2-Day Akagera National Park Safari
Overview
Explore the untamed wilderness of Akagera National Park, home to the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, and more. This short but immersive 2-day safari brings you into the heart of Rwanda’s only savannah national park, offering a combination of day and night game drives, as well as a serene boat safari on Lake Ihema.
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (or pick-up from your hotel), meet your English/French-speaking guide for a short safari briefing. Depart Kigali and begin the scenic drive eastward through rolling hills, rural farmlands, and bustling local markets en route to Akagera National Park.
After clearing park entry formalities, embark on your first game drive, exploring the park’s savannah grasslands in search of elephants, antelopes, zebras, warthogs, and buffaloes.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a short rest before setting off on a night game drive (operated by park rangers), offering a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as breathtaking sunset views over the savannah plains.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Start the day with an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, followed by a sunrise boat trip on Lake Ihema (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM). This peaceful cruise offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and animals like buffaloes and zebras drinking at the water’s edge. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and more.
After the boat ride, continue on a comprehensive game drive across Akagera’s varied terrain of rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and savannah. Look out for lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, and numerous antelope species, including the elegant impala and cape eland, Africa’s largest antelope.
Enjoy lunch en route before departing the park. Drive back to Kigali, arriving around 7:00 PM, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your departure.
