at a very close range.
Experiencing Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls
Number of participants.
The number of participants/clients depends on the size of the balloon they are going to use or the number of bookings per that day. There are many shapes and sizes of balloons, most of them are the regular cone shaped balloons, or what is known as a ‘balloon shape’. The size of the balloon is quantified with the amount of air the balloon can carry. The bigger the volume of air the more weight the balloon can hold and thus the higher the number of passengers it can accommodate.
There are many different sizes of balloons used for tour safaris, the common ones are:
100,000 cubic feet (small balloon); 160,000 cubic feet (medium balloon); 210,000 cubic feet (large balloon); 360,000 cubic feet (extra-large balloon), and 500,000 cubic feet (group balloon).
However, currently the maximum number of passengers the hot air balloon in operation in Murchison Falls can take is 8.
Company in operation.
The current company running hot air balloon safaris within Murchison Falls National Park is Dream Balloon Uganda, which started its operation way back in 2011.
Dream Balloon started with a medium sized balloon that accommodates up to 8 passengers. This size is suitable as a starting point, for low season flights, private use, wedding proposals and honeymooners, so it suits safari groups which are usually in a group of 7 or 8.
The balloons fly better when at least 5-6 passengers are onboard, however, the minimum number of passengers is currently not restricted.
With the increase of ballooning tourism, there are plans to increase the number of balloons, to include one that carries up to 12 passengers, another for up to 16, and one balloon that carries 2-4 people (for private exclusive flights).
Boarding programme for hot air balloon safaris
Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park normally start at 5:00 am with clients staying in the southern bank picked and crossed to Paraa in the northern bank of River Nile. This is just at a short distance away from Paraa Safari Lodge, so you will be able to watch the last-minute preparation that involves pumping and lighting the hot air balloon.
You will be briefed and given some safety remarks, rules and regulations before you fly high into the sky. When in the sky, you will be able to watch the diverse landscape of the park as you search for the wildlife.
Flights always start at 6:00 am, so you will be able to view a variety of wildlife species waking up from sleep within a 45 minute to one hour flight, in the balloon.
At the end of your hot air balloon safari, you will be handed a certificate, for your participation in the tour. Later, you will be served with a bush breakfast with a bottle of champagne. You will later proceed with your daily itinerary as designed on the programme.
Cost of Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls
The hot air balloon activity runs for US$ 380 per person, including a bush breakfast. This is one of the lifetime experiences that you will live to share.
Special offers exist for clients such as a 50% discount for children between 6-12 years. Children below 6 years should be able to support themselves on their own, if not, then they will not be allowed.
There are special offers for public holidays or weekends, special discount for a group of 8 pax and above, and special discounts for tour operators, agents, and hotels.
Features of hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls
Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park come along with these features; the general scenic view of the wilderness, sunrise/sunset view, tree-top level flight, and the off-road animals hidden somewhere.
Don’t miss out on the photo moment while inside the balloon, the Lake Albert and Victoria Nile views, the bush breakfast experience in the wild, and the pickups from different destinations. The participation certificates, ground safari before takeoff and after landing, crossings by ferry and the ride on the hot air balloon that lasts an hour among many others.
Frequently asked questions about hot air balloon safaris
What are the hot air balloons made of?
The balloon operating in Murchison Falls National Park is an Ultramagic type M-160, manufactured in Spain and registered with CAA under registration mark 5X-JBH. The balloon carries up to 8 passengers and can fly up to 10,000 ft above sea level.
Is the balloon safari safe?
The hot air balloon has an airworthiness certificate and is serviced after every flight and regularly maintained by a certified specialized hot air balloon engineer. This is always in accordance with the manufacturer’s regulations in addition to being inspected by CAA on a regular basis.
The pilots operating the balloon are licensed by both Egyptian and Ugandan Civil Aviation Authorities with over 1,000+ hours of flying experience. The ground crew was trained on ground operations by a specialized certified instructor.
Are there flight options?
Various flight options exist for your personal interest as a client that will increase your total flight experience. Such options include: –
- Sunrise/post sunrise hot air balloon safari with/without bush breakfast
- Sunset hot air balloon safari
- Short rides for large groups and students