3-Day Akagera Wildlife Escape
Leave Kigali behind and enter the savannah, wetlands and lake country of eastern Rwanda. This three-day private safari combines a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema with an extended game drive through Akagera National Park and two nights at intimate Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Akagera’s landscapes shift between open plains, woodland, papyrus wetlands and interconnected lakes. The park is home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and hundreds of bird species, while Lake Ihema offers opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds from a completely different perspective.
Tour highlights
- Travel privately from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- Stay beside Lake Ihema at Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Cruise Lake Ihema during the late afternoon
- Look for hippos, crocodiles and wetland birdlife
- Explore Akagera’s changing savannah and woodland landscapes
- Spend a full day searching for the park’s diverse wildlife
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Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s natural scenery
Best time & practical guidance
Akagera can be visited throughout the year. The park currently identifies November to April as a particularly favourable period, though wildlife viewing remains possible across other months as well.
Bring lightweight safari clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medication, a small backpack and camera equipment.
That is enough for this Information tab. A three-day package should feel quick and easy to understand.
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Departure/Return Location
Kigali, Rwanda -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM -
Included
AccommodationAll park entrance feesDrinking WaterMealsPark Fees & PermitsProfessional English-Speaking Driver guideProfessional GuideTransport -
Not Included
Activities not included in the programAirport TransfersDaily valet laundry serviceMedical InsurancePersonal expenses like souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and cigarsTips for Guides, Rangers and hotel staffTravel Insurance
From our gallery
A glimpse of the landscapes and experiences that shape this journey across Rwanda, from Akagera's savannah and Nyungwe's rainforest to Lake Kivu and the volcanic highlands of the north.
Tour Plan
DAY 1: Arrival & Transfer to Akagera – Sunset Boat Cruise
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide, who will meet you and begin the journey to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah destination.
Upon reaching the park, your guide will assist you with the necessary park registration formalities before proceeding to your lodge for check-in. Enjoy lunch and take some time to relax while making use of the lodge’s facilities and services.
In the afternoon, set out for a memorable sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Cruise across the tranquil waters while observing Akagera’s aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles along the shores. The lake is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see species such as the papyrus gonolek, kingfishers, and many other water birds.
After the cruise, return to your lodge, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing evening.
What to wear and carry: - personal medicine, light colors clothes (dark blue clothing should be avoided as it attracts tsetse flies), hat, Sunglasses, sun Creem, backpack and a camera.
DAY 2: Full-Day Akagera Wildlife Safari
Its named for after Akagera river that flows along the eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes. Rolling hills of Acacia bush with panoramic views across scattered grassland, patches of thick forest and mosaic of swamp -fringed lakes along the meandering Akagera watercourse contribute to this park’s almost unrivalled diversity and scenic beauty.
Following a hearty morning breakfast, you will embark on the ultimate safari expedition, traversing Akagera National Park from the lush, hilly landscapes of the south to the expansive savannah plains of the north. This epic 6-to-7-hour cross-country game drive is meticulously designed to showcase the park’s rapidly changing ecosystems, dramatically increasing your chances of tracking down Africa's iconic Big Five, including majestic lions, elusive leopards, and herds of elephants and buffaloes.
As you cruise through the acacia woodlands and sweeping grasslands in your custom 4x4 safari vehicle, you will encounter a spectacular parade of wildlife, from towering Maasai giraffes and dazzling Burchell’s zebras to topis, impalas, baboons, and the rare oribi. The journey is equally a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot some of the park's 525 recorded avian species soaring above the plains.
Mid-way through this thrilling adventure, you will pause at a safe, scenic viewpoint to stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshing picnic lunch, completely surrounded by the untamed beauty and serene sounds of the Rwandan wilderness.
What to wear and carry: - personal medicine, light colors clothes (dark blue clothing should be avoided as it attracts tsetse flies), hat, Sunglasses, sun Creem, backpack and a camera.
DAY 3: Departure
On this day, after having your breakfast, depending on your flight schedule you will be dropped off at Kigali international airport for your international flight back home.
3-Day Akagera Wildlife Escape
Rates are per person sharing and vary by group size.
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travelers | USD 1,680 |
| 4 travelers | USD 1,363 |
| 6 travelers | USD 1,258 |
| Single room supplement | USD 218 |
Final pricing is subject to accommodation and activity availability at the time of confirmation.
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