Hot air balloon safari Safaris & Experiences
A hot air balloon is an aircraft lighter than air consisting of an envelope (the bag) that contains heated air that helps it get propelled up in the air while carrying passengers on board. The hot air balloon is another unique way of exploring a destination, and most safari destinations in Africa recently started using them, including Uganda and Kenya, two of Africa’s famous safari destinations. There is no better way to watch wildlife, enjoy the beautiful landscapes and water bodies than when in the sky; it’s truly magical.
Murchison Falls Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are the only two places you can go to for hot-air balloon tours in Uganda. Operated by Dream Balloons, you can enjoy magnificent views of the wild and nature from above. The Maasai Mara reserve is the only park offering hot air balloon tours in Kenya, and many tourists can agree that this is the best and fastest way of exploring Kenya’s largest game reserve with no worries of car breakdown. There is a variety of wild animals in the Mara, and the hot air balloon makes searching easier.
Private trips • Local guides • Custom itineraries • Safari extensions
Typical duration
5 hours
Destination
Uganda
Best for
Couples, singles, Groups
Best season
June-October, Jan-Feb
Trip style
Private & custom
Hot air balloon safari
A richer way to experience East Africa
Hot air balloon safari in details
At Murchison Falls National Park
Hot air ballooning at Murchison Falls National Park usually begins somewhere near Paraa Lodge, where visitors are briefed before the flight. After briefing, the visitors meet with the pilot, who offers them the safety gear as well as the landing procedure. During the trip, hot Air Ballooning at the Murchison Falls National Park comes along with unique features.
The general scenic view of the Murchison Falls Park, the Off-road animals often hidden during game drives, the Victoria Nile views, the bush breakfast experience in the wild, the pickups from the different destinations, crossings by ferry, and the ride among many others. At the end of the activity, each participant is awarded a certificate of recognition for their participation in the hot air ballooning. The evening, popularly called the sunset balloon flight at the park, starts at 4 pm.
Why should you go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Hot air balloon trips offer memories that will last a lifetime. These are the kind of memories that a visitor looks back at and smiles thinking of the beauty, the wonder, and the fun he or she experiences while on a Uganda safari.
Hot air ballooning is a kind of activity perfect for those seeking a once in a life time adventure, rewarding with spectacular views. Visitors are offered the opportunity to see things from the sky, feel the freedom in the air, and contemplate from a distance the beauty of nature under their feet. During the flight, visitors are able to look down and appreciate the breathtaking views of Africa’s untamed wilderness. For many, this has been an experience made of a thousand memories.
The experience of flying in a hot air balloon is a unique adventure altogether. It rewards visitors with an incredible vantage point to view the sunset as well as the sights of the stunning landscape adorned with lush savannah and the endless horizon. The amazing perspective of visitors viewing parts of the parks they would never have known about is indeed a magical experience.
Main Components
The envelope and this are the large, colorful fabric bag typically made of heat-treated nylon. The bottom skirt near the flame is made of fire-resistant Nomex.
The burner acts as the engine that burns liquid propane to shoot powerful flames into the envelope.
The basket, or the Gondola and this, is the basket that is suspended underneath and safely carries the pilot, passengers, and propane fuel tanks.
How It Works
A burner heats the air inside the envelope, making the inner air less dense than the cooler air outside, which pushes the balloon upward.
Pilots cannot strictly steer a hot air balloon; they move with the wind and change altitude to find different wind currents.
Opening a parachute vent at the top lets hot air escape gradually, causing the balloon to sink.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Uganda
Where can a visitor enjoy a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Hot air ballooning can only be found in two national parks in the entire country. These are Murchison falls national park and Queen Elizabeth national park.
Murchison Falls National Park
Doubling as the largest Savannah Park and the largest national park in the country. The park is famous for its Murchison Falls, located at the centre of the park, providing one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birds are some of the regular visitors. Apart from hot air ballooning, other activities visitors enjoy at the park include game drives, birding, sport fishing, bush camping, nature walks, and many more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is by far Uganda’s most popular safari destination. The park is home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. From sprawling savanna to fertile wetlands and humid forests, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an ideal home for classic game, rewarding you with tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and several antelope species, including Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, and many others.
While at the park, a guest gets to explore several activities the park offers, such as game drives, as well as our point of discussion today: hot air ballooning on a classic safari experience. Other activities visitors get to enjoy at the park include birding, launch trips, nature walks, and cultural tours, among others.
How is a hot air balloon trip done in Uganda?
Hot air ballooning is usually arranged in the morning or evening, when visitors may view the sunrise and sunset at the parks. The entire experience takes 3-4 hours. While on a hot air balloon tour, guests will be able to watch last-minute preparations like pumping air into the balloon before you soar high after the briefing.
At Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visitors are expected to arrive at Kasenyi gate at least 30 minutes before the take-off time for briefing. After the briefing, the visitors meet with the pilot, who offers them the safety gear as well as the landing procedure. At around 6:30 am, the hot air balloon takes off after guests have finished having their tea and other refreshments.
During the trip, visitors are rewarded with a great view of wildlife in the park, the savannah, and beaming wildlife while seated above the treetops, making it much easier to see the majority of the beauty of Mother Nature. The flight lasts a maximum of one hour. At the end of the activity, each participant is awarded a certificate to recognize their participation in the activity. The sunset balloon flight starts at 4 pm.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Best ways to experience Hot air balloon safari
Much as all our itineraries and safari packages can be customized to deliver unforgettable and more satisfaction, below are some of our top picks when it comes to Hot air balloon safari , feel free to customize and tailor to match your specific interests and needs.
5 Days
Private
5-Day Kahuzi Biega Congo Gorilla Trekking & Chimp Safari in Rwanda
from
$ 2500
per person
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Hot air balloon safari in short.
It is suitable for Honeymooners and Couples and is perfect for a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime memory, often paired with private setups or champagne bush breakfasts. This attracts a large number of couples from different locations to experience this moment
It is suitable for Wildlife Photographers and ideal for capturing sweeping, wide-angle aerial views of open plains and active wildlife below.
It is also suitable for general Adventure Seekers and is suited for visitors who want a calm, silent, and scenic alternative or addition to traditional ground game drives
Passengers need basic mobility to climb into and out of the basket. People with severe back, knee, or joint conditions should check with the operator first due to bumpy or standing landing requirements
Typical duration
5 hours
Setting
Uganda
Activity style
PRIVATE / GUIDED
Best for
Solo, Couples, Group & Family.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How the experience unfolds
At Murchison Falls National Park
Hot air ballooning at Murchison Falls National Park usually begins somewhere near Paraa Lodge, where visitors are briefed before the flight. After briefing, the visitors meet with the pilot, who offers them the safety gear as well as the landing procedure. During the trip, hot Air Ballooning at the Murchison Falls National Park comes along with unique features.
The general scenic view of the Murchison Falls Park, the Off-road animals often hidden during game drives, the Victoria Nile views, the bush breakfast experience in the wild, the pickups from the different destinations, crossings by ferry, and the ride among many others. At the end of the activity, each participant is awarded a certificate of recognition for their participation in the hot air ballooning. The evening, popularly called the sunset balloon flight at the park, starts at 4 pm.
Why should you go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Hot air balloon trips offer memories that will last a lifetime. These are the kind of memories that a visitor looks back at and smiles thinking of the beauty, the wonder, and the fun he or she experiences while on a Uganda safari.
Hot air ballooning is a kind of activity perfect for those seeking a once in a life time adventure, rewarding with spectacular views. Visitors are offered the opportunity to see things from the sky, feel the freedom in the air, and contemplate from a distance the beauty of nature under their feet. During the flight, visitors are able to look down and appreciate the breathtaking views of Africa’s untamed wilderness. For many, this has been an experience made of a thousand memories.
The experience of flying in a hot air balloon is a unique adventure altogether. It rewards visitors with an incredible vantage point to view the sunset as well as the sights of the stunning landscape adorned with lush savannah and the endless horizon. The amazing perspective of visitors viewing parts of the parks they would never have known about is indeed a magical experience.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Hot air balloon safari planning Guide
The hot air balloons can seat between 8 and 16 passengers depending on the type, so you just have to let us know which park you would love to visit and the number of people interested in the balloon trip, and we will book everything. The hot air balloons are in good condition and flown by well-trained pilots, so we guarantee you will enjoy a safe and comfortable flight.
Hot air balloon trips offer guests great photographic moments. These are usually aerial views of wildlife as one flies up to 5000ft above the ground through the tranquility of Africa’s untamed wilderness as well as the endless savannah plains. It is a truly special experience.
A hot air balloon trip rewards a visitor with a feeling of lift-off. That emotion, once you’re finally airborne and slowly rising, is unmatched. It’s like the part on a roller-coaster when you rise higher and higher to the peak of the ride. The anticipation before is quite thrilling. A hot air balloon ride has that ability to stun you with silence and overcome you with peace.
WHEN TO GO
Best time for Hot air balloon safari
Hot air balloon trips in Uganda are offered daily all year round, unless the weather doesn’t permit. Often, flights take place in winds of less than 10 knots with no rain.
Therefore, the best time to go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda would be during the drier months of the year. These are usually during the months of June to August and December to February.
The best time for a hot air balloon safari in East Africa is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February, when clear skies and calm weather offer the safest and clearest flight conditions
PREPARE WELL
What to know before you go
A Smartphone or small camera is very important, so make sure you bring compact gear to take photos, ideally secured with a wrist strap.
A small cross-body bag or waist pack; leave large backpacks or bulky camera bags in your car, as baggage space is very tight.
Water bottle: Pack a small bottle of water for hydration before or after the flight.Sunscreen:
Apply SPF before you arrive, especially for sunny open-air flights
Use the restroom early, and these Launch sites and baskets do not have bathrooms, and flights typically last 45 to 60 minutes plus setup time
Prepare for the landing: Landings can sometimes be bumpy or cause the basket to tip over; listen closely to your pilot and practice the required crouching and holding position
TRAVEL WITH FRIENDLY GORILLAS SAFARIS
We arrange more than the activity
Through out the past ten year, we have arranged exciting and unforgettable journeys to hundreds of thousands of guests.
We are definitely going to make your visit to East Africa worth while through our simple and engaging steps that involves.
01
Trip design
We match the activity, destination, trip length and wider safari to your priorities.
02
Permits & reservations
We book all your permits and entrances at the right times so you never get to meet any suprises.
03
Private transport
All our tours include free airport pickups and drop offs. No extra payments at any point for the same.
04
Guides & local teams
All our guides are experienced, calm and local. They shall definitely make your stay worth while.
05
Accommodation
We use only lodges we have been to and all accommodations we use are perfectly located to give you more fun
06
Safari extensions
Feel free to add more activities and destinations to your visit. Just let us know in advance for a better planning.
BUILD A COMPLETE JOURNEY
Combine Hot air balloon safari with more of East Africa
COMBINE 01
COMBINE 01
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Get a chance to relate, stare at gorillas for 4 hours in a few parks and only in Rushaga.
COMBINE 01
Tanzania Great migration
Join us as we have an experince of the greatest animal migration to have ever existed
ACTIVITY FAQ
Questions travellers ask before booking
How many people are allowed to go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
The maximum number of passengers depends on the balloon’s size. Most hot air balloons available in Uganda carry only eight members who are allowed to fly currently.
Is there a minimum age required to go for a hot air balloon trip?
The balloon goes as high as 10000 ft and is not recommended for children below 6 years. This is because it might leave them uneasy. Similarly, you need to be tall enough to see over the basket as you enjoy the magnificent vistas.
What is required for one to go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Unlike other activities at the parks, no special clothing is required for one to go for a hot air balloon trip. This is because the flight is not high enough for a temperature change, so a visitor can plan to dress for the temperature of the day. Guests can only take a small day backpack, a camera, and binoculars, among other items.
START PLANNING
Build your Hot air balloon safari safari
Tell us your dates, number of travellers, preferred activity, comfort level and the other destinations you want to include. We will use those details to recommend a practical itinerary.
You do not need to know the exact route before contacting us.
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