Enjoy a hot air balloon safari in Rwanda, the “land of a thousand hills”, which is operated by Royal Balloon Rwanda and only enjoyed at the savannah dominated Akagera National Park. Having operated these once-in-a lifetime experiences in Turkey, the company brings an adventure that every traveller would desire to enjoy. Additionally, the pilots that conduct these adventures have experience in several countries as well as over 1,500 flight hours.
This signature experience in Rwanda normally begins with arrival at the take-off area in Kayitaba, after a 5-minute drive from Akagera National Park’s southern entrance gate. Participants are expected at the take-off area by 5:00am, although the time can be adjusted basing on prevailing weather conditions. The flying crew shall then take travellers through the safety guidelines to be followed when enjoying this unforgettable experience.
Get a chance to see how the hot air balloon is prepared before it starts to majestically float in the air. It will interest you to know that the balloon is prepared by hot and cold inflammation.
Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Rwanda
While you enjoy a hot cup of your favorite beverage (coffee or tea) and a snack, the expert pilot will be inflating the hot air balloon that will make it possible to enjoy this unrivalled opportunity as well as taking some beautiful photos. Visitors are then called to join the basket and start the flight, during which breathtaking views of the wilderness of Akagera National Park can be relished. The most thrilling part of this adventure is flying over the spectacular Lake Ihema where many animals always converge, thus having a memorable aerial view of the animals.
After one hour of floating over the endless plains of Akagera National Park, expect to pop some champagne upon landing, and thereafter being handed the flight certificate by the experienced pilots. This will remind you of the memorable experience in the wilderness.
Some of the essential things to carry for this adventure include comfortable covered shores, a good camera, pair of binoculars, a warm sweater, owing to the fact that you will have an early rising.
Akagera National Park is one of the few places in Africa offering hot air balloon safari experiences and during this adventure, you have chances of seeing the big five game, that is the lions, leopards, Rhinos, African bush elephants and Cape buffaloes. You won’t miss the Masai giraffes, zebras, hippos, Defassa waterbucks, topis and other widlife species while enjoying the variation in landscapes between forests, woodlands, savannah grasslands, wetlands and lakes.
When it comes to the best month to enjoy this adventure, it should be noted that hot air balloon safaris are open all year round. However, most travelers would rather go in the dry season when animals converge at a few remaining watering points.