Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park: Royal Balloon is located in the heart of Akagera National Park, one of East Africa’s most diverse and fascinating landscapes. It is known for its widespread savannahs, gleaming lakes, and rich biodiversity, Akagera is a conservation success story and a rising gem in Rwanda’s eco-tourism. The park is home to the famous “Big Five” — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo; – alongside many of the bird species and other wildlife that thrive in its restored ecosystem.
Hot Air Balloon Rides over Akagera National Park are one of the most magical ways to discover and explore the beauty of Rwanda’s savannah. While you are peacefully drifting above the open plains, lakes, and lush hills, you will witness wildlife in their natural habitat and feel the tranquillity of nature surrounding you.
From above, the natural beauty of Akagera national park discloses itself in a breathtaking view, an unforgettable journey that only a hot air balloon flight can provide. As part of Rwanda’s growing tourism petition, Royal Balloon – Rwanda offers a unique way to witness the country’s wildlife, wetlands, and rolling hills in accord.
As the only hot air balloon company operating in Rwanda, Royal Balloon – Rwanda proudly offers a one-of-a-kind outlook of this breathtaking national park; an experience truly unparalleled in the region.
Royal balloons – Rwanda are built by renowned European manufacturers, ensuring the highest safety and quality standards. Flown by licensed and experienced pilots, each flight is a Royal experience.
Balloon Flights over Akagera are becoming more and more popular each year, thanks to ideal flying conditions and the rare opportunity to observe Africa’s “Big Five” and other iconic wildlife from the sky – a perspective unlike any other.
What To See During Your Hot Air Balloon Safari in Rwanda
Hot air balloon in Rwanda usually takes place over Akagera national park, Rwanda’s only savanna-covered landscape. From altitudes between 100m and 1,000m u, you can expect to see a diverse mix of wildlife, shining water bodies, and expansive terrestrial features
Wildlife- the big five
Akagera national park is home to the Big Five which are Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino and a hot air balloon safari gives you a chance to spot them from above as they roam the savannas and woodlands.
From above, it is possible to see large mammals like lions, buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes, as well as smaller animals like warthogs and monkeys. The park’s birdlife is also impressive, with iconic species like the African Fish Eagle, Shoebill Stork, and Saddle-billed Stork often visible from above. Other animals like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and warthogs are commonly sighted from above.
Lake Ihema and Other Scenic Lakes
During your flight, you can also spot Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake, that is truly stunning with blue waters glimmering in the sunlight, enclosed by green wetlands and rolling hills.
You may also spot smaller lakes and wetlands dotting the park’s landscape, home to countless birds and aquatic life. The contrast of water and savanna from above creates dramatic scenery perfect for photography.
The aerial perspective highlights Akagera’s many papyrus swamps, which are among the largest protected wetlands in East Africa. These wetlands are critical habitats for aquatic species and migratory birds.
Hills, Valleys, and Savannas
Akagera’s landscape is a medley of rolling hills, wooded savannas, valleys, and wetlands. From above, you can appreciate the park’s geographic diversity, with its rising ridges and open plains stretching as far as the eye can see.
The sunrise or sunset light adds depth and colour to the landscape, casting long shadows and turning the savanna golden.
Birdlife from Above
Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 500 bird species. From the hot air balloon flight, you may spot the African fish eagles soaring near lakes, Marabou storks savaging the swamps around and pelicans flying in formation. Colourful species like kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hornbills landing in the trees. The elevated view gives you a unique perspective on bird movements and nesting sites.
Sunrise or Sunset Views
Most hot air balloon safaris take off at dawn or dusk, which is the best time for wildlife activity and photography. The varying colours of the sky from soft yellow to deep oranges combined with the park’s scenery create a magical atmosphere that makes the experience unforgettable
What to Expect During a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Rwanda
Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera often begin early in the morning, allowing visitor to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the sunrise. Guests are picked up from their lodges and driven to the launching site, to watch the balloon being inflated, this process is fascinating in itself.
Once all the guests have boarded, the balloon gently lifts off, guided by an experienced and licensed hot air balloon pilot. The ride lasts about an hour, during which passengers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Akagera national park from a bird’s-eye view. The activity ends with a traditional post-flight celebration, which usually includes refreshments and a toast to the adventure with a glass of champagne.
Evening flights are also an option, providing a chance to witness the park submerged in the warm light of the setting sun. Both morning and evening flights offer equally spectacular views and plenty opportunities for photography.
Tourism Activities to do in the Akagera national park in Rwanda
Game drives
Guided game drives offer mostly big 5 game viewing experiences, with a higher chance to see other varied animals. Akagera is a vast savanna destination, and embarking on a guided game drive gets you exposed to a variety of mammal species. The possible wildlife sightings on the Akagera game drive include the Maasai giraffes, cape buffaloes, lions, elephants, waterbucks, rhinos, leopards, hippos and many others.
Bird-watching
Bird watching is a must on the Akagera safari, and expect to come across a variety of birds. The various bird habitats to explore during the birding excursion in Akagera include savannas, wetlands, woodland, and grassland areas. The different birds to expect to come across on an Akagera bird-watching tour include pennant-winged nightjars, papyrus gonoleks, shoebill storks, grasshopper sparrows, yellow sunbirds, ring-necked francolins, Denham’s bustards, brown-chested lapwing, Dimorphic egrets, tabora cisticola, blue-headed coucals, Caspian plovers, Northern brown-throated weaver birds, and others.
Boat cruise
Akagera is known for its enriching boat cruise experiences. Lake Ihema offers the supreme spot for visitors to experience the best of Akagera boat cruise excursions. A diversity of aquatic species can be met during the guided boat excursions, including crocodiles, hippos, and birds. Lake Ihema is Akagera’s biggest Lake with an area coverage of 90 sq. km and a depth range of 5-7m.
Sport fishing experience
If you are an anglerfish with intentions of experiencing a sport fishing adventure in Rwanda, then consider booking a tour to Akagera national park. At Akagera, you can enjoy sport fishing on Lake Shakani, home to a variety of fish species such as tilapia, catfish, and many others. Any successful fishing excursion is experienced when you have your sport fishing gear.
When is the best time to visit Akagera national park?
Akagera National Park offers all-year-round wildlife expeditions. But the dry season is the most ideal period to experience a game drive or most of the safari activities in Akagera national park. This can be from June to September, which marks the longest dry months, while the shortest dry season occurs from December to February. These are the best months to embark on guided game viewing and see diverse wildlife as they meet around the few water sources in the park.
Where To Stay in Akagera National Park
The accessible lodging choices in Akagera include mainly budget, midrange, and luxury. They include Akagera Rhino Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Magashi Akagera Transit Lodge, Luxury Tented Camp, and Dereva Hotel.
How to get to Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Akagera National Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, and a 4WD vehicle is ideal for visitor connectivity. You can as well book a domestic flight and expect to depart from Kigali to Akagera National Park using Akagera Aviation Helicopter Services.
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