Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park

A hot air balloon safari over Akagera National Park offers one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Rwanda. Floating silently over the rolling savannah, lakes, and acacia woodlands as the sun rises is a breathtaking way to witness the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife from a completely new perspective.

Introduced as Rwanda’s first-ever hot air balloon experience, this activity has become a highlight for visitors seeking a unique and luxurious adventure within Akagera National Park the country’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.

About Akagera National Park

Located in eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park covers approximately 1,122 square kilometers. It’s a stunning mix of savannah plains, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes, making it one of East Africa’s most scenic wildlife reserves.

The park is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, rhinos, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species, along with over 500 bird species.

While traditional game drives and boat safaris are the most common ways to explore Akagera, a hot air balloon ride offers a truly unmatched, panoramic view of Rwanda’s wilderness.

The Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience

The adventure begins just before dawn when guests gather at the Akagera Balloon Safaris launch site near Kayitaba area, inside the park. After a warm welcome with tea or coffee, you’ll receive a safety briefing from the experienced pilots.

As the sun begins to rise, you’ll watch the giant balloon inflate an awe-inspiring sight in itself. Once aboard, the basket lifts gently off the ground, and within moments, you’re floating gracefully above Akagera’s savannah.

From the air, the landscape unfolds in all directions shimmering lakes, meandering rivers, herds of antelopes grazing in the morning light, and elephants wandering through the grasslands. Depending on the day, you might spot buffalo, giraffes, hippos, zebras, or even the park’s lions or rhinos moving across the plains.

The flight lasts about one hour, drifting silently at altitudes between 100 and 1,000 meters, offering incredible photo opportunities and a serene sense of freedom.

Post-Flight Celebration

Upon landing, guests are treated to a traditional champagne toast and a certificate of participation, celebrating the timeless aviation tradition that dates back to the first balloon flights in France.

Many operators also offer a bush breakfast experience, complete with fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee served amidst the beautiful scenery of Akagera the perfect way to end a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Who Operates the Balloon Safaris?

The Akagera Hot Air Balloon Safari is operated by Royal Balloon Rwanda, a company with extensive experience running hot air balloon flights in Africa and beyond (including in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Turkey’s Cappadocia).

All pilots are highly trained and certified, and the equipment meets international safety standards. The flights are conducted in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Akagera Management Company, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Best Time to Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Safari

Hot air balloon flights operate year-round, but the best conditions are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February when the skies are clearer, and the winds are calm.

Morning flights usually depart between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., offering perfect lighting for photography and wildlife viewing.

Booking and Prices

Balloon safaris must be booked in advance, either through your tour operator or directly with Royal Balloon Rwanda.

As of the latest updates:

Price: Approximately USD 450 per person (subject to change)
Duration: Around 1 hour flight, plus pre-flight briefing and post-flight celebration (total experience ~3 hours)
Minimum age: 6 years
Departure: Kayitaba launch site, central Akagera

Permits and park entry fees are separate and can be arranged through your tour operator.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing and closed shoes
A light jacket (early mornings can be cool)
Sunglasses and a hat
A camera or phone for photos
A sense of adventure!

Why Choose the Hot Air Balloon Safari

The Akagera Hot Air Balloon Safari is the first and only one of its kind in Rwanda. It provides:

A unique aerial perspective of the park’s landscapes
Unobstructed wildlife viewing
A luxury safari experience ideal for honeymooners, photographers, and adventure travelers
A peaceful, eco-friendly activity that leaves minimal impact on the environment

It’s the perfect complement to your morning or afternoon game drives and an unforgettable highlight of any Rwandan safari.

Where to Stay for the Hot Air Balloon Safari

Several lodges around Akagera offer easy access to the balloon launch site, including:

Luxury: Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris – exclusive Big Five viewing with views over Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Midrange: Ruzizi Tented Lodge – eco-luxury lodge near the park headquarters.
Budget: Akagera Game Lodge – family-friendly with panoramic views of the savannah.

All accommodations can arrange your balloon safari booking and early morning transfers to the launch site.

Combine With Other Activities in Akagera National Park

To make the most of your time in Akagera, combine your hot air balloon flight with:

Morning or afternoon game drives to see the Big Five up close.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema to view hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Bird watching – Akagera is one of East Africa’s best birding destinations.
Community cultural visits near the park boundary.

A Hot Air Balloon Safari over Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s most magical adventures a serene yet exhilarating experience that captures the true essence of African wilderness from the skies.

As the golden sunrise lights up the plains, and wildlife stirs below, you will understand why Akagera is often called the Serengeti of Rwanda. It’s a moment of pure wonder peaceful, timeless, and unforgettable.