Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda Murchison Falls National Park

Hot air balloon safaris in Uganda only take place in Murchison Falls National Park and should not be missed on any of our safaris to this beautiful park. A hot air balloon safari is a unique way to discover this beautiful conservation national park from the air, offering a unique experience to have a bird eye’s view with beautiful views of Lake Albert, The River Nile, the mighty Murchison Falls and it is the best way to see lots of animals that include giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, different types of antelopes just to mention a few.The best time for the hot air balloon safari is to start early morning to have great views of the African sunset over the national park.

The early morning hot air balloon safari wrapped up by a bush breakfast in the park, depending on the package one chooses to go for.

Most of our safaris that include a safari in Murchison Falls National Park have an option for guests to go for the Hot Air Balloon safaris.

Size of Hot Air Balloons used in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

There are many different sizes of hot air balloons used for safaris but the common ones are medium sized and accommodate 8 passengers. The size of the hot air balloons used in Murchison Falls National Park is 100,000 cubic feet (small balloon) – 160,000 cubic feet, with plans of acquiring bigger ones that can take up to 12 or 16 people per balloon safari.

A smaller one that carries 2-4 people will also be acquired for private balloon safaris for wedding proposals, etc, but at the moment, the hot air balloon safaris are not restricted to any number.

How high does the hot air balloon fly?

The hot air balloon is capable to flying up to a height of 10,000 ft above sea level. But for visibility reasons, these hot air balloon safaris only fly at tree top level so as to look at the different animals in the park. The pilot then elevates to a maximum of 1000 ft (about 330m) above ground level which provides great views over the park, the Murchison Falls and or Lake Albert.

Certification of Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Murchison Falls National park

1. The hot air balloon used in Murchison Falls National Park is an Ultra magic type M-160 that is manufactured in Spain and registered with CAA under registration mark 5X-JBH.
2. 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 as per manufacturer’s regulations and is inspected by CAA on regular basis.
3. The pilots operating the balloon are licensed by Egyptian and Ugandan civil aviation authorities and have experience of 1000+ hrs of flying. The ground crew was trained on ground operations by a specialized certified instructor.
4. The company, Balloon, pilots and crew fully licensed by Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority under the strict regulation of ICAW to operate Hot air balloons. Also licensed by NEMA, and other general licensing and governing bodies.

Time for Hot Air Balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park

Early Morning sunrise hot air balloon safari – Begins at 5.00am

The whole process starts at 5.00am where clients are picked up from the gate at Paraa in the northern part of the park for clients staying at the Northern part accommodations.

Travellers staying at the southern side transported by Uganda Wildlife Authority speed boats to the northern bank. Picked by the Hot Air balloon team at the river Nile crossing.

Clients then transported to the grounds where the hot air balloons take off.

During this time, guest given a briefing on safety regulations by the pilot and start flying around 6:00 am just before sunrise.

The hot air balloon safari lasts for an hour. When the balloon lands, guests receive their participation certificates. The safari ends at about 8:00 am and travellers on a full package continue for the bush breakfast prepared by a chef from Paraa Safari lodge. During the bush breakfast, clients guarded by armed ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority. This will end at 9.30 am.

The Sunset Hot Air Balloon (Excludes a bush dinner)

The sunset hot air balloon safari starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 6:30 pm but does not include the bush dinner.

The same things for the sunrise hot air balloon safari apply for the sunset hot air balloon and during this safari. Guests will enjoy beautiful views of the colourful sunsets in Murchison Falls National park. And a bird eye view of the different animals that call this park home. It will be an unforgettable breath taking moment.

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

Full package- $380 per person

This full package Hot Air Balloon Safari includes the following

• 45-60min balloon ride
• Sunrise or sunset hot air balloon view
• Bush breakfast
• Passenger boat crossing for guests staying in the southern part of the park.

The price excludes

• Vehicle transport.
• Park entry fees
• Accommodation

Economy Package – $300

This Hot Air Balloon package includes

• 45-60min balloon ride
• Post sunrise view or Sunset view (depending on the weather conditions for post sunrise)
• Passenger boat crossing for guests staying in the southern part of the park.

This Hot Air Balloon package excludes

• Bush breakfast
• Vehicle transport.
• Park entry fees
• Accommodation

Residents, Ugandans and East Africans citizens – $250

Includes

• 45-60min balloon ride
• Post sunrise view or Sunset view (depending on the weather conditions post sunrise)
• Passenger boat crossing for guests staying in the southern part of the park.

Excludes

• Vehicle transport.

Private Package – $2,000

This is a completely exclusive package mainly for Wedding proposals, Photo shoot sessions, VIP guests, etc.

Children

Between the ages of 6-12 pay 50% of adult price

Below 6 years free (child must be able to stand without parent’s assistance)

INSURANCE

• Insured by French Insurer “La Reunion Aerienne” through “Reinsurance Insurance” in coordination with “Britam Insurance” under the IRA regulations of Uganda for all aviation and ground activities including:
• + 3rd party insurance covering passengers and property.
• + Insurance covering Pilot and crew.
• + Insurance covering the hot air balloon and equipment.
• + Ground insurance before take-off and after landing.

Suggested safari itineraries that can include a hot air balloon safari

• 3 Days Luxury wildlife safari to Murchison falls
• 11 Day North-East waterfalls, Pian Upe wildlife and cultural Uganda safari
• 12 Days Midrange Pearl of Africa Tour
• 18 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife safari – Budget Safari

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