Day 1: Pick Up - Transfer to Akagera National Park – Sunset Boat Ride – Night Game Drive
After breakfast at 0700hrs, 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, you will check into a remarkable lodge that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings followed by lunch.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, 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
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Day Big Game Safari – Return to Kigali
Early in the morning at 0600hrs, you will start your game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. A morning game drive through Akagera’s northern plains is particularly rewarding, with herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely. The more elusive predators, like lions and leopards, tend to be active during these cooler hours, enhancing the chance of sightings. 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.