Rwanda Launches Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Akagera National Park
Rwanda, long celebrated for its gorilla trekking and lush volcanic landscapes, has just taken its safari experience to new heights—literally. In an exciting development for African tourism, hot air balloon rides are now available in Akagera National Park, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness Rwanda’s scenic savannas and wildlife from the sky.
This new activity marks a bold step in Rwanda’s journey to diversify its tourism offerings and cement its position as a top-tier destination for nature, wildlife, and adventure lovers.
About Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the country’s only savanna park and home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Akagera has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade.
With a mix of open plains, woodland, swamps, and lakes, it’s one of East Africa’s most scenic and ecologically diverse parks. The addition of hot air balloon safaris complements the park’s already strong portfolio of activities: game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, night drives, birdwatching, and community tourism.
Introducing Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Launched by Royal Balloon Rwanda
The balloon safari experience is operated by Royal Balloon Rwanda, a division of the globally recognized Royal Balloon company from Cappadocia, Turkey. This partnership with RDB and African Parks ensures the activity meets the highest safety and hospitality standards.
Where It Operates
Balloon rides operate in the southern sector of Akagera National Park, which is known for its rich concentration of wildlife and gently rolling terrain—perfect for aerial viewing.
What to Expect on Your Balloon Safari
Early Morning Departure
Your adventure begins before sunrise, usually around 5:00 AM. Guests gather at the launch site where they watch the crew prepare the balloon—a captivating spectacle in itself. As the sun begins to rise, the balloon lifts gently into the sky.
Aerial Game Viewing
From your elevated vantage point, you’ll float silently above the plains. Look down on herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and even lions or rhinos as they move through the bush. The peaceful experience offers a rare perspective on wildlife behavior and the park’s expansive beauty.
Flight Duration
The flight typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on wind conditions. Balloons fly at low altitudes to allow excellent wildlife viewing without disturbing the animals.
Landing & Champagne Bush Breakfast
Upon landing, passengers are treated to a traditional champagne toast and bush breakfast, a nod to the classic safari ballooning tradition originating in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on a remarkable journey.
Pricing and Booking Information
- Price Range: $250 – $300 per person (subject to exchange rates and availability)
- Group Size: Baskets typically accommodate 4 to 6 passengers
- Booking:
- Directly through Royal Balloon Rwanda
- Via tour operators and safari lodges like Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Camp, or Wilderness Safaris
Advanced booking is highly recommended due to limited daily capacity and high demand during peak seasons.
Why You Should Add This to Your Rwanda Safari
Hot air ballooning over Akagera adds a new dimension to the traditional safari. Unlike a game drive, you’ll observe wildlife without engine noise or bumpy roads. It’s perfect for photographers, honeymooners, luxury travelers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, panoramic experience.
Other benefits:
- Eco-friendly and non-invasive wildlife viewing
- Accessible to all ages (some restrictions apply for young children and health conditions)
- Combines seamlessly with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or cultural tours in Kigali
Best Time to Fly
Hot air balloon safaris operate year-round, but the dry seasons—from June to September and December to February—offer the best flying conditions with clear skies, less wind, and improved visibility for game spotting.
Traveler Tips
- Dress in layers: Mornings can be chilly but warm up quickly
- Bring a camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens
- Use the restroom before departure—there are no breaks mid-air
- Arrive on time—balloon launches depend on sunrise and weather precision
- Listen to safety briefings provided by your pilot
How to Get There
Akagera is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kigali on well-maintained roads. Most balloon safaris depart from lodges in the park’s southern section, so plan to stay overnight at a nearby camp or lodge for early departure.
You can combine your Akagera trip with other Rwanda highlights like:
- Volcanoes National Park – gorilla trekking
- Nyungwe Forest – chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks
- Kigali – cultural city tours and genocide memorial visits
See Rwanda from a New Perspective
With the launch of hot air balloon rides in Akagera National Park, Rwanda has joined the ranks of world-class safari destinations offering aerial wildlife experiences. This adventure is more than just a ride—it’s an immersion into Africa’s wild beauty, elevated.
If you have already walked through Rwanda’s forests in search of gorillas, now is the time to float silently above her savannas. From sunrise takeoff to the champagne breakfast on landing, Akagera’s balloon safari is a travel moment you’ll never forget.
