Hot air ballooning safaris in Akagera National Park.

Hot air ballooning safaris in Akagera National Park., As an adventure/nature lover, you ought to consider going on a hot air ballooning experience in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park if you’ve ever wanted to see the globe from a peaceful vantage point while floating over a virgin environment. This excursion merges the excitement of ballooning with the stunning natural scenery of a wildlife conservation area in Rwanda.

Akagera national park lies in the Eastern part of Rwanda spanning over 1200 square kilometers. This park is a golden treasure harboring several natural species and a breathtaking biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the African big five animals, lions, elephants, leopard, buffalo and rhinos. more to these are giraffes, zebras, antelopes and several bird species. The park’s terrain is an appealing combination of lakes, wetlands, and vast savannahs that collectively provide an extensive and diverse ecology.

The hot air balloon experience was first launched in Akagera National Park in January 2022. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rwanda Development Board, Akagera Management Company and Royal Balloon Rwanda. The activity is an outstanding illustration of how conservation benefits both the natural environment and the lives of those in the neighboring communities. It also helps tourists to broaden their itineraries and a longer stay in the land of a thousand hills.

Royal Balloon Rwanda has two hot air balloons that can accommodate 4-6 seats for travelers who wish to participate in this excursion. the hot air balloon can fly up to 1000 meters high providing breathtaking sceneries of the savanna park and all its in habitants.

What to expect during the hot air balloon flight.

The starting point of this adventure is Kayitaba, a place located after 5 minutes drive from the park’s southern gate.

Visitors to participate in this activity are expected to reach the starting point at 5:00am before sun rise. You will a have a briefing from your experienced pilot, the ballon is inflated, with a lot of excitement, you will slowly ascend into the air.

The average duration of the flight is one hour. Observe all sorts of landscapes will be beneath your flight during this period. Herds of buffalo, antelopes and elephants may be spotted grazing on the savanna and close to the wetlands. You will capture amazing photos as you watch the morning light with a golden glow.

The ballon flight experience ends with a customary champagne celebration and hot coffee breakfast in the bush after landing. You will also be awarded flight certificates as an appreciation for joining the experience.

Cost of the air ballon experience.

The cost of the air ballon experience in Akagera national park is $250 – $300 per person. This fee includes, one -hour balloon flight, transfers from akagera lodges, Champagne toast and bush breakfast and a commemoration certificate awarded at the end of the activity.

Best time for the air balloon experience.

The ballon flight experience in Akagera national park is organized all year round, but taking a flight largely depends on the weather conditions. The dry season is always best for such flights as the skies are clear to provide the best visibility and photography. Flights are done once a day mainly in the morning hours when the weather is cool.

Safety tips for the air balloon flight experience.

Always listen to your pilot for guidelines, safety and spotting tips.
Dress in warm clothing like sweaters and jackets as the mornings are always cold.
Bring good cameras or phones with zoom for clear photography.
Wear comfortable closed shoes.
Use the washrooms before departure as there are no stopovers in the sky.

Other activities in Akagera national park.

Game drives

Akagera national park offers both day (morning and afternoon) and night game drives. During the day, visitors can choose to have a self guided drive but with a night game drive, they must have an armed ranger guide. While on your game drive in this park, expect to see the big five (buffaloes, leopard, elephants, lions and rhinoceros),and several savannah animals like the Topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyena, waterbuck, mongoose, eland, zebra, serval cats, duiker, impala, black masked civet, reedbuck, bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer, Sitatunga Antelopes and roan antelope, primates and over 500 bird species.

Boat trips

In addition to wildlife, Akagera National Park has well-drained, lakes that provide boat cruises/navigation within the park. Boat cruises frequently occur on Ihema Lake, which is home to diverse aquatic animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and many fish species. Boat trips are also carried out on Lake Shakani. Boat excursions are always carried out in the mornings and evenings, with a maximum capacity of 11 individuals allowed on board. Morning boat trips in Akagera cost $35 -$45 depending on the cruise session.

Birding

Bird watching is another important activity in the park. this park is home to over 500 bird species. These can be spotted while on game drives, boat cruises, guided nature walks, and typical birding trips. Some of the species in the park include papyrus Gonolek, the rare shoebill, weavers, egrets, Arnott chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola. and various Kingfishers.

Fishing

Akagera National Park is undoubtedly the greatest option to go sports fishing while in Rwanda. When it comes to fishing for species such as tilapia and catfish, the shoreline of Lake Shakani is an excellent location. You will get the opportunity to observe a variety of birds and animals drinking water along the shoreline while you are fishing. On the periodic fishing occasions, as a guest, you are given an opportunity to consume your catch.
A fishing permit costs $20, and those who wish to participate in the sports fishing are advised to come with their fishing gear.

Rhino tracking

This is a newly introduced activity in Akagera national back that should not be missed while on a Rwanda safari. Rhino tracking is conducted in the northern sector of the park with the guidance of professional ranger guides. it involves moving on foot with armed rangers in the early morning hours into the Kilala plains where the rhinos mostly dwell. Follow their tracks, dung and grazing signs. As you get closer, you will observe these giant wild creatures in a reasonable distance and learn their habits, diet and their role in the eco system. Tracking rhinos in their natural habitat is a memorable expedition.

Walk the line experience

This is a 7-kilometre guided nature walk conducted along the park fence in Akagera national park. The walk flows through a well-established path through selected sections of the park. With this walk, you have the opportunity to appreciate the park’s biodiversity as you spot different wildlife creatures that may not be easy tom spot during game drives.

Community visits

The park also organizes cultural visits to the neighboring communities in which tourists get to interact with the locals and, learn about their long-horned cattle, share their traditional and cultural activities like beer making, local food preparation, folk tales music, dances and local craft.