Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Morning Boat Ride – Game Drive

After breakfast at 0400hrs, you will be picked up by our driver guide and set off from Kigali, the vibrant capital city, and journey to Akagera National Park, located approximately 2.5 hours east of Kigali. The drive alone offers captivating scenery as it weaves through the Rwandan countryside, giving visitors an early taste of the country's natural beauty. Upon arrival at 0700hrs, you’ll check in at the park reception and head for a serene boat ride on Lake Ihema departing at 0730hrs, Akagera's largest lake and an essential habitat for a diverse range of aquatic wildlife. The boat safari offers an intimate view of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as a spectacular range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and shoebill stork. This guided tour provides insights into the lake’s ecosystem, as well as the conservation measures in place to protect these species. In the evening at 1700hrs, you will head out for sunset, and night game safari, a must-do experience as the soft golden light creates ideal photography conditions in the Northern part of Akagera National Park.

After the boat ride at 1000hrs, you will start your game drive through Akagera’s northern plains which is rewarding with herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely. A game drive along Kilala Plains reveals large buffalo herds, elephants, and grazing antelopes while driving along the Lake Shakani trail offers excellent views of hippos and crocodiles and Mutumba Hills Offers panoramic views of the park’s valleys and lakes and the rolling hills. Your driver guide will pick a spot to have a picnic lunch. Following lunch, you’ll embark on the return journey to Kigali, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes they’ve experienced over the past few days. You will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your homebound flights.

End of the 1 Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari.