Fly-In Safaris: Luxury Transfers Between Rwanda’s Parks

Fly-In Safaris: Luxury Transfers Between Rwanda’s Parks

Fly-in safaris, using light aircraft or helicopters, offer a luxurious and time-efficient way to travel between Rwanda’s national parks, maximizing your time for wildlife viewing and minimizing long road transfers.

Advantages of Fly-In Safaris

  • Time-Saving: Significantly reduces travel time compared to road transfers, allowing you to spend more time exploring each park.
  • Comfort and Convenience: Provides a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
  • Aerial Views: Offers stunning aerial perspectives of Rwanda’s diverse landscapes.
  • Access to Remote Areas: Allows access to lodges and areas that are difficult to reach by road.
  • Exclusivity: Adds a touch of luxury and exclusivity to your safari.

Common Fly-In Routes in Rwanda

  • Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: Helicopter or light aircraft transfer from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to a nearby airstrip, significantly reducing the 2.5-3 hour road journey.
  • Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park: Light aircraft transfer from Kigali to Kamembe Airport (Cyangugu), near Nyungwe, cutting down the 5-6 hour road transfer.
  • Kigali to Akagera National Park: Light aircraft or helicopter transfer from Kigali to Akagera’s airstrip.
  • Between Parks: Light aircraft or helicopter transfers can also be arranged to connect directly between Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera, avoiding returning to Kigali.

Aircraft Types

  • Light Aircraft: Typically Cessna Caravans or similar, which are commonly used for bush flights in Africa.
  • Helicopters: Used for shorter distances and for accessing lodges without airstrips.

Lodges with Airstrips

  • Several luxury lodges in Rwanda have their own airstrips, facilitating fly-in access. These include:
    • Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
    • Lodges in Akagera National Park
    • Lodges in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Booking Fly-In Safaris

  • Through Luxury Tour Operators: The easiest way to arrange fly-in safaris is through a high-end tour operator specializing in Rwanda. They can handle all the flight bookings, transfers, and logistics.
  • Directly with Lodges: Some luxury lodges can arrange flights for their guests. Inquire directly with the lodge about this service.
  • Akagera Aviation: You can contact Akagera Aviation directly to inquire about charter flights.

Cost

  • Fly-in safaris are a premium service and are significantly more expensive than road transfers.

For travelers who value time, comfort, and a touch of luxury, fly-in safaris provide an excellent way to experience Rwanda’s parks efficiently and enjoy breathtaking aerial views.