3 Day Murchison Falls National Park Safari with Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ellington Safaris offers Hot Air Balloon Safaris over the Murchison Falls Park plains and at the Falls. The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site near Paraa safari lodge, and flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the yellow-green canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains and the rivers of Murchison Falls National Park. Even if you’ve flown elsewhere, this is a unique experience. The flight lasts an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography and filming. In the time honored tradition of balloon flights the world over, you toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land.

The hot air balloon can fly up to a height of 10,000 ft. above sea level however for visibility we are going to fly a maximum of 1000ft (about 330m) above ground level which provides visibility of the whole park and the Murchison falls. The rest of the flight will be at tree top level to see the different animals in the park.

Sunrise and Sunsets are beautiful views from a higher level, this gives the opportunity for guests to witness a breathtaking moment.

Bush breakfast for Sunrise package offers the uniqueness of having a continental breakfast offered by Para lodge professional chefs in the bush. The bush breakfast is secured with rangers provided by UWA.

All associated transport from the collection point and back are taken care off by special 4x4 Safari vehicles.

Despite using professional Pilots with 1000+ hours of experience, an additional Flight insurance is fully secured  covering passengers, third parties, and the balloon and pilot.

The company, Balloon, pilots and crew are fully Licensed by Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority under the strict  regulation of ICAW to operate Hot air balloons. We are also licensed by NEMA, and other general licensing and  governing bodies.

Passengers are awarded with a participating certificate and occasionally souvenirs from the company depending  on availability of stock.

We give you a range of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget, moderate to luxury.

Activities

Murchison Falls National Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Game Drive

Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls NP & Optional Stopover at the Top of the Falls or Evening Game Drive (depending on choosen accommodation)

Journey Time: 6 - 7 hours
Accommodation: Baker's Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison (Mid-range and Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Pick up time for the safari is set at 7 am and location is either around Kampala or Entebbe. The tour guide shall pick you up from your hotel and set off to travel to Murchison Falls. You will take the Kampala – Gulu road, a smooth tarmacked (paved) road and by around mid-day you will be in Masindi town. Stopover for lunch and thereafter continue the journey, and in less than an hour reach the southern entrance of the Murchison Falls park. Check in with the park staff and continue into the park driving on the dirt through the dense Budongo Forest. You will be welcomed by hundred of baboons lined along the road. However endeavor to keep the windows closed as the baboons will be attracted to snatch items from the car. For bird lovers, be on the lookout for some species. Wood doves hoover in front of the car, and the Saddle-billed Stork is a common sight along the road. Enjoy panoramic views across the thick forest. Depending on the accommodation you selected, you shall get to the ferry to cross over the Nile and transfer to your accommodation where you shall either spend the rest of the evening relaxing or do an evening game drive through the park.

Day 2

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Game Drive

Boat Cruise on River Nile

Waterfall Hike

Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Morning with or without Bush Breakfast, followed by a Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise on River Nile to the Bottom of the Falls & Hike to the Top of the Falls

Accommodation: Baker's Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury), Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison (Mid-range and Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You should be up by 5.00am, take a quick cup of coffee or tea with a snack to warm your tummy and set out for a safari experience of quite a different nature. Today morning, you have the chance to explore the park from high up in the air as we are going on an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Safari, flying above the national park, observe herds of elephants and giraffes walking across the savannah below us. We might even spot a pride of lions resting in the grass after their night’s hunt or cross River Nile which seems so tiny from up here. Back down on the ground, we have the opportunity to enjoy a nicely prepared bush breakfast, followed by a game drive through the park. Murchison Falls National Park is divided by River Nile into the south and northern region. The northern part that is largely covered by savannah and woodland support a lot more volume and variety of animals compared to the southern region which is mainly covered by forest. Therefore the game drives are done in the northern area of Murchison Falls. The early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Leopard and Jackal, as they are still out actively hunting in the moring hours. Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert delta where big game such as the Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, and many Antelopes are seen. Enjoy the beautiful savannah landscape that is immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery. The game drive will last for approximately 3 hours, and you have the choice of having a packed breakfast on the game drive or return to the lodge for breakfast. Back at the lodge there is some time to relax. After lunch set out for a 2 hour Launch Cruise (boat safari) on River Nile which sets off at Paraa, going upstream to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Boat ride offers an array of wildlife sightings - crocodile, hippos, and lizards are a common sight throughout the cruise. Big game such buffaloes, elephants and antelopes can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks and with a little luck, you might even spot a leopard resting in a tree close by the water. Reaching the bottom of the Murchison Falls, leave the boat and set out for a 45 minute hike rocks adjacent the Murchison falls and thereby accessing great views of the falls at different spots along the trail. Once reached the top you will find the tour guide waiting to drive you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Leisure Time

Relax in the Morning & Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kampala/Entebbe

Journey Time: 6 - 7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed or at the Lodge)

After breakfast, check out and leave Murchison Falls National Park for Kampala/Entebbe. Your tour guide shall drop you off at your hotel to mark the end of the ultimate 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari.

General Tips:

OPTIONAL: BIG 5 SAFARI: If you want to do a Big 5 Safari, request for a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a memorable Rhino Trekking on foot(!) on your way to the park or when returning to Kampala.

What to bring:

Walking boots for the Waterfall Hike.
Sunscreen is recommended.
Insect repellant is advisable.
Binoculars for the balloon flight are very useful.