Update: Please note that hot air ballooning is no longer functional in Murchison Falls National Park. If this service resumes, this article will be updated accordingly.
What Hot Air Ballooning Offered
Hot air ballooning at Murchison Falls gave tourists a chance to see the park from a bird’s eye view. The balloon rose to about 10,000 feet above sea level and floated gently, offering views of the wide savannah, the River Nile, and the powerful Murchison Falls.
How the Experience Worked
The activity began early in the morning, before sunrise. Tourists were picked up from their lodge and taken to the starting point, where they watched the balloon being filled with air and received a safety briefing about the flight.
After the briefing, tourists climbed into the basket, which could carry around 8 people. The balloon lifted off the ground, and from the sky, the view of the park looked calm and different from a standard game drive.
The balloon moved with the wind and was guided by a trained pilot who controlled how high or low it flew. There was no engine sound, just the quiet movement of the basket as it floated through the sky.
What Tourists Could See
While flying over Murchison Falls National Park, tourists could see animals like antelopes grazing, elephants walking, and different birds flying below. The balloon also passed over key parts of the park, including Murchison Falls and the Devil’s Cauldron, where the air was cooler and the sights left a lasting impression.
Flight Times and Duration
The flight usually lasted about an hour, depending on wind conditions, and ended as the sun grew warmer. The pilot landed the balloon in an open space, and tourists continued with breakfast and other park activities.
For those who preferred a later option, there was also an evening session, starting at 4:00 pm and ending around 6:30 pm. After the flight, tourists received a certificate for taking part in the experience.
Cost of Hot Air Ballooning
- $380 for foreign non-residents (includes bush breakfast)
- $300 for foreign non-residents (without breakfast)
- $250 for East African residents
Best Time to Go
The best time for hot air ballooning was during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. During this time, there was little rain and the grass was short, which made it easier to see animals from the air.
Hot air ballooning at Murchison Falls was a special experience that combined the joy of flying with the beauty of one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
