4 Days Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park

Day 1: Arrival – Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park

On arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be met by our guide driver. After you have met your driver and been briefed about the trip, you will head to Kigali for a short city tour to major city attractions such as the Kigali Genocide memorial, Kigali convention center, or visit the kimironko market for some beautiful souvenirs, colourful traditional attires or yummy local snacks. After your city tour, you will continue your journey to Akagera national park which will take 2-4 hours depending on traffic and weather condition. You will check in to your prior booked lodge for a hot meal and a warm shower. Relax and prepare yourself for the next day’s adventure.

Dinner and Overnight

Day 2: Hot Air Ballon and Community Tour

Wake up early at 5am prepare yourself for the morning hot air balloon that begins at 6am. Pack your morning snacks, camera, extra batteries, and some warm clothing for the morning breeze. On this day, you will get to experience the park and its wildlife from a whole different viewpoint. Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera usually start early in the morning, allowing visitors to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the sunrise. Guests are always picked up from their lodges and driven to the launching site, to watch the balloon being inflated, this process is mesmerizing in itself.

You will spend one full hour in the sky then land at designated landing site. You will be handed your medal for a successful flight, then afterwards have a post flight celebration of a glass of champagne and the morning on a picnic in the vast plains of akagera national park. Both morning and evening flights offer equally remarkable views and plenty opportunities for photography.

In the evening, you can go for a community tour and immerse in deep cultural experiences such as visiting the Imigongo Art and Craft Centre, experiencing traditional cattle milking, and exploring the local heritage area

Dinner and overnight

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park

On this day, wake up early and prepare for an early morning game drive, have your breakfast in time and embark on a game drive to the northern part of Akagera national park in search for the morning predators having their early meal, keep your cameras rolling to capture some memorable wildlife sightings. You will see other wildlife such as buffalos, elephants, zebras, Rhinos, hyenas, antelopes and many others.

Drive back to the lodge for lunch as you relax a little bit and wait for the evening boat cruise on lake Ihema which start 3pm and 4:30 PM for afternoon/sunset sessions at the launching point on the southern shores of lake Ihema. This trip normally last one hour, allowing visitors to view hippos, crocodiles, diverse birdlife and other animals such as elephants, buffalos coming to drink water and cool off after a hot day of feeding. You will as well spot some various bird species such as the African fish eagle, king fisher, Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, African Jacana, African Darter, Long-toed Lapwing, and so many others.

Dinner and Overnight

Day 4: Departure

After a morning breakfast prepare to check out of your lodge and head for Kigali international airport or go for your next adventure in Rwanda or your any other planned destination.