Explore the diverse wildlife and serene savannahs of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five park, on this immersive 3-day safari. Combining game drives, a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and a cultural visit to Kigali and Butare, this trip offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and local experiences. Ideal for travelers who want a short but enriching East African adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
- Meet & Greet: Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your professional driver-guide and begin your safari journey.
- Kigali City Tour:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: A moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide; over 250,000 are laid to rest here.
- Craft Markets & optional Caplaki Handicrafts Village: Great for authentic souvenirs.
- Lunch in Kigali or En route at Nyamata or Kayonza, depending on your arrival time.
- Transfer to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5 hours): This scenic drive transitions from Rwanda’s lush hills to Akagera’s golden savannah.
- Dinner & Overnight at the lodge of your choice.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris or Akagera Game Lodge Magashi offers tented luxury and Big Five safari vibes, while Akagera Game Lodge has been renovated and upgraded in recent years.
- Mid-Range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge – Eco-friendly, lakeside setting.
- Budget: Dereva Hotel (Kayonza) or Akagera Rhino Lodge – Affordable options with simple comfort.
Early Morning Game Drive:
- Head into the park just before sunrise for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Look out for elephants, zebras, buffaloes, Masai giraffes, lions, hyenas, leopards, and over 12 antelope species, including:
- Chestnut-coated impalas
- Bushbucks
- Waterbucks
- Topi and oribi
Return to the lodge for late breakfast and relaxation.
Lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema:
- Spot hippos, crocodiles, and plenty of water birds such as African fish eagles, herons, and the rare shoebill stork.
- Enjoy a peaceful view of wildlife gathering at the lake’s edge.
Dinner & Overnight at your lodge.
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Drive to Butare (now known as Huye), the cultural capital of Rwanda.
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum – one of the best in East Africa, showcasing Rwandan traditions, history, and culture.
- Butare Cathedral – A historic church with colonial and cultural significance.
- Lunch in Butare.
- Return to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or optional hotel drop-off.
End of Safari with AA Safaris & Tours Ltd.
Inclusions
- Airport meet and greet & private transfers in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entry fees to Akagera National Park
- 2 nights’ accommodation (FB – Full Board)
- Game drive and boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Kigali city tour and Butare museum visit
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle
- All applicable government taxes
- International flights to/from Kigali
- Rwanda visa fees (approx. $50, available online or on arrival)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Expenses of a personal nature (e.g., souvenirs, laundry)
Yes. Since the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos, Akagera is now home to Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
The dry season (June–September and December–February) offers the best game viewing, but Akagera is accessible year-round.
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
