3 DAYS AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Overview
This 3 day Akagera National Park safari takes you into Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve, a landscape of sweeping savannahs, glittering lakes and wildlife rich plains. This tour is designed for travellers seeking authentic game viewing, iconic animal encounters and a deep appreciation for one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. From boat cruises alongside hippos and crocodiles to game drives in search of lions and rhinos, this short yet rewarding safari offers both adventure and serenity in equal measure. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers and first time safari goers, this journey delivers unforgettable moments in one of East Africa’s most restored wildernesses.
Safari Highlights
- Exceptional game viewing including the Big Five
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema with hippos and crocodiles
- Quiet, scenic landscapes with fewer crowds
- Bird rich wetlands and savannah plains
- A firsthand look at one of Africa’s greatest conservation stories
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
Your safari begins in Kigali with an early morning departure heading east through rolling hills, farmland and rural villages as you journey towards Akagera National Park. After a scenic drive of roughly 2.5 hours, you will arrive at the southern gate of the park, complete entry formalities and proceed to your lodge for lunch and check in.
In the afternoon, experience one of the park’s greatest highlights: a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Glide past pods of hippos wallowing in the shallows, massive Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks and an abundance of birdlife including African fish eagles, papyrus gonoleks and herons. Elephants are often spotted drinking at the water’s edge, offering beautiful photographic moments.
After the cruise, enjoy a relaxed game drive en route back to your lodge as the sun dips low, painting the savannah in golden hues. Dinner is served under the stars, followed by an overnight stay inside or near the park.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
- Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Dereva Hotel
Wake early to the sounds of the bush and begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a full day game drive. Today is dedicated to searching for Akagera’s thriving wildlife population across its diverse landscapes, from open plains to woodlands and wetland fringes.
Look out for lions, elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, Topis, elands, waterbucks, warthogs and the park’s impressive conservation icons, the black rhino. Leopard sightings are possible for the keen eyed and lucky observer. Unlike many East African parks, Akagera feels wonderfully uncrowded, offering intimate wildlife encounters without distraction.
Stop at one of the designated picnic spots for a packed bush lunch, surrounded by nature, before continuing deeper into the northern sector where some of the most dramatic game viewing unfolds.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to unwind, enjoy dinner and reflect on the day’s sightings. Overnight stay.
Rise before dawn for your final game drive, when Akagera is at its most active. The soft morning light offers ideal conditions for photography, with predators often still on the move and grazers emerging onto misty plains. This is your last chance to spot species you may have missed, listen to the park waking up and soak in the serenity of wild Rwanda.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and take a moment to enjoy the surroundings before checking out. You will then drive back to Kigali, arriving in the early afternoon. Depending on your schedule, you can be dropped at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your Akagera safari adventure.
