Balloon safaris in Uganda.
Did you know that ballooning safaris can be possibly done in Uganda?
Uganda blessed as she is, has a lot you can encounter while during a hot air balloon safari. Her beauty begins with scenery that cannot be viewed elsewhere, wildlife which roams in 10 national parks and 12 national reserves which are the main conservation areas and unique cultures.
There are various activities that you can encounter while on your Uganda safari which are both soft and hard adventures depending on tour choice and the interesting one this time is a ballooning safari which can only be carried out in Murchison Falls National Park.
Balloon safari experience is carried out in the largest conservation area in Uganda and its where the hot air balloon with help of the pilot fly in the sky and here an eagle eye view on the ground is the only way to enjoy wildlife.
The hot air balloons are regulated by the Uganda wildlife authority, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the National Environment Management Authority and Uganda Communication Commission and every basket carries a maximum of 8 passengers.
Therefore, don’t think about missing this experience while visiting Uganda-the pearl of Africa. The experience takes in the northern sector which a savannah area and good for wildlife viewing. The starting point is near Para safari lodge and it commences at exactly 05:00hours, receive briefing about safety precautions as you witness the last minute preparations by assembling team like pumping of air.
The pilot will start the engine while you are on board, and rise to the top of the trees. An aerial view will begin with beautiful savannahs full of wildlife and near the great river Nile. Animals that are spotted with an eagle eye view are African buffalos, giraffes, elephants, lions and antelopes like bush backs, Uganda kobs, and variety of birdlife. The beautiful scenery of Murchison falls, Nile valley with its wildlife of buffaloes and crocodiles.
The activity will end after an hour and you will be welcomed with a bush breakfast and a bottle of wine after a reward of certificate of recognition about this amazing adventure.
There is another evening balloon ride which starts at around 16:00hours but this does not come with extra offers like bush breakfast, a bottle of wine and a transfer to the place of accommodation. Therefore, in Murchison national park, you can enjoy only two ballooning experiences each day, one in the morning and another in the evening.
What to pack for Uganda balloon experience?
Since the best shift is the morning shift because it comes with extras like the certificate, bush breakfast, pick up and drop off at your accommodation site, you are advised to put on heavy clothes to protect you from coldness such as heavy jumpers/sweater and long pants, a pair of sunglasses to protect you from direct sunlight and strong closed shoes since you have a walk through the bushy area, do not leave out a camera and a pair of binocular to make the experience enjoyable and more memorable.
Never worry about the number of days you can spend on the ballooning safari in Uganda. The safari days depend on your budget and the time you have, but a 3 days safari to Murchison falls can offer you the best of this adventure.
When to go for a ballooning safari in Uganda?
A hot air balloon experience is more fun and enjoyable in the dry seasons which happen during the months of December to February and June to September. This is when there is no interruption and the skies are blue or clear hence good for wildlife viewing and photography.