Our 3 days Akagera wildlife safari will take you to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park for a rewarding experience in the wild. This park is situated in the North east part of the country close to the Tanzanian boarder.
Founded in 1934, Akagera covers an area 1200 square kilometers and is named after River Kagera that does pour its water in Lake Ihema and other lakes that do surround the park. Akagera is Rwanda’s only wildlife savannah national park where you will enjoy seeing a number of animals during a game drive.
Following the 1994 Rwanda genocide war, wildlife species in the park where largely affected and it was threatening but a number of species have been reintroduced in the park and the numbers are growing. You can now find the big 5 game animals ie leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants and lions in the park which wasn’t the case. other wildlife species you can find here include topis, giraffes, elands, zebras. Baboons, hippos, warthogs, bird species like the papyrus ganolek, the elusive shoebill stock, crocodiles and many more others.
Highlight of the safari
2 game drives in Akagera National Park
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Kigali city tour
Birding
Detailed itinerary for 3 Days Akagera wildlife safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park
Our driver/guide will meet you at the airport or your preferred meeting point in Kigali and before set off, you will be briefed about the safari and here you can ask as many questions as you want so that you’re well versed and prepared for this exciting safari. You will then be taken on a trip to discover what Kigali city holds within its boundaries and here you will visit the craft shops, Kigali genocide memorial, the museum, local market and more.
From here, you will embark on a journey to Akagera National Park. The journey will take you 2-3hrs depending on the stop overs along the way and on arrival in Akagera National Park, our driver/guide will clear at the entrance and you will be given access to the park. You will proceed to the park visitor center where you will then leave to go check in to your lodge. After here, you will prepare yourself to go for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Here you will have an opportunity to see some of the species like the hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife species coming on the shores to drink water and cool off as well. These include several species of antelopes, elephants and others.
Travel time
2-3hrs
Accommodation options
Luxury: Akagera game lodge
Midrange: Ruzizi tented lodge
Budget: Karenga camp
Meal plan
Dinner
Day 2: Game drive – picnic lunch – night game drive
You will wake up in the early morning, and take breakfast and then our driver will be on standby to pick up for this all-day game drive in Akagera National Park. Its better to move with an experienced park guide since they are always aware of several locations you can spot different wildlife species and our guide will do exactly that before you set off for the game drive. On getting one, the guide will take you through different locations within the park where you can find various wild animals roaming around the park. The game drives are done using our custom-made safari vehicles to help you get a clear view. 
During the morning game drive in the park, look out for early morning risers like the zebras, topis, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, impala, spotted hyenas, several species of birds and more.
Nothing beats the feeling of having lunch in the wild. Its satisfying as it unveils the real African safari experience. Right after lunch, our driver/guide will pick you up and drive you back to your lodge to relax as you wait for the next exciting activity. Here you can choose to do swimming and cool your body or rest in your room. You can as well go for an afternoon game drive specifically to places you hadn’t visited during the morning game drive.
Evening game drives are designed for you to spot nocturnal wildlife species that cant be seen during day and these may include leopards, mongooses, owls, hyenas among others.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Akagera game lodge
Midrange: Ruzizi tented lodge
Budget: Karenga camp
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 3: Morning game drive and transfer to Kigali
Wake up in the morning, take breakfast and then our driver/guide will be on stand by to take you for a morning game drive where you will get an opportunity to see species you hadn’t seen during the previous game drives. After this, you will be led back to your lodge where you will check out and embark on a journey back to Kigali city where our driver/guide will drop you off to either the airport or the lodge within the city of your choice.
What to pack for the 3 days Akagera wildlife safari
Insect repellent to keep you safe from mosquito bites
A camera or binoculars
Light clothes, a hat and sun glasses to protect you from the scotching sunlight
Our 3 days Akagera wildlife safari includes
Ground transport
Park entrance fees
English speaking driver
A 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Airport transfers
Exclusions
International flights
Visa per person
Tips to local guides
Laundry fees
Luxury drinks
Personal insurance
Any other activity not mentioned in the package