Murchison Falls Balloon Safaris

Enjoy the serene beauty of Murchison Falls at sunrise. Glide over the Nile, spot elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife from the sky, and capture unforgettable moments with your camera.

3,840
Square Kilometers
76
Mammal Species
450+
Bird Species
Nov-May
Flight Season

Explore Murchison Falls National Park

Park Overview
Wildlife
The Falls
Flight Experience
Gallery
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Park Overview

Discover Uganda's largest protected area and the mighty Nile's most spectacular waterfall

Murchison Falls National Park landscape

The Power of the Nile

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest protected area, spanning approximately 3,840 square kilometers in northwestern Uganda. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which races westward through the park for 115 kilometers before plunging 43 meters over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls - the centerpiece of the park.

From your hot air balloon, you'll witness the Nile's incredible journey as it forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous roar and permanent rainbow in the crashing spray. The park's diverse habitats include savanna, woodland, riverine forest, and borassus palm forest, supporting an incredible array of wildlife including four of the Big Five.

Northwestern Uganda
3,840 sq km park area
Nov-May flights
Up to 12 passengers
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Wildlife & Biodiversity

Home to an incredible array of African wildlife including four of the Big Five

African Elephants

African Elephants

Large herds of elephants roam the park's savannas, particularly in the Buligi area. From your balloon, watch these gentle giants as they move through the grasslands and gather at water sources.

Rothschild Giraffes

Rothschild Giraffes

Murchison Falls hosts Uganda's largest population of Rothschild giraffes, an endangered subspecies. These elegant creatures can often be seen feeding on acacia trees from your aerial vantage point.

Lions

Lions

The park supports healthy populations of lions, particularly in the northern sectors. From above, you might spot these majestic predators resting or hunting in the savanna grasslands.

Hippos

Hippopotamus

The Nile River hosts massive pods of hippos, particularly in the calm waters below the falls. From your balloon, watch these aquatic giants as they surface and interact in their river habitats.

The park is also home to leopards, buffalo, chimpanzees, Nile crocodiles, and over 450 species of birds including the rare shoebill stork.

Murchison Falls

Witness the world's most powerful waterfall from a breathtaking aerial perspective

43m
Waterfall Height
7m
Gorge Width
300m³/s
Average Flow Rate

Murchison Falls is the centerpiece of the park, where the entire Victoria Nile River forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gap in the Rift Valley escarpment before plunging 43 meters into the "Devil's Cauldron" below. The resulting thunderous roar and permanent rainbow create one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders.

From your hot air balloon, you'll experience this incredible natural phenomenon from a unique aerial perspective, watching as the world's longest river transforms into one of its most powerful waterfalls.

Balloon Safari Experience

What to expect on your hot air balloon adventure over Murchison Falls National Park

5:00 AM - Pre-Dawn Preparation

Our team collects you from your lodge in the cool, pre-dawn darkness. Enjoy a hot beverage and light snack as we transport you to the launch site near the Nile River.

5:45 AM - Arrival & Safety Briefing

Arrive at the launch site as dawn begins to break over the Nile. Meet your experienced pilot and receive a comprehensive safety briefing before your flight.

6:15 AM - Balloon Inflation

Watch in awe as our crew prepares the balloon for flight. The inflation process is a spectacle in itself, with the massive balloon gradually taking shape against the morning sky.

6:30 AM - Takeoff & Wildlife Viewing

As the sun rises over the savanna, you'll gently lift off and begin your approximately one-hour flight. Glide silently over herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope, with spectacular views of the Nile River.

7:30 AM - Falls Overflight & Landing

Experience the highlight of your flight as you approach Murchison Falls from above. Witness the incredible power of the Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge before your pilot finds a suitable landing spot.

7:45 AM - Celebration & Bush Breakfast

After landing, participate in the traditional champagne celebration and receive your flight certificate. Then enjoy a full gourmet breakfast served with stunning views of the park.

Best Time to Visit

Murchison Falls National Park offers incredible ballooning experiences during the dry seasons

Peak Dry Season
December - February

Optimal wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Nile and other water sources. Clear skies and excellent photographic conditions with minimal rainfall.

Late Dry Season
March - May

Lush landscapes with dramatic cloud formations. Excellent bird watching with migratory species present. Balloon flights operate weather permitting.

Note: Balloon flights are only available from November to May when weather conditions are most favorable. The park experiences heavy rainfall from June to October, making balloon operations unsafe during this period.

Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?

Choose your preferred flight time and package. Book online or contact our team for custom packages for families, groups, or private events. [Book Your Murchison Flight Now].

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