Akagera National Park is the jewel in the crown of the Rwandan tourist experience. The largest protected wetland in Central Africa, Akagera is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos, amongst other endangered species. This month, the Rwanda Development Board announced a brand-new addition to this tourist experience – the launch of a hot air balloon experience as an additional way for visitors to explore the terrain.
The hot air balloon experience, run by Royal Balloon Rwanda, will see groups of between four and six tourists take to the skies in one of two balloons to an altitude of up to one kilometre. Pilots at Royal Balloon Rwanda take visitors up early in the morning to make the most of the atmospheric conditions and the stunning dawn vistas. Upon landing, guests will be treated to a traditional champagne reception to mark the end of a memorable flight.
Over the past 20 years, the Rwanda Development Board has been working to enhance tourist provision in the region. This investment in the provision of hot air ballooning trips is one of the ways in which it hopes to attract visitors from the world over.
Flying over the lush terrain of Akagera National Park offers visitors a unique perspective on the lives on the animal inhabitants who roam there. For similar bird’s eye view perspectives closer to home, hot air ballooning adventures in the skies over Bath, Bristol and other parts of the south west can be booked.
