What is a hot air balloon trip?
A hot air balloon trip is a recreation sport of flying in a flying craft which works because hot air rises lifting the balloon into the atmosphere. Hot air balloon tours in Uganda are not so common an activity. They are unforgettable experiences that not many people have the opportunity to try.
Where can a visitor enjoy a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Hot air ballooning can only be found in only 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 largest national park in the country, Murchison falls national park is located in north western Uganda, 210 km from Kampala- Uganda’s capital city, approximately 3 to 4 hrs drive. 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 crocodile and aquatic birds are some of the regular visitors. While at Murchison falls national park you can explore the trips upstream from Paraa which displays a memorable frontal view of the falls and wildlife especially hippos and elephants. Apart from hot air ballooning, other activities visitors enjoy at the park include Game drive, birding, sport fishing, bus camping, nature walks and many more.
Queen Elizabeth national park
Believed to be ‘a medley of wonders’ Queen Elizabeth national park was founded in 1952 situated in western Uganda. 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 a number of activities the park offers such as, game drive as well as our point of discussion today hot air ballooning on a classic safari experience. With the help of a game ranger, visitors may see the pride of lions at Ishasha, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants among others. 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 where visitors may view the sun rise and sun set 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 takeoff time for briefing. Briefing is usually done at Kasenyi gate for Queen Elizabeth national park. The locations are limited to designed sites where the disturbance of animals is kept to a minimum. After briefing, the visitors meet with the pilot who offers them the safety gears as well as the landing procedure. At around 6:30am, 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 sited above treetops making it much easier to see 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 one’s participation in the activity. The evening sunset balloon flight starts at 4pm.
- 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 gears 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 Lake Albert and 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 one’s participation in the hot air ballooning. The evening popularly called the sunset balloon flight at the park starts at 4pm.
Why should you go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
There are several reasons why a guest should go for a hot air balloon trip but the most important in my opinion is the memories. 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 your feet. During the flight, visitor is able to look down and appreciate the breathtaking views of Africa’s untamed wilderness. This for many 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 vintage point to view the sunset as well as the sights of the stunning landscape adorned with lush savannah and the endless horizon. The 360 degrees view of the surrounding helps a visitors appreciate how beautiful the land below is. The amazing perspective of visitors viewing the parts of the parks they would never have known about is indeed a magical experience.
Hot air balloon trips offer guests with 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.
Hot air balloon trip reward a visitor with a feeling of lift-off. That emotion once you’re finally airborne and slowly rising up in the air is really unmatched. It’s like the part on a roller-coaster when your 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.
On the other hand, hot air balloon trip is a unique way to challenge one’s fears. This is mainly for persons whose common phobia is a fear for heights. A hot air balloon trip would in a way be an ideal opportunity to face this fear and probably overcome it. This is because hot air balloons rise and float gently and slowly. There is absolutely no sensation of movement, as visitors are moving with the wind, minimizing any uncomfortable sensations similar, to motion sickness. Therefore, there is no real fear for height experienced
How many people are allowed to go for a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
The maximum number of passengers depends on the size of a hot air balloon. Most hot air balloons available in Uganda carry only eight members who are allowed to fly currently. Recent developments show that there has been the introduction of new hot air balloons which can accommodate close to 16 passengers in a single flight.
Is there a minimum age required to go for a hot air balloon trip in air?
The balloon goes as high as 10000 ft and is not recommended for children below 6 years. This is so because it might leave them uneasy. Similarly, individuals have to be tall enough to look over the basket as they enjoy view 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 change in temperature so a visitor can plan to dress for the temperature of the day. Guests can only take a small day back pack, a camera, and binoculars among others.
When is the best time to go on a hot air balloon trip in Uganda?
Hot air balloon trips in Uganda are offered daily all year round, unless the weather doesn’t permit. Often times, flights take place in winds 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.