Rwanda’s Domestic Flight Options for Safari Travel
While Rwanda is relatively small and well-connected by good roads, domestic flight options offer a fast and scenic alternative for safari travel, especially for those with limited time or seeking a more luxurious experience.
Main Domestic Air Service Provider:
- Akagera Aviation: This is Rwanda’s primary domestic aviation company specializing in helicopter services. They offer:
- Chartered Helicopter Transfers: This is the most common form of domestic air travel for tourists. Akagera Aviation provides direct transfers between Kigali International Airport (KGL) and the national parks, including:
- Volcanoes National Park (Musanze): Ideal for gorilla trekking.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park (near Kamembe/Rusizi): For chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks.
- Akagera National Park: For savanna safaris.
- Scenic Tours: They also offer various scenic helicopter tours over Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills,” Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, and other picturesque areas.
- Fleet: Their fleet typically includes helicopters like the Agusta 109, Agusta 139, and Robinson 44, accommodating varying passenger numbers (3-6 passengers).
- Chartered Helicopter Transfers: This is the most common form of domestic air travel for tourists. Akagera Aviation provides direct transfers between Kigali International Airport (KGL) and the national parks, including:
Benefits of Domestic Flights for Safari Travel:
- Time-Saving: Significantly reduces travel time compared to road transfers, maximizing your time in the parks. For example, a drive to Nyungwe can take 5-6 hours, while a helicopter flight takes under an hour.
- Convenience: Direct transfers from Kigali to airstrips near the parks, eliminating long car journeys.
- Luxury & Exclusivity: Offers a premium travel experience, often used by high-end safari goers.
- Scenic Views: Provides unparalleled aerial views of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, tea plantations, and dense forests.
- Accessibility: Allows access to remote lodges or areas that might be harder to reach by road, especially during heavy rains.
Considerations:
- Cost: Helicopter transfers are considerably more expensive than road transfers, making them suitable for higher-budget travelers.
- Luggage Restrictions: Helicopters have strict luggage weight and size limitations. You’ll need to pack light or arrange for excess luggage to be transferred by road.
- Weather Dependent: Flights are subject to weather conditions, and delays or cancellations can occur in case of heavy fog or rain, particularly in mountainous areas.
- Fixed-Wing Flights: While RwandAir is the national carrier, it primarily operates international and regional routes. There are no regular scheduled fixed-wing domestic flights within Rwanda for direct tourist access to national parks. Any fixed-wing domestic flights would typically be private charters.
For most safari-goers in Rwanda, especially those on a budget, road transfers remain the primary mode of transport. However, for those seeking efficiency, luxury, and breathtaking aerial perspectives, Akagera Aviation’s helicopter services are the go-to domestic flight option.