Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, provides lifetime safari experiences to all visitors. This Rwanda safari activity allows aerial views of the entire national park and its specific attractions. Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park was officially launched in January 2022 and has since gained attention from numerous visitors who make it to Akagera National Park. Akagera Park safaris is Rwanda’s home of the Big Five game, and no one would wish to miss this experience.
Those who take a hot air balloon safari in this savannah grassland park have an exceptional opportunity to see elephants, buffalo, Maasai giraffes, hippopotamus, lions, zebras, leopards, waterbucks, rhinos, and other wildlife from the air. Views of expansive savannah vegetation landscapes, woodlands, wetlands, streams, and lakes are also available to tourists.
Additionally, visitors can catch a glimpse of eagles, Senegal lapwings, and African wattle plover, among other high-flying birds. While in the hot air balloon, you can also see a diverse range of over 500 other bird species.
Where is the Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park carried out?
In the southern part of Akagera National Park is where the enchanting hot air balloon commences from. The southern part of Akagera National Park still, is where the park entrance is situated when coming from Kigali. Therefore, navigation to the respective offices is easier. The actual place where the activity commences is Kayitaba, and it is a distance of about 5 minutes from the park’s entrance.
The Akagera National Park Hot Air Balloon Safari’s start and end times.
Hot Air balloon safari in Akagera National Park starts as early as 5:00 am. This is especially for visitors who desire to have a view of nocturnal animals as they roam in the national park. After 7:00 am, which is the official opening time of the national park, the other shifts begin. The balloon soars to heights of 100 to 1,000 metres above Earth.
A hot air balloon safari typically lasts 45 minutes at least. Still, the trip may take more than two or three hours. After a balloon ride, guests can enjoy a satisfying Rwanda safari drive across the plains of Kilala until they reach the national park’s exit, where a road returns to Kigali city tours.
Booking a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park.
The activity is carried out only once each day. This means that prospective tourists have to make bookings to avoid any difficulties. Additionally, there are only 10 slots for grabs on the flight daily, and the minimum required number for the flight to kick start is 2 people.
Age requirements and eligibility.
Age is an important requirement for most of the tourist activities, and as such, the Akagera hot air balloon safari activity has a special age requirement too. The minimum age required is 6 years old.
The best time to do a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park.
The hot air balloon safari in Rwanda can be done year-round, just like any other Akagera park safari. Rain can, however, cause delays in the activities and impair visibility in some areas while flying over the national park, so visitors should be advised of this. Therefore, a recommendation is made to engage in the activity between July – September or December – February.
Cost of participating in a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park.
Rwandan and East African nationals pay $250, Rwanda foreign residents pay $350, while foreign non-residents pay $450 per person.
What to Expect
The hot air balloon safari at Akagera National Park offers an unforgettable method of viewing Rwanda’s only Big Five safari experience. The experience begins just before sunrise when the sky explodes in soft oranges and golds. Guests are collected from their lodges early and transported to the departure site inside the national park.
Upon arrival, guests can witness the balloon being inflated and rising in a spectacle as the massive balloon morphs and the crew celebrates the seasonal shifts with the inevitable roars and changes of the balloon’s canopy catching the wind. Once the balloon is airborne, guests will gently float above the savannah plains, sparkling lakes and acacia woodlands, with elevated views of elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, and antelopes disappearing into the distance behind trees, acacia woodlands and a horizon that extends into the distance.
The flight lasts approximately one hour, depending on the wind. Once the balloon lands, guests are treated to a champagne breakfast in the bush, which is a traditional way to celebrate an extraordinary event.
What to Bring:
- A light jacket or sweater (it’s cool in the early morning).
- Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing suitable for safari.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- A camera or binoculars for wildlife photography.
- Closed shoes (avoid sandals).
Dress Code and Preparation Tips
Temperatures at Akagera can be cool before sunup and warm after you take off. Be sure to dress in layers, so you remain comfortable. Avoid bright or shiny colours, as they stand out to wildlife. Bring a very limited amount of luggage, because large bags are not permitted in the balloon basket.
You may drink a little water prior, but not too much, as balloon flights can last as long as 1 hour. There may be some limited movement during the flight. Most importantly, be on time for your provided pickup, as Rwanda balloon flights are generally dependent upon early morning wind.
Safety Guidelines and Pilot Briefings
Before you fly, all guests receive a complete and thorough safety briefing by a certified and experienced pilot. The pilots explain the check-in procedures at an experience location, the take-off and landing position for guests, and how to safely enter and exit the basket, as well as a review of the emergency procedures.
All Rwanda hot air balloons in Akagera are operated under strict regulations from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, and all hot air balloons are maintained at an international safety standard. To ensure the safety of all passengers, children potentially under 6 years or under a certain height, based on the discretion of the pilot, may not be permitted.
Passengers must follow the instructions of the crew at all times. The pilots are fully trained and have years of experience flying in Rwanda, and the unique weather patterns and circumstances.
Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera
A hot air balloon safari over Akagera National Park is far more than a ride; it’s an experience of sublime peace and awe. As the sun rises, the African wilderness awakens below you, while you silently drift above the herds of elephants and antelope grazing or still sleeping nearby, the hippos wallowing in the lakes, and enjoy the stunningly beautiful rolling plains of Rwanda as far as the eye can see.
In contrast to a game drive, with only ground-level views, a balloon safari offers you a panoramic view of the park’s spectacular scenery.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism
In Akagera, hot air balloon safaris fit in seamlessly with Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable tourism. The hot air balloons are fueled by propane gas, which combusts quite cleanly, which helps to reduce the overall environmental impact. Operators are working with Akagera Management Company and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to foster conservation, employ local communities, and support anti-poaching efforts.
A hot air balloon safari provides great opportunities to enjoy eco-tourism and to support Rwanda’s sustainability benefits for its precious natural resources.
Exclusive and Luxury Experience
Hot air balloon safaris can be one of the more exclusive safari activities in Rwanda. Each flight takes a limited number of guests, providing a prior and tailored experience. And the post-moment champagne breakfast is a nice gourmet complement, often in locations significantly overlooking sheep or Lake Ihema.
Many travellers plan a hot air balloon safari with a stay at a luxury lodge for an overall high-end wilderness experience.
Comparison with Other Safari Activities
Although game drives and boat safaris allow you to be close to wildlife, a balloon safari is a completely different perspective, gliding silently over the plains with the animals below. This is a great opportunity for photographers and a tranquil way to take in Akagera’s diverse ecosystems.
Alternatively, you can combine both balloon and ground activities, ensuring your Akagera safari experience is unforgettable.
Other Activities to Combine with Your Balloon Safari
1. Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Experience Akagera’s picturesque savannahs and woodlands during a morning or evening game drive. You’ll have chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and more. Game drives are offered year-round and are always memorable for photo opportunities.
2. Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Consider a boat safari on Lake Ihema and watch for hippos and crocodiles while enjoying the company of countless birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Sunset boat rides are a perfect, tranquil way to finish off your day in the park.
3. Birdwatching and Nature Walks
With more than 500 species of birds, Akagera Safaris is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Choose a guided Rwanda nature walk and experience the park on foot, where you will observe plants and insects, and discover smaller wildlife
Accommodation Options Near Akagera
- Uzizi Tented Lodge: Eco-luxury lodge located on the edge of Lake Ihema.
- Magashi Camp: Luxury tented camp with lake views from the sweeping panorama.
- Karenge Bush Camp: A temporary camp with an intimate wilderness experience.
When you stay at luxury lodges such as Magashi, you’re treated to better amenities, gourmet meals, and private decks to watch wild animals. There are also moderate lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge, which provide comfortable accommodation with great access to the park at an affordable price.
Getting to Akagera from Kigali
Akagera National Park is located approximately 120 kilometres (2.5–3 hours) to the east of Kigali City in Rwanda. You can choose to either drive yourself to the park or you can arrange transport through a tour operator. The best entrance to Akagera National Park is through the South Gate at Kayonza.
Conclusion
A hot air balloon safari in Akagera National Park is much more than a beautiful flight, but rather a close experience of the Rwanda wilderness. You will have time to enjoy herds of wildlife from above, and have breakfast in the bush, alongside a day that is full of dazzling magic and quiet peacefulness.
A hot air balloon safari in Akagera National Park is a unique combination of luxury, adventure, and sustainability that allows you to witness the breadth of Rwandan safari travel. It will offer you the chance to see the planet from unique views, where the only sound you can hear is the sound of the wind rushing over the African savannah.
