Can You Do a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Rwanda?

When people think of Rwanda, the first images that usually come to mind are the lush rainforests, misty mountain peaks, and the incredible opportunity to trek with mountain gorillas. While these experiences are world-famous and rightly so, Rwanda has much more to offer especially when it comes to savannah adventures. One of the most unique and increasingly popular experiences is a hot air balloon safari over Akagera National Park.

But can you really do a hot air balloon ride in Rwanda?

Yes, you absolutely can. Hot air balloon safaris are now available in Rwanda, offering an entirely different and elevated perspective of the country’s only savannah park. Floating silently above the plains at sunrise, with wildlife moving below and the morning light casting a golden glow over the landscape, is an experience you won’t forget. This post explores everything you need to know about hot air ballooning in Rwanda—from where to go, what to expect, safety guidelines, best times to fly, and why it’s a must-do experience for travelers seeking something truly special.

Where Can You Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s hot air balloon experience is currently only available in Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of the country near the border with Tanzania. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park, covering over 1,100 square kilometers of rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, lakes, and papyrus swamps.

The service is operated by Royal Balloon Rwanda, an extension of the internationally renowned Royal Balloon company based in Turkey. Their arrival in Rwanda has elevated the country’s safari offerings, literally and figuratively. The company launched operations in 2022 in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Akagera Management Company (AMC), marking a new era in Rwandan tourism.

What Makes a Hot Air Balloon Safari Unique?

If you’ve never been on a hot air balloon safari before, you may be wondering what makes it different from a regular game drive. The answer lies in perspective and tranquility.

• You’re flying above the landscape, with panoramic views in all directions.
• Unlike a vehicle, a balloon moves silently, offering a more peaceful way to observe wildlife without disturbing them.
• The aerial view allows you to see patterns in the environment—animal paths, grazing patterns, and water sources—that aren’t visible from the ground.
• It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with the dramatic morning light and wide-angle vistas.

In Akagera, the balloon experience takes you across open savannah plains, river systems, woodlands, and lakes, showcasing the park’s full ecological beauty. You’ll often see herds of buffalo, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and elephants moving across the plains from above. Predators such as lions and hyenas may also be spotted during the flight.

What Is the Hot Air Balloon Experience Like?

The hot air balloon safari is designed to offer a luxury-level adventure from start to finish. Here’s what a typical experience looks like:

1. Early Morning Pick-Up
   You’ll be picked up from your lodge before dawn—usually around 4:30 or 5:00 AM. This ensures that you reach the launch site in time for sunrise, which is when most balloon flights take place.
2. Safety Briefing and Balloon Inflation
   Upon arrival at the launch site, you’ll receive a safety briefing from the professional pilots. While the balloon is being inflated, guests often enjoy coffee or tea as they watch the spectacle of the giant balloon rising with the flame.
3. The Flight
   Once you board the basket and take off, the balloon ascends gradually. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour, depending on wind conditions. You’ll float over the park’s most scenic areas, covering an average distance of 10 to 15 kilometers.
4. Aerial Wildlife Viewing
   From the air, you’ll have an opportunity to spot:
   • Elephants
   • Giraffes
   • Buffalo
   • Antelopes
   • Hippos in the lakes
   • Crocodiles along the riverbanks
   • And possibly lions or hyenas in open areas
5. Champagne Breakfast
   After landing, it’s tradition to celebrate with a champagne toast and breakfast—a practice dating back to the early days of ballooning in 18th-century France. Guests are treated to a light outdoor breakfast in a scenic location, often overlooking a water body or open plain.
6. Return to Your Lodge
   After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to your lodge, typically by mid-morning, giving you the rest of the day to relax or go on another game drive.

Who Can Join a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

Hot air balloon safaris are designed to be safe, comfortable, and accessible for most travelers. However, there are a few general guidelines:

• Children aged 6 and above are usually allowed.
• You must be able to stand for about an hour and climb into the basket with limited assistance.
• Pregnant women are generally not permitted due to safety reasons.
• People with serious mobility challenges or heart conditions are advised to consult their doctor before booking.

How Safe Is It?

Hot air ballooning in Akagera follows strict international safety standards. The pilots are professionally trained and licensed, and the equipment is certified and regularly maintained. The balloons are launched only under favorable weather conditions, and flights may be delayed or canceled if the wind is too strong or visibility is poor.

Safety is the top priority, and while cancellations can be disappointing, it’s a reassurance that your well-being always comes first.

Best Time to Go Hot Air Ballooning in Rwanda

The dry seasons are the most reliable times for ballooning, as the skies are clearer and wind conditions are more predictable. These seasons are:

• June to September (Long dry season)
• December to February (Short dry season)

Balloon rides are possible in the wet season too, but they are more subject to last-minute cancellations due to weather. Early morning flights are ideal year-round, as wind speeds are generally calmer and wildlife activity is higher at dawn.

What Should You Bring?

To make the most of your hot air balloon safari, consider bringing the following:

• A camera with a zoom lens
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses and hat
• Warm clothing for the early morning (layers recommended)
• Comfortable shoes
• A small backpack to carry essentials

The balloon basket has compartments for storing small personal items during flight.

Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Akagera?

There are many places in Africa where you can take a hot air balloon ride—Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, or Botswana’s Okavango Delta. However, Akagera offers something different:

• Less crowded: Unlike other safari destinations, you won’t be competing with dozens of other balloons or convoys of vehicles.
• Exclusive feel: Ballooning in Rwanda is still a relatively new and rare experience, offering a sense of discovery.
• Diverse landscapes: Akagera features lakes, savannah, swamps, and woodland all in one park, offering unmatched diversity in scenery.
• Convenient access: Located just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, it’s one of the most accessible balloon safari locations in East Africa.
• Conservation success: Akagera is a model of wildlife restoration, and your visit supports its continued protection.

A Bucket-List Experience in Rwanda

So, can you do a hot air balloon safari in Rwanda? Yes, and it’s one of the most magical experiences you can have in East Africa.

Hot air ballooning over Akagera National Park brings together adventure, tranquility, wildlife, and awe-inspiring scenery in a way that few experiences can match. Whether you’re on your honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to see Africa from a different perspective, a balloon safari is an unforgettable highlight.

As Rwanda continues to grow as a luxury safari destination, hot air ballooning adds yet another layer of richness to its offerings. Don’t miss the chance to soar silently above the savannah, witness animals from the skies, and begin your day with a sunrise that feels like it was made just for you.