Should You Take a Helicopter Around Rwanda?

Rwanda is one of those countries that looks tiny on a map and then reminds you that maps are, in fact, lying douchebags.  Distances seem short.  Drive times are not.  Hills, winding roads, single-lane stretches, and that one truck behaving like it calls dibs on the entire highway, all do their part to consume your day.

This is why helicopters are the 21st century version of angels.  With three separate areas worthy of visiting: Magashi for safari, Volcanoes for gorillas and Nyungwe for chimps, a helicopter can be the difference between a smooth itinerary and getting deep vein thrombosis in a car whilst being medically declared part of the car’s upholstery.

My Own Helicopter Experience in Rwanda

I recently did a bunch of helicopter transfers myself, so this is not research dressed up as wisdom.

On arrival into Kigali, there was someone waiting with my name on a sign.  Although I was first off the plane and there was no queue anyway, so I could have simply followed the ancient technique known as walking forwards.  But I’m pleased to report I made it, all limbs in tact.

Passport control was quick-ish, helped by the person beside me.  Then I was taken to the small lounge while they collected my luggage.  The lounge deserves a special mention for having not changed one bit since my last visit two years earlier.  Admirable consistency and a stubborn refusal to buy new furniture.

Another family were already there waiting for their helicopter, which I suspect is why my wait was longer than expected.  Even in private aviation, someone else can still be in front of you.  Humbling.

An hour after landing, it was time to leave, go through domestic security, and endure one of the more inefficient screenings I have had the pleasure of resenting.  After that came an executive bus transfer to the helicopter.

The helicopter itself, an Agusta 139, was superb.  Easily the nicest I have flown in.  Comfortable, spacious, smooth, and just about enough space inside for yours truly, traveling by himself.  Outside the window were Rwanda’s endless green hills, mist rolling across the landscape, and scenery good enough to briefly distract from the invoice.  25 minutes later, there I was, on my way to camp, whilst anyone driving would have taken four hours.  Yet, admittedly, the car would have left almost an hour earlier and I wouldn’t have needed to waste my time in that security line.  But still a net positive.

What Helicopters Are Actually Available?

For the Kigali to Volcanoes route, here are the options.  The R44 will take around 30 minutes, the rest about 25 minutes.

Robinson 44

3 seats, max combined body + luggage weight of 180kg

Agusta 139

5 seats, max combined body + luggage weight of 550kg

Agusta 109 or Agusta 119

6 seats, max combined body + luggage weight of 380kg

Worth being aware the R44 can’t really land anywhere useful for Volcanoes, so including it is basically a waste of pixels. I trust you’re delighted I made you read this.

First Things First: Do You Need It?

No.

You can drive.  Plenty of people do.  The gorillas are not offended by road arrivals.  This is not about need. It is about value. And as we are discussing luxury travel, the real question is not do you need it, but do you want it enough to pay for it.  Cos it’s definitely better than driving.  And you’ll look cooler too, which is life’s most important metric.

Magashi for Safari

Magashi, in Akagera, is one of the strongest cases for flying.  Cos flying means leaving Kigali and arriving ready for lunch, safari and the business of seeing wildlife.  There is also something satisfying about touching down at camp while someone else is still trapped behind a truck.

Volcanoes for Gorillas

This is the most debatable route because the drive is manageable.  If you are only doing gorillas and staying several nights, I would not insist on a helicopter.  A car works perfectly well.  But if you are short on time, travelling with children, dislike transfers, or simply want those sweet, sweet Instagram likes, then yes, it can be worth it.  The road transfer time from Kigali varies between 2 and 4 hours, depending when you depart.  Knowing you can be there in 25 minutes, no traffic, is a nice way to finish the trip.  Gives you more time in the new Bisate spa.  But do be aware: helicopters can only travel during daytime, so if you have a late-night flight or an early departure, it might not even be possible.

Nyungwe for Chimps

Nyungwe is where helicopters start looking especially intelligent cos it’s so far away.  Plus, if you’re staying at One&Only, you may just want the comfort of knowing you have an escape plan.   Instead of sacrificing a day to transit, you take a scenic hop and gain more time in one of Africa’s most beautiful rainforests.

Conclusion

It surprised me how beautiful Rwanda is from the air, with the lakes, the hills, the sights, the greenery.  And the heli’s are great.  Way more luxurious than I’m used to in Africa, where normally you’re stuck on an R44 or equivalent.

If you are visiting one region only, I would rarely call it essential.  If you are combining Magashi, Volcanoes and Nyungwe, I think we can all agree that it is the greatest investment of all time – easily outweighing buying Bitcoin in 2008 – even if it will probably cost you more than buying Bitcoin in 2026.