Hot Air Balloon in Akagera National Park

Hot air balloon in Akagera National Park: The first ever hot air balloon safaris in Rwanda have been launched in Akagera National Park- the country’s only savanna and big 5 African game safari destination. The hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park were launched by Royal Balloon Rwanda that brings with over 10 years’ hot air balloon experience from Turkey.

Introduction of hot air balloon in Akagera National Park comes after partnership between Akagera Management Company and Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This is the first of its kind experience tourists on Rwanda safaris should expect to be part.

The Royal balloon Rwanda operates 2 hot air balloons with capacity of 4-6pax. The hot air balloon experiences are operated at altitude of 100-1000m over the spectacular savanna landscape offering nature lovers a mesmerizing aerial view of big five game- rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants.

Royal balloon has been in the tourism industry for over 30 years and introducing hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park means, they come with a bucketful of sustainable tourism strategies and experience. This in the long run will help support wildlife conservation efforts and contribute significantly in Rwanda’s tourism sector.

How much is hot air balloon experience in Rwanda/Akagera National Park

Hot air balloon experience in Akagera National Park costs USD250 for citizens and East African Community citizens. Foreign residents- diplomats inclusive pay USD350 and foreign non-residents pay USD450.

Who is eligible for a hot air balloon in Rwanda?

To be part of Rwanda hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park, you should be within the age brackets. Children of 6-12 years can be part of Akagera National Park hot air balloon safari and they will be charged half price.

How long does hot air balloon take?

Hot air balloon flights take from 45 minutes to 1 hour. But, this will depend on the weather conditions and upon landing, you will have a champagne and flight certificate signed by the professional pilot. Royal balloon Rwanda operates part of the 30-year-old tourism group and also has several hotels in Turkey plus hot air balloon services offered in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the largest Central African safari park located in the Eastern part of Rwanda, 2 and half hours’ drive from Kigali. Akagera is low lying protected with spectacular savanna, wetland, woodland and dozens of scenic lakes. It was created in 1934 making it one of the oldest Africa’s parks and sits on extensive area of about 1122sq.kms.

Akagera is one of the Africa’s most sought for big game safari destinations and it is the only savanna park in Rwanda. Akagera N/Park boasts of its abundant wildlife species including elephants, rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, bushbucks, roan antelopes, oribis, impalas, leopards, giraffes.

Other interesting wildlife in Akagera include klipspringer, cape elands, lions, hyenas, topis, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles, primates such as vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, bush babies and more.

Additionally, there are over 500 bird species thriving within the various habitats and they include African open bill stork, papyrus gonoleks, shoebill storks, squacco herons, Senegal lapwings, giant kingfishers, African darter, water thick knee, African wattled plovers and others.

Safari activities to enjoy at Akagera National Park besides the currently introduced hot air balloon experiences include guided game drives to see lots of predators and other savanna wildlife, birding to sight both terrestrial and aquatic birdlife; boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing, helicopter tours and cultural visit.

Where to stay- luxury safari lodges in Akagera include Magashi Tented Lodge/Ruzizi Tented Camp; midrange lodges include Akagera Game Lodge and budget options- Karenge Bush Camp (seasonal camp) or book Dereva Hotel.