Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda is one of the new safari adventures launched in this region. This experience was introduced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in partnership with Dream Balloons Ltd. It’s not surprising that since it’s a rare activity, it has since gained popularity among people who visit Murchison Falls National Park. This activity is operated by Dream Balloons company, and as a matter of assurance, visitors should be confident while on this expedition since the company is duly certified by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and National Environment Management Authority – national regulatory agencies of the activity.

The pilots have certification from Egyptian and Uganda aviation authorities. This is a safety guarantee measure put in place to ensure an effective adventure. The mandatory maximum number of passengers per flight is 8.

A hot air balloon safari is highly recommended to visitors who have interest in adrenaline sparking travel or couples on a honeymoon. This lifetime adventure is not one to miss for anyone who visits Murchison Falls National Park.

How is hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls National Park done?

Passengers are first taken to Paraa Safari Lodge where the launch site is situated. Here, the visitors get a glance at how the final assembly of a hot air balloon is done; like the actual pumping of hot air into the balloon. This happens at 5:00am. Upon finalizing, passengers are taken through a brief of safety precautions, do’s and don’ts while in a hot air balloon. Final passenger preparations then take place and setting off is shortly guaranteed.

While on board, the pilot launches and off the balloon rises in the high skies with a push of the morning blowing wind. While in the skies, depending on how early the flight takes off, visitors are able to view the last minute activities of nocturnal animals as day breaks.

The sight of savannah plains becomes more visible and beautiful with the sunrise when animals are setting off for yet another day within Murchison Falls National Park. An experience in the high skies takes about one hour and is succeeded with passengers awarded the certificates as evidence of their participation in the activity. This is followed by bush breakfast and champagne as gratitude for their participation.

Visitors are later taken for a game safari in Murchison Falls National Park where they get a closer view of numerous wildlife, flora and birds before returning to their respective accommodation facilities. A hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park can also be done at sunset. This sets off at 4pm until 6:00pm. The only difference is that the evening flight doesn’t come with the special bush meal.

The cost of hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

Each passenger pays $380, while children aged 12 years or below are afforded a discount of 50%. These pay $190 each. The price is inclusive of the flight, certificate of participation, bush breakfast and refreshments (before and after the flight).

Time of the flight.

Morning flight is conducted at 5:00am and the sunset flight starts at 4:00pm.

How interesting is hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park?

The most interesting bit about this experience is the vastness of Murchison Falls National Park and the beauty of attractions available for sighting. Murchison Falls National Park is crossed by River Nile which creates the magical Murchison Falls, rare diversity of wildlife, close view of Lake Albert and spectacular encounters of animals that love hiding within the savannah bushes and would otherwise be easily seen while on road. Another interesting fact is that hot air balloon safari is not common and to most visitors, it’s a lifetime experience.

Visitors get an aerial view of game within Murchison Falls National Park including giraffes, elephants and buffaloes, as they graze the savannah grasslands. Such an aerial view may never be witnessed elsewhere and therefore, a visitor to Murchison Falls National Park is advised to take part in the hot air balloon safari.

Rules and regulations of Hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

The minimum age for one to take part in this activity is 6 years. This age requirement however is subject to the differences in altitude. Passengers aged 6 years or thereabouts can only take part in the activity if the hot air balloon doesn’t exceed 10,000 feet above the ground. This is a precaution since exceedingly higher altitudes often cause unease among young ones.

Best time to do Hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

Because of weather interference and the need to have a beautiful experience, the best time for hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park is during dry seasons – July-September and December-February.

What to pack?

• Pair of binoculars.
• A jacket and scarf for the morning flight.
• Well charged camera.
• Closed shoes.
• Goggles for the morning wind and sunrise.