Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Rides in Uganda: One cannot think of Uganda without picturing beautiful sceneries, wildlife, and cultural people, and the country has something more to offer: hot air ballooning. Glide over the beautiful terrains and look out for animals in the wild from the air and it is both calming and exciting. Below are the best places if you want to make this a part of your Ugandan itinerary and experience the most beautiful hot air balloon ride.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern part of Uganda is among the best places to have a hot air balloon ride in Uganda. The park derives its name from the famous Murchison Falls where the world’s longest river the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge to fall from 45m.
Here is why Murchison Falls National Park is the right choice for a visit.
Diverse Wildlife: The park also has a number of wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and many kinds of birds. While taking a hot air balloon ride, one is in a good position to view these animals in the wild.
Scenic Views: In one of the activities in the balloon ride you will be able to get a panoramic view of the Nile River, the Savannah and the Murchison Falls. Watching the river that winds through the terrain and the waterfalls’ mist rising upwards is breathtaking.
Sunrise Experience: Most of the hot air balloon rides within the Murchison Falls National Park are usually in the morning. A beautiful sunrise over the park gives the whole experience a fairy-tale like feeling as the golden light shines on the park and the animals that inhabit it.
What to Expect:
Duration: The balloon ride itself may take about an hour, then there is a bush breakfast and, of course, a champagne toast when you land.
Booking: The following are some of the activities that can be done in the park; Several tour operators have hot air balloon safaris. It is advisable to make prior arrangements for the services in order to avoid inconveniences mainly during the tourist peak seasons.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park found in the western part of Uganda is another destination that offers hot air balloon rides. It has various environments such as the Savannah, wetland and tropical forest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – this is why.
Kazinga Channel: The park is well known for the Kazinga Channel, this is a natural channel that has aquatic haulage of hippos, crocodile and many species of birds. One can get a perfect view of the animals gathered around the water shoreline while on a hot air balloon ride over the channel.
Varied Landscapes: The balloon ride is likely to give one spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the vast Savannah plane, and the many Crater lakes spread all over the area.
Ishasha Sector: The Ishasha sector of the park also has the famous tree climbing lions. While it is often difficult to spot them from a balloon, witnessing these lions is definitely rewarding.
What to Expect:
Duration: It is usually a one hour ride and this gives enough time to view the beautiful ecology and fauna. A bush breakfast is normally organized after the flight.
Booking: Similar to the case of Murchison Falls, it is advisable to make your bookings for the hot air balloon ride while in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park
Hot air ballooning is also another adventurous activity that can be done in Lake Mburo National Park although not as much popular as in other Ugandan parks. Due to its relatively small size and not so crowded by tourists, the park offers a rather quiet hot air balloon ride.
The following are the reasons why one should choose Lake Mburo National Park.
Unique Wildlife: The park is well noted for its large number of zebras together with other animals such as the impalas, buffaloes and a number of bird species. Due to the park’s habitats such as the savannah, acacia woodland and wetlands, wildlife viewing is best done from the air.
Scenic Beauty: Among the activities to do in Lake Mburo, the balloon ride is awesome and one is able to see the whole park with its beautiful rolling hills, shallow Featured lakes and wonderful sceneries.
Accessibility: It is a short drive from Kampala making this lake ideal for anyone who wants to take a short trip from the capital.
What to Expect:
Duration: The hot air balloon rides in Lake Mburo National Park usually takes one hour and is enough to have a good view of the park and animals. Sometimes, breakfast after the flight is also provided.
Booking: Though not as frequent as in other parks, it is possible to take a hot air balloon ride through some of the tour operators.
Tips for Hot Air Ballooning in Uganda
- Book in Advance: Certain activities like hot air balloon rides are common features; the peak times for these are from June to September and December to February. It recommended to make a booking in advance as this will help to get a slot to be filled.
- Dress Appropriately: Flights that are in the early morning may be cold so it is advisable to dress in layers and to wear comfortable shoes. One also needs to have a hat and sunglasses to shield one from the strong sun.
- Be Prepared for Early Starts: Majorities of hot air balloon ride are in the morning when the weather is still cold and there is good chance of spotting wildlife.
- Bring a Camera: The views from the balloon are amazing and since you are allowed to take photos from the balloon, make sure to have a camera or a smart phone with you.
- Follow Safety Instructions: The pilot will give safety information before you start the flight. One should listen very keenly and obey all instructions to enable him or her have a safe and fun time.
Conclusion
Hot air balloon safaris are a one-of-a-kind experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of the great Uganda that is rich in landscape and wildlife. When in Uganda you can take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah of Murchison Falls, the diverse landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park or the beautiful landscape of Lake Mburo. It is, therefore, possible to incorporate this fascinating activity into your Ugandan schedule and have the most unforgettable experience of your life.
