Rwanda Balloon Safari Experience
Rwanda Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park – A Magical Aerial Adventure
A balloon safari in Akagera National Park offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Rwanda’s remarkable wildlife and scenery. Floating peacefully above the rolling savannas, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers, you gain a bird’s-eye view of Akagera’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. This serene adventure combines the thrill of flight with the tranquility of nature, making it a bucket-list experience for any traveler visiting Rwanda.
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and Big Five wildlife experiences. Home to elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species, it offers a classic African safari setting.
The hot air balloon safaris are operated exclusively by Royal Balloon Rwanda, the only company offering this unique adventure in the park. With professional pilots and strict safety standards, guests are guaranteed a safe, comfortable, and informative flight over one of East Africa’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
What to Expect on Rwanda Balloon Safari
The Flight Experience
Rwanda Balloon Safari in Akagera typically begin at sunrise or sunset, the most magical times of day when wildlife is most active, and the golden light paints the landscape in breathtaking colors.
Pre-flight briefing: Your experience begins with a safety and orientation session led by experienced pilots.
Launch and ascent: As the balloon gently lifts off, you’ll rise above the plains, lakes, and hills, watching as the park awakens below.
Aerial exploration: The flight lasts about 45–60 minutes, depending on wind conditions, offering unparalleled views of wildlife and scenic landmarks like Lake Ihema, Giraffe Plain, and the park’s winding waterways.
Peaceful landing & celebration: After landing, you may be treated to a traditional bush breakfast or drinks, celebrating the experience in true safari style.
Why Book a Rwanda Balloon Safari?
Rwanda Balloon Safari offer several unique advantages that make them one of the top activities in Akagera National Park.
1. Panoramic Views
From above, the park unfolds in all directions, revealing a mosaic of habitats—open savannas, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes. This sweeping perspective gives you a complete picture of the park’s ecosystem in a way no game drive can match.
2. Peaceful and Non-Intrusive
Unlike noisy safari vehicles, a hot air balloon glides silently through the air, minimizing disturbance to wildlife. Animals continue their natural behavior, offering authentic and undisturbed sightings from above.
3. Unique Wildlife Encounters
The elevated vantage point allows you to spot animals you might miss on the ground—flocks of birds flying beneath you, herds of antelope grazing, or hippos basking near the lakeshores.
4. Magical Sunrise or Sunset Flights
Flying at dawn or dusk adds a romantic and dramatic atmosphere to the experience. The soft golden light, long shadows, and mist rising from the lakes create stunning photography opportunities.
5. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
For many travelers, a balloon safari is a bucket-list adventure. The combination of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of floating above Africa’s wilderness makes it a memory to cherish forever.
How much is akagera hot air balloon safaris in 2026/2027
Royal Balloon Rwanda
Rwandan nationals, adults $290
Rwandan Nationals child $250
Foreign residence $350
Foreign non-residence $450
Things to See on a Rwanda Balloon Safari
Rwanda Balloon Safari in Akagera National Park offers a bird’s-eye view of one of East Africa’s most scenic and wildlife-rich landscapes. As you gently float above the park at sunrise or sunset, you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and iconic landmarks—all in a peaceful, non-intrusive way.
Here’s what you can expect to see:
1. The Big Five and Other Wildlife
Akagera is home to the Big Five—elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—and a hot air balloon safari offers a chance to spot them from above as they roam the savannas and woodlands.
You might see:
Elephants grazing in herds or moving gracefully across open plains.
Lions basking in the early morning sun or stalking prey in the golden grass.
Buffalo herds gathering near water sources.
Leopards resting on tree branches or moving stealthily through the bush.
Rhinos wandering through the park’s thickets and grasslands.
Other animals like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and warthogs are commonly sighted from above.
2. Lake Ihema and Other Scenic Lakes
From the air, Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake, is truly stunning. The blue waters glimmer in the sunlight, framed 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.
3. Giraffe Plains
One of the park’s highlights is the Giraffe Plain, an open savanna area where large numbers of Masai giraffes roam freely. Seeing these elegant giants from above as they move slowly across the plains is a magical sight you can’t experience on the ground in the same way.
4. Hills, Valleys, and Rolling Savannas
Akagera’s landscape is a mosaic 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 color to the landscape, casting long shadows and turning the savanna golden.
5. River Systems and Wetlands
The Akagera River, which gives the park its name, snakes through the area, feeding the wetlands and lakes. From the air, you’ll see winding waterways teeming with birdlife and sometimes dotted with hippos and crocodiles.
6. Birdlife from Above
Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 500 bird species. From the balloon, you may spot:
African fish eagles soaring near lakes.
Marabou storks and pelicans flying in formation.
Colorful species like kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hornbills perching in the trees.
The elevated view gives you a unique perspective on bird movements and nesting sites.
7. Sunrise or Sunset Views
Most balloon safaris take off at dawn or dusk, the best times for wildlife activity and photography. The changing colors of the sky—from soft pinks to deep oranges—combined with the park’s scenery create a magical atmosphere that makes the experience unforgettable.
8. Remote Areas of the Park
Hot air balloons can drift over less accessible areas of the park that are rarely reached by game drives. This allows you to see untouched landscapes and wildlife in more remote corners, offering a sense of true wilderness.
Must-Know Tips Before Your Balloon Safari
To make the most of your Rwanda Balloon Safari, here are six essential things to keep in mind:
1. Dress Appropriately
Morning and evening flights can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes. Wear comfortable layered clothing that you can adjust as temperatures change. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.
2. Protect Yourself from the Sun
Even during early or late flights, the sun in Rwanda can be intense. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
3. Bring a Camera or Smartphone
You’ll want to capture every moment of this extraordinary experience. Ensure you have enough storage space and fully charged batteries for your photos and videos.
4. Follow Safety Instructions
Listen carefully to the pre-flight safety briefing and follow the pilot’s instructions when boarding, flying, and landing. Safety is always the top priority.
5. Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle with you, especially if you’re combining your balloon flight with a morning game drive or bush breakfast afterward.
6. Be Flexible with Timing
Weather conditions, particularly wind and visibility, may affect flight schedules. Operators prioritize safety over convenience, so be prepared for possible delays or rescheduling.
7. Season
While balloon safaris run year-round, the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the most consistent weather and clearer skies. Wildlife is also easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources during these periods.
Rwanda Safaris
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, is a stunning savannah and wetland reserve celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Covering over 1,100 square kilometers, it combines open plains, acacia woodlands, swamps, and lakes, creating a haven for wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—alongside giraffes, antelopes, zebras, hippos, and over 500 bird species. Once affected by poaching and settlement, Akagera has undergone a remarkable transformation through conservation efforts led by African Parks and the Rwandan government, making it one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories. Today, it offers travelers thrilling game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and guided walks, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills and shimmering waterways.
