Uganda Hot Air Ballooning

Taking a balloon trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Guests are woken before dawn in time to dress warmly before transferring to the launch site. As the sky begins to show pale streaks of light, guests are served tea and coffee whilst the balloon, billowing and swelling, until fully inflated, hovers over the passenger basket, which is securely tethered to the ground.

Once all guests are on board, the pilot opens the burners to their full strength, the guy ropes are released and with a roar of gas flame, the balloon slowly rises into the air.

At a certain altitude the burners are shut down - allowing the Hot Air Balloon to float silently over the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park. Buffalo and giraffe stir in the early dawn and sometimes hyena, lion and even cheetah are seen. Following the wind’s path, the balloon wends its way over the park. After about forty-five minutes, the pilot begins to lower the balloon in preparation for landing. As the balloon glides earthwards, the pilot releases air by means of vents and the balloon begins to deflate. As the balloon settles - touch down in a flat open area, the basket slides along the ground behind the balloon, finally halting as the last of the air leaves the balloon.

Support vehicles that follow the balloon’s progress arrive at the scene, bringing with them the wherewithal to celebrate the flight. A perfect end to a wonderful adventure.