Hot air balloon in Murchison falls national park is one of the most famous things to do in Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, the fame of Murchison falls national park is on the great fall after which it was named this has recorded among the 7 wonders of the world, the water dramatically squeezes it’s self on a slit of rock about 7 meters wide oozing with a roar like sound, to fall into the deep plunge downstream. The park is undoubtedly the most visited conservation area in Uganda hosting many animal species including the so-called big five of the wildernesses. The size of the park makes it easier and more comfortable to enjoy a hot air balloon safari, the experience is phenomenal imagine viewing wildlife from above as the species stamp their way into the rolling savannah dotted with Aunt molds and shrubs.
Hot air balloon is an experience not to miss while in the Murchison Falls National Park, it was introduced to the ecosystem in 2007 to cherry on the many things to do, the activity is run by Dream Balloons which are registered to operate balloon air safari in Uganda, they are granted permission from the Uganda civil aviation authority, crew members operating this type of safari are registered and trained to do their job as perfect as it should be, Balloons beautifully are coordinated to fly over the Savannah, while allowing travelers a panoramic view of the underneath of the park premises, the number of people it takes entirely depends on how large the balloon is.
Hot air balloons safari in Murchison Falls National Park is conducted using medium-sized balloons that can take up to 8 passengers, these are maintained regularly to enhance guest experience, guests all of the rides take place along the Northern bank of Pakuba, this is an animal point to the park expect to see Rothchild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs to mention a few, birds and vast vegetation of the national park, the activity is done in sessions, in the morning beginning at 5:30 am in order to catch morning risers and evening time for sundowners lasting for 2 hours time. Charges for this safari depend on the season of travel, children below the age of 6 years are not allowed to participate in the Hot air balloon safari.
Hot air Balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park are best explored in the dry season of the year from December to February and June to early September, these are also considered Tourism peak seasons, it is adventurous to finish a balloon safari with a bush breakfast or sundowner,these can be arranged by the hotel where you will be staying example facilities include the Para safari lodge, Pakuba safari lodge, Murchison river lodge, heritage safari lodge, Sambiya river lodge, Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari lodge among other facilities.
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by road through the Kampala -Gulu highway it takes approximately 6 hours’ drive to arrive at the destination passing through beautiful small villages, Route one can choose to access the park from the Masindi side or the Karuma side all routes lead to the park. Flights can be arranged to land at the Pakuba or Chobe airstrip.