The Hot Air Balloon safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the few places where one can enjoy a hot air balloon safari with in Uganda. It’s the second largest conservation area with in Uganda after the mighty Murchison falls national park and has a lot of wildlife and scenic beauty that every client visiting Uganda and is interested in Hot Air balloon safaris shouldn’t miss. Imagine viewing wildlife such as hippos, lions, elephants, antelopes and so much more from above. The stunning scenic beauty due to the rift valley floor, escarpments, gorges of the Kyambura, crater lakes, rift valley lakes and the snow capped mountains of Rwenzori make the whole experience of Hot Air balloon safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park a must do activity if one can afford.
Contact a local tour operator for a tailor mad tour including hot air balloon safari experience of choose from the below sample itineraries and request for a quote.
The hot air balloon tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park are carried out by a company called Balloon Tours Uganda ltd that was licensed by Civil Aviation Authority to conduct Hot Air balloon safaris. The company is licensed to operate hot air balloon tours over Ugandan sky from Ugandan Civil Aviation as the designated authority for this activity. All other licenses (such as trading license, investment license, etc.) have been obtained. They boost to have launched the Ugandan first balloon flight in Queen Elizabeth was successfully on 16th November 2014.
With this company in place safety has been guaranteed due to over 10 years of operation and experience of their pilots. Contact Encounter Africa safaris for more about Hot Air balloon safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Benefits of Flying over Uganda’s Medley of Wonders
On your visit to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth national park,don’t forget an itinerary including the time to be adventurous, wild, free and responsible.This African safari dream comes true while enjoying the magnificent views of Uganda’s wild places with a hot air balloon ride operated by Balloon Tours Ltd, a newly cooperated and established Ugandan company since February 2014.
With a hot air balloon ride over Queen Elizabeth national park, tourists experience the wilderness of Uganda in a new safari style; you will find this highlight an only unique way to enjoy the wild beauty of Queen Elizabeth conservation area and her sorroundings.
Imagine waking up early to catch the sunrise, as you silently fly over the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the hot air balloon ride tourists admire the herds of buffaloes, elephants and enjoy the serene tranquility of the African bush…
Bush Breakfast is served amidst anatural open world of wonders.
On every safari to Uganda, you now have the opportunity to add an exciting hot air balloon ride to your safari. While in QENP, tourists take off early at dawn for a flight that lasts for approximately 1 hour of rising as the sun rises while floating in whatever direction the winds of the morning takes you. Hot air balloon ride with fly high above the trees and hills to enjoy the best of Uganda, with many great photo opportunities of the scenery and wildlife below.
The Program of Hot Air Balloon safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The hot Air Ballon tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park starts at 5:30am from Kasenyi gate where the clients, equipment including balloons as well as the crew are driven to the right starting spot of the day. At this point, the clients will be served with a cup of tea/ coffee as the crew assembles the balloon. This can only be done when proper tests of whether and wind have been done. Once the assembling is completed, guest will be briefed about the whole experience and then the flight.
The take off time is normally at 6:15am and the flight might also last from 45 minutes to one hour or so depending on the quantity of fuel available, the number of clients on board and the prevailing weather conditions of the day. Hot Air balloons are believed to fly to an altitude of up to 760 meters above allowing clients on board to have a clear view of wildlife, trees, lakes, rivers and other nature features in Queen Elizabeth National Park as earlier mentioned. Great photographic sceneries are enjoyed by clients on board.
After the experience, the clients and their pilots will land at about 7:15 am for a bush breakfast to spice up the experience of the day. The clients will be given certificates and transferred to their respective lodges for the relaxation as they prepare in engaging in other activities.
Details of your Whole day Hot Air Balloon tour Program:
Starting time is 05.30 am with hotel transfer to arrive at Kasenyi gate: Transfer of the passengers, balloon, pilot and ground crew to pick the right spot for takeoff. The locations are limited to designated sites where the disturbance to animals is kept to a minimum. After the necessary weather tests for wind direction and allocating the final take off place, guests are served tea, coffee and refreshments while the balloon is unloaded and assembled. Then cold inflation takes place followed by hot inflation. Guests will receive safety briefing before the flight.
06.15 am Takeoff: The flight will take place for approximately 1 hour. Flights can vary from 45 minutes up to 1.5 hours depending on the amount of fuel on bard, the passengers’ combined weight, the temperature of the air and when the pilot finds a suitable landing area. The balloon will fly at an altitude range anywhere from tree tops up to 2500 feet (760 metres) which allows guests unique panoramic views and great photographic opportunities of the scenery and wildlife below.
07.15 am Landing & Bush Breakfast: After landing as smooth as possible there will be a celebration with sparkling (non alcoholic) wine and a full English bush breakfast will be served. Every passenger will be honoured with a hot air balloon safari certificate as a souvenir of this adventure.
08.30 am Return to the lodge (with game drive en route).
Back on the ground after an incredible balloon flight
Hot Air Balloon tour Costs:
- The price of the hot air balloon experience is USD $380 per person.
- Children 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.
Frequently asked questions about Hot Air Balloon excursions (FAQ’s):
- No minimum passengers are required. The maximum capacity of the current balloon is 16 pax. Any smaller number will be sharing with other passengers.
- The minimum age is 6 years unless under parents responsibility.
- Flights are offered daily all year round, unless the weather does not permit.
- Hot air balloon passenger flights take place in winds less than 10 knots, with no rain or approaching storms in the immediate area. Flights also require a visibility of at least 4 km.
- Should weather conditions dictate that the balloon safari may not depart; a full refund will be issued. Alternatively, if passengers have another morning to experience the balloon safari they may opt to try it again the next day (subject to availability).
- The entire experience takes 3-4 hours. Passengers are expected to be back at their lodge around 09.00-10.00 am (depending on the length of the game drive).
- What to bring for the balloon ride: guests can only take a small day backpack, camera etc. Main luggage must be left at the lodge. No special clothing is required for hot air ballooning.
- The flight is not high enough for a change in temperature so plan to dress for the temperature of the day. Remember to bring your camera, binoculars, batteries and a protective bag.