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.

הפארק הלאומי מפלי מורצ'יסון

Doubling as the largest Savannah Park and the largest national park in the country. The park is famous for its מפלי מורצ'יסון, 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.

הפארק הלאומי המלכה אליזבת

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 אוגנדה קובס, 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.