Hot Air Balloon in Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s first Hot Air Balloon was successfully launched on January 19, 2022, under a joint partnership between Royal Balloon Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, and Kagura Management Company. The hot air balloon operates in Kagura National Park. The Royal Balloon Rwanda operates 2 hot air balloons with a capacity of 4-6 passengers. This experience operates at an altitude of 100-1000m over the savannah landscape, offering nature lovers an aerial view of the Big 5 experience. The Royal Balloon has been in the tourism sector for over 30 years. Its introduction came with a bucketful of sustainable tourism strategies and experience supporting wildlife conservation and contributing to the boost of tourism in Rwanda.
About Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, with 2500 square kilometers of mostly savannah terrain. The park gets its name from the Akagera River, which flows along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and the only area to view the majority of wildlife species while on a tour.
How much is a hot air balloon experience in Akagera National Park, Rwanda?
The hot air balloon cost in Akagera National Park is USD 250 for citizens and the East African community. Foreign residents and diplomats pay USD 350, and foreign non-residents pay USD 450.
Who is allowed to experience the hot air balloon?
To take part in Rwanda’s hot air balloon, one should be within the age brackets of 6-1. Hot Air Balloon in Akagera National Park
How long does a Hot Air balloon take?
A hot air balloon takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, though it will depend on the weather conditions and upon landing.
A reward of champagne and a flight certificate signed by the professional pilot.
Other things to do in Akagera National Park
Game drives
Game drives top the list of essential things to do in Akagera National Park, offering opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and the recently reintroduced lions and rhinos. The diverse landscape of Akagera creates perfect habitats for viewing these magnificent creatures, making game drives among the most popular things to do in Akagera National Park. Morning drives beginning at dawn provide excellent wildlife sightings as animals are most active during these cooler hours.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema represent another of the unmissable things to do in Akagera National Park, providing a completely different perspective of the ecosystem. These water-based excursions count among the most unique things to do in Akagera National Park, bringing you close to hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds in their natural habitat. The peaceful gliding across the lake while spotting wildlife makes boat safaris an essential thing to do in Akagera National Park, especially during sunset when animals come to drink, and the light creates magical photography opportunities.
Bird-watching tours in Akagera National Park
Bird watching stands out among specialized things to do in Akagera National Park, with over 500 species recorded within its boundaries. Dedicated birders will find paradise in the wetlands, making bird watching one of the most rewarding things to do in Akagera National Park for nature enthusiasts. Specials like the shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek make birding among the premier things to do in Akagera National Park, requiring only patience, binoculars, and perhaps a knowledgeable guide to maximize sightings.
Night game drives in Akagera National Park
Night game drives offer a glimpse into the nocturnal world, ranking among the more adventurous things to do in Akagera National Park. This specialized activity belongs on any complete list of things to do in Akagera National Park, revealing creatures rarely seen during daylight hours. Spotting bush babies, civets, hyenas, and perhaps even leopards makes night drives among the most thrilling things to do in Akagera National Park, creating memories that last long after your visit.
How to Get There
Reaching Akagera National Park is relatively straightforward, especially during the best time to visit. Located in northeastern Rwanda, the park is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city. During the best time to visit Akagera National Park, road conditions are typically excellent, making your journey smooth and enjoyable.
However, Visitors can choose between private transfers, guided tours, or self-drive options. Many travelers prefer booking with experienced local operators like Anthill Safaris, who understand the nuances of navigating the park during its prime seasons. The best routes typically involve taking the main road from Kigali through Kayonza, which offers scenic views and comfortable travel conditions.
What is the Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park?
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is undoubtedly during the dry seasons, which typically run from June to September and December to February. During these months, becomes particularly magical as wildlife congregates around water sources, making animal viewing incredibly rewarding. It offers visitors crystal-clear skies, minimal rainfall, and optimal conditions for wildlife observation.
Temperatures during these ideal periods range from a comfortable 20°C to 30°C, providing perfect safari weather. The dry landscape becomes a golden canvas where animals are more visible, and game drives become spectacular wildlife encounters. Vegetation thins out, creating unobstructed views that make spotting lions, elephants, and numerous antelopes.
The park’s unique microclimate ensures that even during these dry months, the landscape remains breathtaking. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will find these periods perfect for capturing stunning images of African wildlife in their most natural habitat.
Where to Sleep, Eat, and Drink During Things to Do in Akagera National Park?
Accommodation options enhance multi-day things to do in Akagera National Park, with choices ranging from budget to luxury. Akagera Game Lodge offers mid-range comfort for visitors enjoying things to do in Akagera National Park, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and stunning views. Budget travelers can experience things to do in Akagera National Park while staying at the park’s campsite, providing basic amenities and an immersive natural experience under canvas.
Luxury seekers find Magashi Camp ideal for exclusive things to do in Akagera National Park, offering six spacious tents overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga. This property elevates the experience of things to do in Akagera National Park with gourmet dining, expert guides, and elegant furnishings. The camp’s location provides immediate access to premium things to do in Akagera National Park, like exclusive game viewing areas and specialized wildlife experiences.
