6-Day Rwanda: Akagera, Culture & Lake Kivu
Wildlife, Culture & Lake Kivu
Experience three very different sides of Rwanda in six days. Begin with Akagera’s savannah and Lake Ihema, travel north into the Virunga highlands for conservation and cultural experiences, then slow the pace beside Lake Kivu with traditional night fishing and a scenic boat cruise.
Akagera brings the wildlife element, with game drives across savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes as well as a sunset boat excursion on Lake Ihema. The journey then shifts from wildlife viewing to conservation at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where interactive exhibits explore mountain gorilla research, Dian Fossey’s legacy and modern conservation work.
The final days connect local culture with Lake Kivu. A community experience near Volcanoes National Park is followed by a traditional night-fishing experience and a morning boat cruise before returning to Kigali.
Tour highlights
- Explore Akagera National Park by game-drive vehicle
- Cruise Lake Ihema during the late afternoon
- Look for Akagera’s diverse savannah wildlife
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Discover mountain gorilla conservation at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Experience Rwandan culture near Volcanoes National Park
- Join a traditional Lake Kivu night-fishing experience
- Cruise among Lake Kivu’s islands and shoreline landscapes
- Return privately to Kigali for your onward flight
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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 in Kigali
Your Rwanda journey begins at Kigali International Airport, where your Opportune Safaris representative will welcome you on arrival and assist with your transfer into the city.
Check in at ONOMO Hotel Kigali and enjoy time to settle in after your journey. The remainder of the day offers a relaxed introduction to Rwanda before the safari begins the following morning.
DAY 2: Akagera & Sunset on Lake Ihema
After breakfast, leave Kigali and travel east through Rwanda's rolling countryside toward Akagera National Park.
On arrival, continue to Mantis Akagera Game Lodge and settle in before heading toward Lake Ihema for a late-afternoon boat excursion. Experience Akagera from the water as you look for hippos, crocodiles and the varied birdlife found along the lake and surrounding wetlands.
Return to the lodge after the cruise and enjoy the evening inside Rwanda's principal savannah national park.
DAY 3: Akagera Wildlife Safari & Return to Kigali
Rise early for a day devoted to wildlife exploration across Akagera National Park.
Travel through changing habitats of savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes with your driver-guide, with opportunities to encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope and other wildlife. Lions, rhinos and leopards also occur in the park, although sightings depend entirely on wildlife movements and prevailing conditions.
Pause for a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing through the park. Later in the afternoon, leave Akagera and return to Kigali for your overnight stay.
DAY 4: Kigali to Musanze & Ellen DeGeneres Campus
After breakfast, begin with a short exploration of Kigali, including a respectful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before travelling north through Rwanda's highlands toward Musanze.
In the Virunga region, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Explore the story of mountain gorilla conservation through interactive exhibits, historical material connected to Dian Fossey's work and immersive displays explaining the science and conservation efforts that continue today.
After the visit, settle into your accommodation in the Musanze area and enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 5: Cultural Experience, Lake Kivu & Night Fishing
Begin the day with a cultural experience near Volcanoes National Park, discovering aspects of Rwandan traditions, storytelling, music and community life.
Afterwards, travel toward Lake Kivu and settle in beside the water. Enjoy time at leisure before heading out in the evening for a traditional night-fishing experience.
Join local fishermen as they take to the lake, singing and working together as they cast their nets for sambaza. The experience offers an authentic glimpse into a livelihood that has long been connected to life around Lake Kivu.
DAY 6: : Lake Kivu Boat Cruise & Departure
Begin your final morning beside Lake Kivu with breakfast and a relaxing boat cruise across the lake.
Explore the calm shoreline and islands while enjoying views across the surrounding hills and opportunities to observe local birdlife from the water.
After the cruise, begin the journey back to Kigali. Depending on your international flight schedule, there may be time for last-minute souvenir shopping before continuing to Kigali International Airport for departure.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
6-Day Rwanda Safari, Culture & Lake Kivu
Current 2026 rate based on two travelers sharing.
| Travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travelers | USD 2,380 |
Final pricing is subject to accommodation and activity availability at the time of confirmation.
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