Choosing a hot Air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National park provides an amazing view of Uganda’s largest National Park. Murchison Falls National Park has an area of about 3893 square kilometers but is part of the larger protected area called Murchison Falls Protected area covering 5072 square Kilometers.
By choosing the hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls National Park you may get the chance to see the dramatic 80 kilometers white water rapids that end in Murchison Falls from which the park gets its name. Murchison Falls is the centerpiece of Murchison Falls national park
A variety of wild animals find comfort in Murchison Falls National Park including hartebeests, lions, leopards, waterbucks, Oribi, giraffes, cape buffaloes, elephants and more. More than 450 bird species have been confirmed as residents of Murchison Falls National park.
On ground game drives are open and the most commonly used in Murchison falls National Park but hot air balloon adventure is open too now. From a more elevated point, you can spot a wide range of park inhabitants, escarpments, rivers, swamps and more.
How To Book A Hot Air Balloon Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Select the day you wish to do the hot air balloon adventure in Murchison Falls National Park and the number of people travelling with.
Reserve accommodation to use while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Book transport to use inclusive of a driver guide, fuel, vehicle hire and more to use while on this Uganda safari. Having a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended because of the nature of the terrain around Murchison Falls National Park.
Note that the hot air balloon safari has a limited capacity so in case of big group, some may be left behind or more than one shift will be booked.
Brief Details About Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located on the Northern End of the Albertine rift valley. The park is the largest wildlife conservation area covering about 3893 square kilometers of land and water. Murchison Falls where the park gets its name is formed when river Nile stumbles upon a bed of underlying rocks forming rapids that cover over 80 kilometers then squeezes through 6 meters wide gorge.
River Nile which is the longest River in the world runs through Murchison Falls National Park and is referred to as the life blood of the park where several wild animals can pick something to eat or drink.
During the exploration period and in pursuit for the source of River Nile, Sir Samuel Baker discovered Murchison falls and referred to it as the most important point of the entire course of River Nile. At the Murchison Falls, water bursts through the narrow bend to flow down the 43 meter high cliff into the plunge pool before proceeding with the course.
There are chances of witnessing a rainbow form right before your eyes especially on a clear day during the launch trip to Murchison Falls.
More than 76 mammal species have been registered as residents of Murchison Falls National Park, over 450 bird species, chimpanzees and other primates are residents of Kaniyo Pabidi forest in the Park and more.
When Is The Best Time To Do A Hot Air Balloon Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
The dry season when temperatures are high with less chances of it raining is most preferred time to do a hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park. Most of the animals in Murchison Falls National Park live in the plain lands which are mainly grassland so during the dry season the grass is lower permitting better visibility of inhabitants.
From an aerial view while on hot air balloon, you capture amazing photos of meandering river Nile where it squeezes through the narrow bend to vigorously burst out and form a cloudy appearance. River Nile later cascades the 43 meters high cliff into a plunge pool on the floor of the rift valley and carry on with the course.
The dry season in Murchison Falls National park is normally expected in June to September and December to January.
The wet season for a hot air balloon safari booking is likely to be cancelled as this depends on weather conditions prevailing in the day. Around Murchison Falls National park, the wet season is normally March to May and Late October through November.
What To Expect On Hot Air Balloon Uganda Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Expect to get into a basket propelled by air with a limited number of tourists and a ranger guide or operator. There are hot air balloon safari guidelines expected to be followed by tourists on board and details of these are communicated by the ranger guide at briefing.
From the comfort of the hot air balloon basket, you get to enjoy the different park inhabitants, physical features, various vegetation zones, rivers, lakes, aerial view of Murchison Falls and more.
No toilet breaks when the hot air balloon is up as this provision is not available so plan in advance for the time you may spend in the air.
In case snacks are not part of the package you have paid for when on the hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls, carry some light snacks to munch on when hungry so as to enjoy every safari moment.
How Long Is The Hot Air Balloon Adventure In Murchison Falls National Park
From the starting point the hot air balloon safari in adventure in Murchison Falls national park may take about one hour or more. The prevailing weather conditions of the day contribute a great deal to time to take on the hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls Nation Park as heavy winds or down pour may force a sudden landing.
On a clear day, tourists are comfortable in the hot air balloon basket and it moves according to plan. Do carry a pair of binoculars to assist you capture clearer views of the features in and around the park.
Adhere to the guidelines of the hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park to enjoy the best of this game viewing adventure.
How Safe Is The Hot Air Balloon Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
The hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls national Park are safe as they are operated by professional instructors in conjunction with a team of well trained ranger guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
All participants are expected to attend compulsory briefing before the hot air balloon adventure where communication on how to behave is explained in detail. Tourists afraid of heights are encouraged to travel with something to comfort them and avoid a position that can trigger you to move un necessarily.
There is an age limit to tourists who can participate in hot air balloon safari in Murchison falls national park to protect children that may get frightened while up in space.
Use a vehicle to get to and back to your lodge during the hot air balloon safari in Murchison Fall National Park as you may encounter some predators along the way.
Avoid touch equipment in the basket while on hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park especially that can get you into trouble.
What To Pack For Hot Air Balloon Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Note that most of the hot air balloon safaris in Uganda are done in the hot season so put this into consideration when packing.
Comfortable safari attire that including shorts and safari shirt
Safari hat
Insect repellant
A pair of binoculars
Light water bottle
Snacks
Changing safari attire
Camera with a good lens
Toiletries
Back pack
Extra cash
Sun screen
Warmers
Extra fully charged butteries
How Much Is The Cost Of Hot Air Balloon Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
The cost of hot air balloon safari in Murchison Falls national park varies with package you choose as each has different inclusions and exclusions. Do not forget the cost of park entrance fees per person which is between $40 to $45 per person per 24 hours.
The entire Uganda safari package also include accommodation, transport costs and other related expenses. These Uganda safari costs have to be considered when making the full safari cost.
Include extra cash to use when on Uganda safari especially for miscellaneous expenses.
What Accommodation To Use On Uganda Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park has a variety of accommodation ranging from Luxury, mid-range to basic. When booking accommodation to use while on safari in Uganda, you need to note the inclusions and exclusions of the cost package.
Some of the accommodations in Murchison Falls National park include Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile safari Lodge, Sambiya Lodge, Red Chillis Camp, Murchison River Lodge
Follow guidelines while on your stay at any of the lodges in Murchison Falls National Park try not to step outside your lodge without an escorting guard or ranger.
How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park
By Road
From Entebbe or Kampala, the distance to drive to Murchison Falls National Park is about 305 kilometers travel time 5 hours.
When travelling from Budongo forest the distance to cover is about 135 kilometers into Murchison Falls National Park.
The distance from Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park is about 85 kilometers
By Air
Daily scheduled domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip to Bugungu or Pakuba. The flight time to take in Murchison Fall National Park is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Charter flight arrangements can be organized but advance booking is required.
What More To Do On A Uganda Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park
From the main gate in Murchison Falls National Park called Kicubanyombo Gate, Kaniyo Pabidi forest is 8 kilometers away. A chimpanzee trekking adventure is open with two sessions morning and afternoon.
Along the way, tourists get to spot other primates that live in the forest including black and white colobus, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons and more.
A number of forest birds have been registered as residents of Kaniyo pabidi forest.
Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
More than 450 bird species have been recoded as resident of Murchison Falls National Park. Some of the resident birds of Murchison Falls National Park include kingfisher, saddle billed stalk and more. While on a launch cruise towards Murchison Falls National Park, you spot huge colony of cliff-nesting red throated bee eaters.
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Get on the road and drive on the tracks within Murchison Falls National Park in search of several wild animals. The Buligi track gets you to some of the most interesting spots where you can get the chance to witness lions in action as they sneak to prey on Uganda Kobs that spend the day in these plain lands.
Launch trip to Murchison Falls National Park
The highlight of safari activities in Murchison Falls National Park is taking a launch cruise along River Nile to the mighty Murchison Falls. Along the way, you get to spot a variety of wild animals that grace the riverine to feed on the freebies in the marshes or cool off the day’s heat.
Finally, when Murchison Falls comes into view, you feel the electrifying energy surrounding it and hear its roar even from over 1 kilometer away from its vicinity.
Hike to the top of the Falls
Watch the genesis of the Murchison falls drama as river Nile water squeezes through the narrow bend to later flow out, then down the high cliff. It is believed that the last river Nile energy is drained at this point and you can feel its power.
Sports fishing in Murchison Falls National Park
Anglers can catch some invasive fish species in River Nile while on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls national Park. You need to secure a fishing permit from Uganda wildlife Authority and carry a fishing rod too.
Some of the fish species you may catch while on fishing trip in Murchison falls include Nile perch, tilapia, Mud fish, Lung Fish and more.