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4 days - Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda

Eastern Rwanda, Akagera's big five and Lake Rwanyakizinga

Four days in Akagera National Park: game drives for elephants, zebras and giraffes, and boat cruises on Lake Rwanyakizinga for hippos, crocodiles and water birds, returning to Kigali.

1 Country
2 Stops
3 Nights
Medium to Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Akagera game and boat cruises
Akagera game and boat cruises Avoid
January Primary window

A short dry season. The savannah is open and game gathers around the lakes.

Dry, open savannah

The route

Kigali Akagera National Park
01

Rwanda

Akagera National Park, with game drives and boat cruises on Lake Rwanyakizinga, then a drive back to Kigali.

Upon arrival, and after completion of customs and immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by our Airport representative and driver guide who will transfer you to the hotel and assist on the check-in process while in the lobby he/she will then brief you on the upcoming Safari.
Drive to Akagera National Park. After breakfast you will be transferred to Akagera National Park, Eastern Rwanda which is approximately 2.5 hrs drive. Embark on a short game drive to search for animals like the African Elephants, Masai giraffes, Antelopes, Zebras, Buffaloes, gazelles, Impala, Baboons and Burchell’s zebra. Thereafter embark on a sunset boat cruise on lake Rwanyakizinga.
Morning Game Drive. After breakfast, you will go for the early morning game drive which will reward you with views of wildlife such as elephants, impala, oribi, bushbuck, antelope, zebra, cape eland, giraffe, buffalo, and if you are a lucky visitor you may come across a spotted hyena, lion or leopard. Return to the lodge for lunch. Boat Cruise. In the afternoon, you will go for the canoe ride on Lake Rwanyakizinga. This will reward you with views of water-loving animals like Hippos, out-sized crocodiles, and water birds like the papyrus Gonolek, shoebill stork, and African fish eagle.
In the morning you will have breakfast at the lodge, check out and later drive back to Kigali to be dropped off at your preferred hotel or transferred to the airport in time for departure flight.

The detail

About this trip

Explore Akagera National Park also known as the park with the “big five” lies in Eastern Rwanda.  It’s characterised by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, impala and hundreds of bird species such as the rare shoebill stork. In the Southern part of the park, vast lake Rwanyakizinga is home to hippos and crocodiles.

What is included

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
  • Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
  • All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

What is not included

  • International flights (From/ home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increases in taxes and/or park fees set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we travel between Kigali and Akagera National Park?
On day 1 an airport representative and driver guide meet you and take you to your hotel in Kigali. On day 2 you are driven to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda, about 2.5 hours, and you stay at the lodge for two nights. On day 4 you drive back to Kigali and are dropped at your preferred hotel or at the airport in time for your flight.
When is the best time for the Akagera safari?
June to September score highest, with peak game viewing in August when animals concentrate at the lakes and skies are clearest. December to February are also strong, hot and dry with open savannah. March to May and October to November are the rainy months, with soft tracks, tall grass or showers, and game spread out.
What does a typical day in Akagera look like?
Day 3 is the pattern. After breakfast you go on an early morning game drive, then return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you take a canoe ride on Lake Rwanyakizinga, looking for hippos, crocodiles and water birds. On day 2 you arrive, take a short game drive and finish with a sunset boat cruise on the lake.
Where can this Akagera trip be adjusted?
You can end the trip at your preferred hotel in Kigali or at the airport, so tell us your departure flight time. Because the trip is short, the main choice is your dates, and the dry months give the strongest game viewing. Dates and lodges are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

A giraffe in a field
A giraffe in a field
Two zebras in tall grass with antelope standing on the hillside behind

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

A short drive

Akagera is about two and a half hours' drive from Kigali, so you reach the park on day two in time for a short game drive.

Boat on the lake

The sunset cruise on day two and the canoe ride on day three on Lake Rwanyakizinga take you to hippos, large crocodiles and water birds. The rare shoebill is a sighting only with luck.

Game drives

Akagera is a Big Five park: elephants, buffalo and leopard are joined by reintroduced lions and rhinos, with giraffes and zebras on the plains. Sightings cannot be promised, and the early morning drive on day three gives the best chance.

Binoculars

Akagera's birdlife and distant game reward a good pair of binoculars.

Plastic bags

Rwanda bans plastic bags, so pack in cloth or paper bags and leave plastic at home.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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