Overview
Discover Rwanda’s breathtaking beauty from the sky with the SkyView Akagera Balloon Safari, an exclusive aerial adventure over Akagera National Park — the country’s only savannah park and home to Africa’s iconic Big Five.
As the sun rises over the plains, you’ll float silently aboard a professional hot air balloon, watching the park awaken with life. Below you, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes roam freely across golden grasslands, while shimmering lakes reflect the morning light. It’s a peaceful yet thrilling experience that captures the true spirit of Rwanda’s wilderness.
Operated in partnership with Akagera Management Company and led by certified balloon pilots, this tour combines safety, comfort, and adventure. It’s perfect for honeymooners, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a unique way to experience Rwanda’s natural wonders.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply chasing unforgettable memories, the SkyView Akagera Balloon Safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective — the beauty of Rwanda’s wildlife and landscapes from above.
Highlights
- Float above Rwanda’s only savannah park and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
- Watch the sunrise light up Akagera’s lakes, hills, and plains.
- Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos from the sky.
- Celebrate with a classic post-flight champagne toast.
- Savor a scenic breakfast at Akagera Game Lodge.
- Receive a personalized flight certificate as a keepsake.
- Add a guided game drive or nature walk after your flight.
- Enjoy smooth round-trip transfers from Kigali with EastLens Safaris.
- Capture unforgettable photos of Rwanda’s sunrise and wildlife.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early in the morning as our professional EastLens Safaris driver-guide picks you up from your hotel in Kigali. After a short briefing, you’ll set off for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, located in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. Along the way, you’ll witness the peaceful transition from the quiet city streets to the rolling rural landscapes, passing small villages and endless farmlands bathed in the soft glow of dawn.
Upon arrival at the park’s entrance, you’ll have time to stretch your legs and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Rwandan coffee or tea. Our professional ballooning team will provide a thorough safety and flight briefing, explaining the takeoff process, landing procedures, and what to expect during your flight. As the crew inflates the massive balloon before your eyes, you’ll feel the excitement build this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
As the sun rises over the horizon, the balloon lifts gently off the ground, carrying you into the sky for an unforgettable one-hour flight. The world below comes alive shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and wide open plains dotted with giraffes, elephants, zebras, and antelopes. The silence of the air and the panoramic 360° view create a sense of peace and awe that no other experience can match. The early morning light provides perfect photographic moments as Akagera reveals her beauty from above.
Your pilot expertly brings the balloon back to the ground where the EastLens Safaris team awaits with a traditional champagne celebration, marking your successful flight a cherished ballooning custom practiced worldwide. Toast to new memories, enjoy laughter with fellow travelers, and reflect on the wonder you’ve just experienced.
After landing, you’ll head to Akagera Game Lodge for a hearty breakfast overlooking the park’s hills and lakes. Fresh fruits, pastries, and local dishes will be served as you relax and soak in the views. Each guest will receive a personalized flight certificate, officially commemorating your SkyView Akagera Balloon Safari adventure — a perfect keepsake to remember your journey.
The adventure doesn’t end with the balloon flight. You can choose to continue exploring Akagera by vehicle on a short guided game drive, offering a closer view of the park’s wildlife. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful nature walk accompanied by an expert ranger, who will share insights about the park’s ecosystems, birds, and conservation efforts.
When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane. Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek.
After lunch, begin your return journey to Kigali. The drive offers another chance to enjoy Rwanda’s countryside charm terraced hills, banana plantations, and welcoming villages. Your guide may stop briefly for photos or coffee en route.
Arrive back in Kigali in the late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off safely at your hotel. Your SkyView Akagera Balloon Safari concludes here, but the memories of soaring above the savannah will stay with you forever.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Hot Air Balloon Flight (50min - 1 hour)
- Park entry fees
- Professional English/French-speaking guide
- Transport from Kigali (round trip)
- Breakfast after the flight
- Complimentary champagne toast
- Flight certificate souvenir
- Bottled water throughout the trip
- Government taxes and park levies
The Cost Excludes
- Lunch (optional at the lodge)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Extra activities not mentioned in itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it’s completely safe. All flights are operated by certified, highly trained pilots who follow international safety standards. The balloons are inspected before each flight, and weather conditions are carefully monitored to ensure smooth and safe takeoff, flight, and landing. If conditions are unsuitable, flights are rescheduled or refunded for your safety.
Children aged 6 and above are welcome to join the flight, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There is no strict upper age limit, but passengers should be in good health and able to stand for about an hour. Pregnant women and those with serious medical or mobility conditions are advised not to fly.
Wear comfortable layered clothing and closed shoes suitable for early morning temperatures, which can be cool before sunrise. Avoid skirts, high heels, or loose items. A hat or cap is also recommended to protect your head from the heat of the balloon’s burner during the flight.
The balloon typically ascends between 500 and 1,000 meters (1,600–3,300 feet) above ground, depending on wind and weather conditions. This altitude provides stunning panoramic views of Akagera’s lakes, grasslands, and diverse wildlife from above.
The full experience takes approximately 10 to 12 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off in Kigali. The actual flight lasts around one hour, but the day also includes your scenic drive to Akagera, pre-flight briefing, post-flight breakfast, optional game drive or nature walk, and return journey.
Yes! You’re encouraged to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the incredible sunrise and aerial views. Just ensure your devices are secure during takeoff and landing, and follow your pilot’s instructions for safety.
If weather conditions are unsafe — such as strong winds, rain, or poor visibility — your flight may be postponed or rescheduled for another day. If rescheduling is not possible, you’ll receive a full refund. Safety is always our top priority.
The best time to enjoy the Akagera hot air balloon experience is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) when skies are clear and wildlife is easy to spot. However, flights operate year-round depending on weather conditions.
Absolutely! Many guests combine their balloon safari with a guided game drive or overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge. EastLens Safaris offers tailor-made packages that include both aerial and ground adventures for a complete experience.
Unlike traditional game drives, the balloon safari offers a 360° aerial view of Akagera’s landscapes, lakes, and wildlife from above. It’s peaceful, exclusive, and ideal for photography giving you a completely new perspective on Rwanda’s wildlife.
Yes, surprisingly so! The takeoff is smooth and gentle, and since the balloon moves with the wind, passengers usually don’t experience a sense of height or motion. Many guests with mild fear of heights find the flight relaxing and even therapeutic.
Prices vary depending on the season and group size. The cost typically includes round-trip transport from Kigali, park entry fees, the balloon flight, breakfast, and champagne celebration. Contact EastLens Safaris for updated pricing and special packages.
