In Uganda, hot air balloon safaris are among the best ways to see wildlife, although they are somewhat expensive.
Uganda offers hot air balloon safaris, which are worth the cost. Despite the high costs, they provide a worthwhile experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Hot air balloon safaris are available in Uganda, which uniquely offers wildlife viewing. However, the cost of the safaris can be a bit high, but the experience is well worth it.
Murchison Falls National Park used to be the only national park in Uganda where visitors would go on hot-air balloon safaris but things have recently changed.
In addition to this location, there are more hot air balloon spots in Uganda and we can wait to share them with you.
Hot Air Balloon at Murchison Falls National Park
At the departure location near Paraa Lodge in the park, visitors are informed of the rules and regulations before setting out on the Hot Air Ballooning Safaris in Uganda. They also get a chance to see oxygen being pumped into the balloons during this time.
You will be in awe of the magnificent African Savannah’s enormous plains teeming with wildlife as you wake up to the golden sun; occasionally, you will be able to observe predators surprise their prey.
Compared to a motor game drive, hot air balloon safaris in Uganda make it much simpler to spot wildlife.
Cost of a hot air balloon in Murchison Falls National Park
The cost of the Hot Air Ballooning Safaris in Uganda is $380 per person for adults and $180 per child. For low-budget travelers, Dreamland Balloon Safaris can organize safaris at $200 and $100 per adult and child.
Hot air balloon enthusiasts who travel to Murchison Falls can stay in hotels like Chobe Safari Lodge, Boomu Women’s Camp, Shoebill Campsite, UWA Cottages, Paraa Safari Lodge, and many other hotels inside the park.
You may go from Masindi town to Murchison Falls in 4 hours and 30 minutes. It’s the most gifted national park in Uganda, and it’s situated in the northeastern part of the country.
The biggest concentration of big cats can be found there, along with other predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as grazers like elephants, hippos, buffalo, antelopes, and kobs, among many more. All these gifts of nature can be viewed from up high in a hot air balloon.
Additionally, Africa’s longest river squeezes itself on a tiny ravine that is only 6 meters wide in between the rocks. It has made the park well known for its thundering roar of waterfalls.
It is worthwhile to take a boat ride in the afternoon to the base of the falls after the hot air balloon trip. Visitors can also trek up to the top of the falls from the base with the help of rangers as this is one of the activities available during a safari to Murchison Falls.
Hot Air Balloon at Queen Elizabeth National Park
A hot air balloon safari in Queen Elizabeth National Area is an exciting way to see the park and its diverse wildlife. Popular animals include many elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, bird species, and stunning landscapes.
Queen Elizabeth Park is the largest protected region and is spread across four districts in western Uganda: Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, and Rubirizi.
The Ishasha sector in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park is notable for its tree-climbing lions. These lions are thought to climb trees for a variety of reasons, including avoiding stinging insects, having a clear view of their prey, escaping ground heat, and many others.
Experiences in the park’s hot air balloons begin extremely early. At around 5:30 am, tourists are picked up from the lodge and taken to the launch site for a briefing on safety measures and experiences.
Following the briefing, guests will be given a cup of tea or coffee while the crew prepares the hot air balloon for takeoff. You will then begin flying in the skies, which takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on the weather, the amount of fuel available, and the number of passengers on board.
Cost of hot air balloons in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The cost of a hot air balloon safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is USD 380 per person, with children under 12 years old paying only half what adults do. The inflatable flight, drinks before and after the ride, a certificate, and a bush breakfast are all included in the hot air balloon prices.
In addition to hot air balloon safaris, Queen Elizabeth offers other activities like game drives in the Kasenyi plains and boat cruises on the waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake Gorge.
There are nature walks where you can get up close and personal with wildlife species, birding, where you can see a variety of bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, and a chimpanzee trekking location where you can get up close and personal with primates.
Are hot air balloons safe?
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda are highly secure. Before being permitted to fly these balloons, hot air balloon pilots must obtain certification from the Egyptian and Ugandan aviation authorities.
It’s important to keep in mind that with these balloons, size is largely irrelevant because the more air a balloon has within, the more weight it can support. However, at this time, the balloon can carry just 8 passengers.
Children under the age of six are not allowed since the hot air balloon soars up to 10,000 feet above sea level, which can make them uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda are a recent “thing”. Probably a good number of people aren’t even aware that this amazing tourist activity exists in the country.
For now, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks seem to be the only locations for hot air balloons in Uganda. We are however certain that more companies and possibly national parks will incorporate this fun activity into their regimen.
The finest ways to witness wildlife are from Uganda Hot Air Balloon Safaris. One activity you should not skip while visiting either Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison National Park is hot air ballooning.
Murchison Falls National Park is thought to be the largest protected region with a wealth of natural beauty and interesting things to visit around, including a variety of wildlife and the renowned River.
