Hot Air Balloon Safari Uganda

There is no better way to see the wild heart of Uganda than from above — floating silently over golden savannahs, winding rivers, and herds of elephants grazing below. A Hot Air Balloon Safari in Uganda is one of the most magical and exclusive adventures you can experience on the African continent. It offers a completely different perspective of the country’s rich landscapes and wildlife, painting an unforgettable picture of Uganda’s beauty as the sun rises over the horizon.

Where to Experience Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Uganda

Hot air ballooning is currently available in two of Uganda’s most iconic parks — Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park — both offering breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife sightings.

Murchison Falls National Park

This is Uganda’s most famous hot air balloon destination, managed in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Dream Balloons Uganda. The experience begins at dawn, when the mist still lingers over the Nile and the grasslands glow in soft gold. As the balloon lifts off, the landscape unfolds — the Nile River glitters below, stretching like a ribbon through the savannah, while herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes roam freely in the distance.

The flight lasts about an hour, drifting gracefully over the Buligi Game Tracks, where you can spot lions stalking the plains or hippos retreating into the river. The experience often ends with a champagne bush breakfast — a timeless safari tradition — served in the open wilderness.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hot air balloon safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer another magnificent perspective — this time over the Kasese plains and the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, buffaloes, and hippos gather. The Rwenzori Mountains, often shrouded in morning mist, form a dramatic backdrop as you drift above acacia woodlands and crater lakes. It’s quieter here, more intimate, and perfect for travelers seeking a serene and romantic safari experience.

The Experience: Floating Over the Wild

Your adventure begins early, usually before sunrise. Guests are transferred to the launch site where they watch the balloon being inflated — a spectacle in itself as flames fill the massive fabric and it begins to rise. The pilot gives a safety briefing before you step into the wicker basket, ready for takeoff.

As the balloon gently ascends, the world below grows smaller and the wilderness stretches endlessly in every direction. The feeling of weightless silence — broken only by the occasional burst of the burner — is pure magic. From above, the rhythm of nature unfolds effortlessly: antelopes in motion, elephants forming family lines, and the first rays of sunlight setting the savannah aglow.

Depending on the wind direction, every flight is unique. Some follow the Nile’s edge; others drift across palm-dotted plains or toward the edges of the park, revealing hidden beauty unreachable by vehicle.

When the flight ends, a ground team awaits to welcome you with a bush breakfast — freshly prepared food, champagne, and endless smiles. It’s the kind of morning that defines an African dream.

What You’ll See

A hot air balloon safari in Uganda gives you a bird’s-eye view of the country’s magnificent wildlife. Expect to see:

• Large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes grazing in the plains.

• Antelopes, warthogs, and waterbucks moving gracefully through the grasslands.

• Lions and hyenas sometimes spotted on early-morning hunts.

• The shimmering Nile River and its hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

• Endless landscapes of rolling savannahs, forests, and wetlands that seem to stretch to the horizon.

Every flight offers something different, depending on the season, time, and wind path.

When to Go

Hot air balloon safaris operate year-round, but the best conditions are during the dry seasons (December–February and June–August) when the skies are clear, the winds are calm, and visibility is perfect. Early morning flights are the most popular, but some operators also offer sunset flights, which paint the sky in glowing colors as wildlife settles for the evening.

Who Can Join

Hot air balloon safaris are suitable for most travelers over the age of six. It’s an excellent activity for honeymooners, photographers, and anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pregnant women and individuals with serious health conditions are advised to consult their doctor before flying.

What to Expect and How to Prepare

• Duration: About 45 minutes to 1 hour of flight time, followed by breakfast.

• Meeting time: Around 5:00–5:30 am for pre-flight briefing.

• Dress code: Comfortable layered clothing and closed shoes (the mornings can be chilly).

• Booking: Permits are arranged through licensed tour operators or directly with Dream Balloons Uganda. Prices range from USD 380–450 per person, depending on the park and package.

Where to Stay

In Murchison Falls National Park, stay at luxurious riverside lodges such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, or Nile Safari Lodge. Mid-range travelers will enjoy Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison, while budget guests can opt for Red Chilli Rest Camp.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the top choices include Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, and Kasenyi Safari Camp — each offering panoramic views and easy access to the launch site.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari

A Hot Air Balloon Safari in Uganda is more than an adventure; it’s an emotional journey that connects you with nature in its purest form. Watching the sunrise from above Africa’s untamed wilderness is an experience that words can hardly capture. It’s a celebration of freedom, silence, and wonder — a memory that stays long after you’ve returned to the ground.

If you ever dreamt of seeing Uganda’s wildlife from the sky, this is your moment — to float with the wind, chase the sunrise, and feel the spirit of Africa lift you higher than ever before.