Helicopter scenic tours are one of the most unforgettable experiences in Rwanda, and allow travelers to take in the jaw-dropping views of the rolling hills of the country (from where Rwanda derived the title “land of a thousand hills”), the beautiful and verdant rainforests, or soar above the stretching Virunga Mountains.
Helicopter scenic Tours in Rwanda are currently only provided by Akagera Aviation and last from half an hour to two and a half hours with opportunities to enjoy unforgettable bird eye’s views. Be ready for the different landscapes- ranging from sweeping savannah plains, Valleys, rainforests, and rolling hills to towering Virunga Mountains.
Boasting a wide fleet of helicopters/aircraft, Akagera Aviation was founded in 2004 and is licensed by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority. This privately-owned airline is based out of the renowned Kigali International Airport, with its offices in the main terminal building while its operations are undertaken from the hanger on the airside of Rwanda’s main Airport.
It is here that most Helicopter scenic tours in Rwanda depart from, but depending on visitors’ needs and aspirations. Helicopter flights can start from any other part of the country, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest National Park, or even Volcanoes National Park.
Akagera Aviation’s fleet includes the 3-seater Robinson 44, the 5-seater Agusta 139, and the 6-seater Agusta 109. Thanks to the commitment to providing excellent helicopter scenic tours across Rwanda, Akagera Aviation was appointed as a “Robinson Helicopter Dealership and Service Center” in 2008 hence making it the first of its kind in the East African region. Besides Helicopter scenic tours, this domestic airline also provides emergency medical services, surveys, as well as Aerial photography, to mention but a few.
Popular Helicopter scenic tours in Rwanda
Rwanda visitors are provided with different Helicopter scenic tour options that include;
The 2-hour helicopter scenic tour to Akagera National Park, which allows travelers to explore the unmatched beauty of Mother Nature in the raw wilderness at the country’s only savannah-dominated National Park. This is mainly done with the Agusta 109 with sights of wildlife (elephants, Masai giraffes, Rhinos, and buffaloes among others), Lakes, Rivers, the savannah plains, rainforest, and so much more.
The two-and-a-half helicopter scenic tour begins from Kigali Airport and explores areas of Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and back to the City/Airport.
There’s also an opportunity to enjoy the 2-hour scenic tour while exploring the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, the Virunga Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, and then back to the City.
There is also a 30-minute helicopter scenic tour to Bugesera and River Nyabarongo before returning to the City.
What to bring for your Helicopter Tour in Rwanda
One of the things that you shouldn’t forget during your Helicopter Scenic Tour in Rwanda is a camera/smartphone for taking beautiful photos and recording videos of your unforgettable adventure.
Also, wear comfortable shoes, as well as dark-colored clothes if you hope to take clearer and more beautiful photos during your Helicopter scenic tour in Rwanda. One thing that most travelers don’t know is that light-colored clothes will reflect on the transparent windows hence creating not-so-desirable flares in your pictures.