Kigali: Akagera National Park Safari with Boat Cruise

Experience a full-day safari in Akagera National Park from Kigali. Spot the Big Five, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and take in the scenic landscapes of Rwanda.
Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel in Kigali. Set off in a private 4x4 safari vehicle, stocked with bottled water and binoculars. Drive eastward through lush Rwandan countryside dotted with small villages, banana plantations, and the occasional grazing cattle.

Arrive at Akagera’s south entrance, greeted by the vast expanse of savannah and shimmering wetlands. Your guide, knowledgeable and passionate, briefs you on the day’s plan and points out the signs of wildlife to watch for.

Begin your safari. Dust rises from the wheels as you drive along sandy tracks. Early morning is prime wildlife viewing. Herds of elephants wander near the acacia trees, their massive forms majestic against the rising sun. Giraffes stretch gracefully, nibbling treetops, while zebras and antelopes graze in the distance. Birds with vivid colors and intricate calls dart between branches.

Around midday, pause for a lunch break. Enjoy a picnic under a tree with the sounds of birds and distant wildlife, or opt for a scenic lodge like Rwakobo Rock Lodge overlooking Lake Ihema. The water shimmers, and hippos lazily surface, oblivious to your presence.

Post-lunch, continue your adventure. Choose to glide silently across Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and countless waterbirds. The water mirrors the sky, and the landscape feels almost untouched. Alternatively, drive deeper into the park’s savannahs and woodland edges. Lions might be spotted lounging under a tree, or a lone buffalo crossing your path. Every turn brings a new surprise.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, casting golden hues across the plains, begin your drive back to Kigali. The atmosphere is tranquil, filled with memories of close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. By the time you arrive at your hotel in the evening, the day feels like a dream — wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.