Akagera National Park, Behind the Scenes & Culture Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
Discover Rwanda’s stunning savannah landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture on this immersive 6-day safari. Journey through Akagera National Park for classic game drives, enjoy a special “Behind the Scenes” conservation experience with park rangers, and connect with local communities to gain deeper insight into Rwanda’s heritage and daily life. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want more than a typical safari it combines wildlife adventure with meaningful cultural exchange.
Safari Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- Full-day game drives with chances to spot the Big Five
- Private “Behind the Scenes” tour with Akagera conservation staff
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Guided community village visit
- Cultural experience with traditional dance and crafts
- Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers to and from Kigali International Airport
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation as per itinerary (luxury, midrange, or budget)
- Meals as indicated
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees for Akagera National Park
- Travel insurance
- Behind the Scenes experience in Akagera
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Guided Kigali city tour
- Village cultural visit and traditional performance
- Drinking water during safari activities
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your professional safari guide for a short briefing about your trip. If time allows, enjoy a brief city orientation tour before departing for Akagera National Park, a scenic 2.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge in time for check-in and dinner overlooking the park’s savannah or lake vistas.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, head out for a full day exploring Akagera’s diverse habitats, from open plains and woodland to lakes and swamps. With luck, you may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, rhinos, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of antelope species. A picnic lunch is served in a designated area inside the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a unique “Behind the Scenes” experience. Join Akagera’s conservation team for an insider’s look at how the park is managed. Learn about anti-poaching initiatives, community partnerships, wildlife monitoring, and the challenges of running a protected ecosystem. This is a rare chance to see conservation work in action.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the water’s edge. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for one last game drive to catch wildlife at its most active. After brunch back at the lodge, check out and begin the drive back to Kigali. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax or explore the city at leisure.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Kigali Serena Hotel / Step Town Motel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take a guided tour of Kigali’s top cultural sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood. After lunch, visit a nearby rural community village where you’ll learn about traditional farming methods, banana beer brewing, local crafts, and daily life in Rwanda. A cultural performance of music and dance caps off this rich day of connection. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Kigali Serena Hotel / Step Town Motel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may visit a local artisan cooperative for last-minute souvenirs. Your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of your Rwandan adventure.
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