Helicopter Transfers to Safari Lodges in Rwanda
Helicopter transfers to safari lodges in Rwanda save time and offer amazing views during the journey. Instead of driving for hours on rough roads, guests reach national parks quickly and comfortably. This is very helpful for travelers visiting remote parks like Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera. Rwanda’s beautiful hills, lakes, and forests look even better from the air. Helicopters also reduce the stress of long drives and tight travel plans. Luxury lodges and safari companies offer these flights as part of their tour packages. Guests who use helicopters get more time for gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, and wildlife drives. These flights also work well for people visiting Rwanda for a short stay. Below is a simple guide to how helicopter transfers work in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park Helicopter Route
Most travelers visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and cultural experiences with local communities. Helicopters leave Kigali International Airport and land at Ruhengeri Airstrip near the park. From the airstrip, drivers take you by car to lodges like Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Singita Kwitonda. Others include Amakoro Songa Lodge and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest. The flight saves over two hours of bumpy road travel and gives views of green hills and volcanoes.
Nyungwe National Park Helicopter Route
Nyungwe Forest is home to chimpanzees and other primates that live in thick rainforest areas. Helicopter flights from Kigali take around 45 minutes and land at the helipad at One & Only Nyungwe House. This cuts the long five-hour drive on winding mountain roads. Other nearby lodges are just a short drive from the landing area. This makes it easy for guests to go straight to their forest walks and chimp treks.
Akagera National Park Helicopter Route
Akagera offers big game viewing with lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. The helicopter ride from Kigali takes only 30 minutes. Helicopters land near Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, and Akagera Rhino Lodge. These flights save almost three hours of road travel. Visitors enjoy more game drives and lake trips without rushing.
Helicopter Companies and Flight Options
Several types of helicopter flights are available depending on your needs and travel plans.
Main Helicopter Operator in Rwanda
Akagera Aviation runs most helicopter flights for tourists in Rwanda. They follow rules set by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority. Their team includes skilled pilots with years of flying experience in East Africa. The company uses different helicopter models depending on the number of passengers and destination.
Safari Company Partnerships
Luxury safari lodges like One & Only, Bisate Lodge, and Iconic Africa Safaris work closely with Akagera Aviation. These companies help book flights and create travel plans that include helicopter transfers. This makes it easy to match helicopter flights with other safari activities.
Types of Helicopter Flights
Tourists in Rwanda choose from three types of helicopter services depending on budget and travel style.
Private Charter Flights
Private charter flights are for travelers who want full control over time and destination. These flights go directly between Kigali and any lodge or park. You choose when to fly and where to land. This option works well for families, couples, or friends traveling together who want privacy and comfort.
Scheduled Group Flights
Scheduled flights follow a fixed timetable with set departure times. These are cheaper than private charters and work best for solo travelers or small groups. Flights run from Kigali to Volcanoes and Akagera parks on a daily basis. Seats are limited so booking early is always a good idea.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Some travelers book short flights just to enjoy aerial views without landing at a safari lodge. These scenic tours show Rwanda’s rolling hills, deep valleys, and lakes from above. This is great for taking photos or relaxing in the air while learning about Rwanda’s beauty.
Helicopter Models Used in Rwanda
Different helicopters are used based on group size and comfort needs. All helicopters are well-maintained for safety.
| Helicopter Model | Seats | Payload | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agusta AW139 | 6 | 550 kg | Large and safe with good balance in all weather |
| Agusta A109S | 6 | 380 kg | Spacious cabin with modern tools for smooth flying |
| Agusta AW119MKII | 6 | 380 kg | Good safety systems and flies well in mountain areas |
| Robinson R44 | 3 | — | Great for short flights with strong power and low cost |
Sample Flight Prices and Offers
Costs depend on the type of helicopter and the route taken between destinations.
- Scheduled Flights – From Kigali to Akagera Park costs around USD 280 per seat.
- Charter Flights – A private flight in a Robinson R44 to Akagera costs around USD 1,485.
- Special Lodge Offers – One & Only has offered free helicopter transfers if guests stay a set number of nights at both their lodges. Always check for updated offers before travel.
How to Book Your Flight
- Through Safari Lodges – Many luxury lodges include helicopter flights when planning a full safari experience.
- With Akagera Aviation – You can also book directly with the flight company for custom trips or scheduled seats.
- With Iconic Africa Safaris – we help guests plan everything including helicopters, lodges and park visits.
