3-Day Akagera Safari from Kigali: Hot Air Balloon & Boat

Sunrise balloon flight, sunset boat, and nocturnal game drive in three days

A 3-day safari tour from Kigali to Akagera National Park combining a hot air balloon ride at dawn, a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, and a night game drive to spot the Big Five and nocturnal wildlife. The itinerary includes two overnight stays, all park entry, private 4x4 transport with a professional guide, and hotel pickup in Kigali.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kigali tour and Akagera transfer with boat

• Breakfast in Kigali
• Pick up and Kigali city tour
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Drive to Akagera National Park
• Stop at Imigongo Art Center for lunch
• Transfer to Akagera National Park
• Park entry and reception
• Check-in and relax at lodge
• Sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2: Hot air balloon and game drives

• Early morning pick up for balloon ride
• Hot air balloon ride over Akagera
• Champagne celebration and flight certificate
• Full-day game drive with picnic lunch
• Check-in and relax at Karenge Bush Camp
• Night game drive in Kilala Plain
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3: Morning game drive and return to Kigali

• Early morning safari game drive
• Breakfast at camp
• Checkout and drive back to Kigali
• Drop off at Kigali airport or hotel

The experience

The tour starts with a morning pickup in Kigali, a city tour that includes the Genocide Memorial, then a 2.5- to 3-hour drive to Akagera National Park. A stop at Imigongo Art Center breaks the journey with lunch and time to browse local handcrafts. You arrive at the park by early afternoon, check into your lodge, and by late afternoon board a private sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema: a one-hour cruise where hippos and crocodiles surface as the light fades.

Day two begins before dawn. A 5:40 am pickup takes you to the hot air balloon launch site, where you watch the balloon being prepared over coffee and snacks. The 45-minute to one-hour flight rises over the savannah at sunrise, offering views of elephants and antelope from above. After landing, a champagne celebration and signed flight certificate mark the moment. The rest of the day is a full game drive through the park, stopping for a picnic lunch at Mihindi, then a night game drive in Kilala Plain to hunt for nocturnal cats and other wildlife active after dark.

The final morning starts with an early game drive in Kilala Plain and Nyamatete before breakfast at 9 am. You check out by 10 am and drive back to Kigali, a 3- to 3.5-hour return journey, ending at your hotel or the airport. A professional driver-guide fluent in English and French leads all activities. The 4x4 vehicle has an open roof for unobstructed views and carries cold beverages throughout.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide in English or French.
• private 4x4 open-roof safari vehicle with Wi-Fi.
• pickup and drop-off from any Kigali hotel or the airport.
• hot air balloon ride with champagne bush breakfast and flight certificate.
• sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema.
• night game drive.
• two nights' accommodation at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp.
• Akagera National Park entry.
• picnic lunch on day two.
• cold beverages and fresh water in reusable bottles throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Afri Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Big Five viewing, a hot air balloon flight, and night game drives combined in one itinerary with a dedicated driver handling all routing and timing decisions.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

What animals can I expect to see in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) plus giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos, and crocodiles. Night drives increase your chances of spotting nocturnal species active after dark.

How long is the hot air balloon ride?

The balloon flight lasts 45 minutes to one hour depending on wind direction. It departs at dawn, with pickup from your lodge at 5:40 am, and includes a champagne celebration and flight certificate after landing.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Kigali, the hot air balloon ride, sunset boat safari, night game drive, all park entry fees, two nights' accommodation at the lodges, private 4x4 transport, a professional guide, and cold beverages throughout the days.

Do I need any special fitness level for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The balloon ride requires you to be at the launch site by 5:15 am and wear covered shoes. Bring a coat for the early morning cold.