Flying safaris in Rwanda refer to the use of aircraft, either chartered domestic flights or helicopter flights, to different destinations across the country. Rwanda uses helicopter flights instead of domestic chartered flights, as there are few designated airstrips across the country that are near the safari destinations. Therefore, helicopter flights are commonly used in the flying safaris in Rwanda.
Rwanda is known for its luxury safaris, and luxury does not come shorter than the flying safaris. The land of a thousand hills, Rwanda has long held its position as the most luxurious destination in Africa. Rwanda uses modern helicopters for these flying safaris, and with the local guides who know the destinations like the back of their hand.
The pilots for these helicopters are also local Rwandans who have enough knowledge of the locations of the destinations. They are also well conversant with the terrain of the country and offer a seamless flying experience across the country. The terrain of Rwanda, as a hilly area, can be challenging for pilots, especially those who may not be used to the terrain.
The helicopter flights across the country are managed by Akagera Aviation. This local company has the tender to fly visitors across the different destinations in the country. On board the helicopter flight, visitors are presented with a guide with enough knowledge about the different destinations to be explored.
What are the benefits of flying safaris in Rwanda?
The importance of flying safaris in Rwanda is listed in comparison to the alternative means of travel in the country, which is road transport. Some of these benefits include the following.
Time efficiency
Unlike the traditional and common road safaris, flying safaris in Rwanda are very time-conscious. Flying between destinations in Rwanda is very quick compared to driving. Flying safaris are very time-efficient. Time is the biggest asset therefore, it should be protected. Reducing the time spent on traveling increases the time for adventure. This, in turn, helps visitors to fully exhaust their time in the safari destinations and enjoy more time with the wild.
Aerial views
When it comes to scenic beauty, flying or helicopter safaris place visitors in incredible aerial views. These aerial views are priceless and offer a whole new perspective of the terrain and affirm Rwanda as the land of a thousand hills. These flying safaris offer a chance for visitors to capture the country’s beauty from above.
Luxury and comfort
Flying safaris are not for everyone, but rather for a designated few who can afford luxury and comfort. Helicopters used in these flying safaris carry up to 6 people, visitors are treated to a more luxurious and private tour.
Access to hard-to-reach areas
The traditional road safaris are forced to remain on the tracks or trails of the destination. For flying safaris, visitors can explore a particular destination like Akagera National Park without being constrained to the road or tracks. Flying safaris also help visitors to have access to hard-to-reach areas that cannot be accessed by road.
What is the best time to have flying safaris in Rwanda?
The dry season, which happens from June to September and from December to February, is the best time for these flying safaris. Rwanda’s positions southern of the equator places it in a tropical climate, which receives two dry and wet seasons per year. The dry season in this case is best for flying across Rwanda for a safari because during this time, the weather is clear. The dry weather increases visibility during flights.
This may not be the case with the wet season because the weather is very damp and causes mist and fog. This particular weather is caused by the increased rainfall patterns that end up reducing the visibility. Such weather conditions are also characterized by strong winds that cause turbulence that can affect flight.
What are the destinations for flying safaris in Rwanda?
Rwanda is dotted with a variety of safari destinations that are perfect for flying safaris. Some of these destinations include the following.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the ideal destination in Rwanda for flying safaris. Akagera, as a savannah wilderness, offers the best terrain to explore the park. Visitors can enjoy impressive aerial views of the park. Akagera hosts various wildlife species, and flying safaris grant visitors a chance to explore the terrain of the park to spot these wildlife species.
Akagera National Park is situated in the eastern region of the country on the border with Tanzania. It is crossed by the Kagera River in the northern part of the park, hence its name, Akagera. Visitors have a chance to spot the Big Five animals while on this flying safari since they are the highlights of the park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Flying safaris don’t just offer the aerial views of the destinations, but also offer quick access to the park. Nyungwe Forest National Park, in this case, is the best option to travel by flight to explore its adventures. Nyungwe is known for hosting chimpanzees, therefore offering chimpanzee trekking safaris.
Flying safaris offer visitors a quick transit to the park in time for them to explore and venture through Nyungwe. Nyungwe is the furthest national park in Rwanda, and a flying safari is ideal. Nyunwe Forest National Park is located on the border with Burundi.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the ultimate mountain gorilla destination in the country. For a luxurious and exclusive venture in Volcanoes National Park, the flying safaris are perfect. Volcanoes is located in the northern region of Rwanda in Musanze district, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Visitors on board a helicopter flight can have splendid views of the dense Volcanoes forest and the dotted five volcanoes which make up the Virunga Massif. From the views, visitors can have a short time to travel to the park from any destination, which provides ample time for adventures like gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking.
The helicopter or flying safaris in Rwanda operate on a timely flight schedule as given by Akagera Aviation. Book with us at Monteero Safaris for a timeless experience as we settle you in for the flying safaris across Rwanda to enjoy impressive views and wildlife.