Visitors to Uganda can now enjoy hot air balloon
rides in Queen Elizabeth national park. The hot air balloon experience that has
long graced the parks of Kenya and Tanzania has finally been introduced to
Uganda.
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| The hot air balloon flying over Queen Elizabeth National Park |
The hot air balloon rides have been introduced by
Balloon Tours Ltd; a newly established company in Uganda and licensed to
operate hot air balloons over Uganda by the Ugandan Civil Aviation as the
designated authority for this activity thus becoming the first and only company
that got approval from Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority to manage hot air
balloon rides around the Uganda safari zone. The company is reputable with over
10 years experience and has got professional pilots with flying experience in
Egypt and Turkey.
Hot air balloon rides grant you the opportunity to
explore and experience Uganda’s wilderness in a unique way as you fly over the
magnificent plains of Queen Elizabeth national park; high enough above the
trees and close enough to nature as you enjoy the serene tranquility of the
African Savannah and admire the vast herds of wildlife including giant African elephants,
buffaloes, and lions among others.
This is your best chance to view all wildlife as the
balloon floats above and moves in no specified direction compared to the tracks
that you follow during the game drives with the vehicles.
Hot
Air Balloon Rides Program
The hot air balloon safari starts as early as 5:30am
with pick up from the Kasenyi gate and transfer to the take off site where you
will be served with a cup of tea / coffee and receive safety briefing while the
crew unloads and inflates the balloon.
You will take off by 6:15am and fly for
approximately 1 hour. Hot air balloon rides range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
depending on a number of factors including the fuel on board, the passengers’
combined weight, the balloon temperature and when the pilot finds a suitable
landing site. The balloon can fly from as low as tree tops and as high as up to
2500 feet which presents a unique opportunity for photography and remarkable
panoramic views.
The balloon will land by 7:15am with a sparkling
glass of non alcoholic wine for each passenger to celebrate the experience and
later enjoy full English bush breakfast. Every passenger is also honored with hot
air balloon safari certificate to keep as souvenir of this incredible
adventure!
Costs
The price of the hot air balloon safari
is 380 USD per person.
Children of up to 12 years will
receive 50% off the adults’ price.
Rates include the balloon flight,
refreshments before and after the flight and a balloon certificate.
