Hot Air Balloon safari Uganda
Uganda Balloon Safari
Due to the fact that Uganda is coupled with a total of natural wonders, this is then more reason for tourists to tour it, engage/involve yourself in Uganda tours and safaris that are wildlife viewing accompanied by primate experiences. There are so many happenstances for you to explore/ discover and one of the safaris you should embark on to experience all that is the Uganda Balloon Safari. This is a unique safari for those wanting and interested in sightseeing wildlife and other features from above. Uganda Balloon Safari enables you experience the natural wilds in a special catch since you catch the sunrise as you fly high and above the plains with great spotting of structures like Nile delta, River Nile, Escarpments of course with wildlife inclusive like Lions, antelopes, herds of Buffaloes, etc. Appreciate the setting of a life time. Well Air ballooning is fully licensed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA), registered and certified by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Also it is ratified by Uganda National Environment Management Authority to function the Uganda Wildlife Safaris in the few selected National parks. This safari (Air Balloon) has spent 10 concrete years in operation though it has been recently launched. The provision is done by two companies that is Dream Balloons and Balloons tour Uganda Ltd both licensed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
Places where we have Air Balloon Safaris.
Uganda Balloon Safaris mainly occur in National Parks like Murchison Falls that turns out to be the largest National Park in Uganda and has gotten a lot to present to those tourists that tour in it, also Queen Elizabeth being the second largest and also has a vast to offer to the travelers. The first balloon flight in Queen Elizabeth N.P was launched on 16th of November 2014.
Cost of Uganda Balloon Safaris
This safari costs $380 per person, in this case children above 12 years are usually offered a discount rate of 50% of the usual adult charge and everything inclusive. The Uganda Balloon Safari begins at 5:00 am-9:30 am & 4:00 pm-6:30 pm with transferring to the starting point, in this sequence as you are being informed about the safety of the Balloon, then fly for a full 1 hour & then land. The price includes the Balloon flight, Bush Breakfast involvement in the wilderness, the Balloon Participation certificate and the refreshments provided before the flight. This Air Balloon carries a total of 8-16 travelers per shift.
On the other hand, since this Balloon flies as high as 10,000 feet above sea level, children below the age of 6 years are not allowed to go for this safari (Air Balloon safari) because this can be too challenging on their (children) side. Uganda Balloon Safari. However, the entire Balloon experience takes approximately 3-4 hrs straight from the lodges where clients are picked at about 5:30 am and are most likely to return back at about 9:00/10:00 am.
Rules and Regulations of Air Balloon Flights safaris in Uganda
- The minimum age required for this safaris are 6 years unless under the responsibility of a parent.
- The maximum capacity of the current balloon is 16 travelers. No minimum passengers are required; any smaller number will be sharing with other passengers.
- Hot air balloon travelers’ flights does take place in winds less than 10 lumps, with no rain or approaching storms in the immediate area. Flights also require a reflectivity of at least 4 km.
- Passengers can only carry with themselves a small day backpack, cameras, batteries, binoculars, protective bag, etc. Main luggage must be left at the lodge. No special clothing is required for hot air ballooning.
- The entire venture takes 3-4 hours. travelers are expected to return back at their lodge at around 09.00-10.00 am (depending on the length of the game drive).
- The flight is not high enough for a change in temperature so always plan to dress for the temperature of the day.
- In a situation where the weather conditions decree that the Balloon may not fly/depart, the company will give you a full refund, more so if you still have sometime/days in the park, you will be given another chance.
Where to Stay once on a Uganda Balloon Safari
Of course once you are in Murchison Falls National Park for your Uganda Balloon Safaris there are several places available for you to stay especially lodges like Heritage safari lodge(B), Murchison River lodge(MR), Paraa safari lodge(L) and once in Queen Elizabeth National Park you can reside in lodges like Simba safari lodge(B), Marafiki (MR) or Mweya safari lodge(L), to mention but a few.
Itinerary –Uganda Balloon Safari
Highlights
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (possible stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).
Day 2: Morning Air Balloon safari & Afternoon Boat cruise
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala past the top of the falls
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (possible stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary).
You will be picked by our Monumental Expeditions Safaris driver/ guide who will brief you about your safari then drive you through small towns like Nakasongola, have a stopover at Ziwa rhino sanctuary to track a few Rhinos, lunch en route and then continue to the park (Murchison falls) dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Heritage safari lodge(B), Murchison River lodge(MR), Paraa safari lodge(L)
Day 2: Morning Air Balloon safari & Afternoon Boat cruise
Early morning you will have a cup of Ugandan coffee, by 5:00 am set off for your Air Balloon Safari experience at Dream Balloon Station, which will take approximately 1 hr up in air appreciating the stunning view of the park’s out stretched savannah grassland, beautiful trees and the wide view of different animals as they arise from their rest/sleep. After you have landed, you will be given certificates and those that would have paid a full Air balloon package will be treated to a full bush breakfast.
Transfer to your Lodge lessen up, lunch and embark on an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls, where water squashes itself through a small gorge blasting to create what has been called the powerful waterfall on planet earth. Here you will have a chance to sight various water and land animals which include buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, various water birds, elephants among others. Return to your Lodge Dinner & overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala past the top of the falls
Once you are done with breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kampala/Entebbe concluding your Balloon Uganda Safari.You could may be tour/visit the top of the falls at your own choice and will to spot it from above. Lunch en route arriving Kampala/Entebbe in the afternoon.
All in all, don’t fail to contact Monumental Expeditions Safaris for a faultless and unforgettable Uganda Balloon Safari.
