Explore the wonders of Rwanda’s Akagera National Park with our comprehensive 4 Day Wildlife Safari to Akagera National Park. This journey through one of Africa’s most scenic parks offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep dive into conservation efforts. The park is home to over 8,000 large mammals and over 480 bird species, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Safari Highlights:
- Night Game Drive.
- Day Game Drives.
- Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – 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 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.
Akagera National Park spans over 1,122 square kilometers and features a variety of ecosystems, from lush wetlands to savannahs and woodlands. Founded in 1934, the park is managed in partnership with the African Parks Network, which has been instrumental in restoring and preserving its biodiversity.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Big Game Safari – Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Day 3 of the 4-Day Eyes Wide Wildlife Safari is all about spotting the Big Five game: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. 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. You will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest lakeand 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.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Scenic Game Drive and Departure
The final day allows for a relaxed morning game drive. After breakfast at 0600hrs, you will head out for one last game drive to have a last chance to spot any remaining wildlife. We will take you to visit parts of the park we may have missed in the previous game drives or revisit favorite spots from previous days. Following the morning drive, you’ll embark on the return journey to Kigali, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes they’ve experienced over the past four days. Depending on the time of departure, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport to connect with your departure flight.
Included
- All Entrance fees included in the itinerary.
- All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
- All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
- All activities indicated in the itinerary.
- English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Excluded
- All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
- International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
- Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.