2-Day AKagera Wildlife Adventure
per person
This 2-Day Akagera Wildlife Adventure visits Rwanda’s only savannah national park, known for Africa’s Big Five mammals. Akagera National Park covers 1,112 square kilometers and was established in 1934 by the Belgian government to protect its animals and ecosystem. It is named after the River Akagera, which flows through the park and feeds nearby lakes. The park was larger in the past and used to have a large population of wild dogs. These dogs were removed because they caused problems for nearby communities. They disappeared from the park by the early 90s, leading to a decline in other animal populations.
During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, many park animals suffered as refugees hunted big cats for protection and food. The park’s vegetation was damaged due to farming and logging, leading to the extinction of lions and rhinos. To rescue the park, the new government partnered with African Parks, which manages other wildlife areas in Africa. They stopped illegal encroachments with fences, and now, those who enter the park unlawfully face consequences. Lions and rhinos have been reintroduced and are thriving once again. African Parks, working with the government, is also promoting tourism, raising over $2.5 million from it. The 2-day Akagera wildlife safari starts in Kigali and offers game drives and boat cruises on Lake Ihema. Travelers can expect to see various animals, including zebras, lions, hippos, and elephants, over the course of the tour.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Akagera – Morning Game drive – Afternoon boat ride
- Day 2: Second Game drive – Departure to Kigali
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Akagera – Morning Game drive – Afternoon boat ride
Wake up early in Kigali and enjoy breakfast while waiting for your driver from Ganda Cultural Safaris The driver will explain the tour and what to expect before starting the 2-hour drive to Akagera National Park, where you’ll see beautiful countryside. Upon arrival at the southern gate, check in at the hotel and park offices. Then, enjoy a morning game drive with a park guide to look for zebras, giraffes, leopards, elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and antelopes. After the game drive, return to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema to see birds, crocodiles, hippos, and land animals along the shore, including the Shoebill Stork and fish eagles. The cruise lasts 2 to 3 hours, followed by a return to the hotel for relaxation and dinner. You may want to read more about the price of visiting Akagera National Park.
Accommodation: Ruzizi tented camp (Luxury), Akagera game Lodge (Mid-range), Devera Hotel (Budget) /Akagezi Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinnerDay 2: Second Game drive – Departure to Kigali
Wake up early, shower, and have breakfast. The driver will pick you up to get the park guide at the offices. The park guide will help find the best spots to see the animals. On day 2, the game drive will be longer, lasting around 6 hours, starting from the southern gate to the northern section of the park. Most time will be spent at Kilala plains, Mutumba hills, “hippo beach,” vast swamps, and Lake Ihema, where there is a lot of wildlife. If you missed any animals on the first day, you can see them now, including lions, buffalo, kobs, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and various antelopes, with the help of the park guide.
Akagera National Park is a top birding spot in Rwanda, home to over 500 bird species, including the iconic shoebill, lesser kestrel, Kingfishers, papyrus gonolek, and herons. The park offers beautiful views of the African wilderness with savannah, woodlands, and acacia thickets. After viewing the animals, you will return to the hotel for checkout. On your way back to Kigali, expect short stops at the Imigongo traditional handicraft makers and Rusumo waterfall, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
2-Day AKagera Wildlife Adventure Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- All Airport transfers, including pickups and drop-offs
- All Game drives
- A boat cruise along Lake Ihema
- All transportation for the two days in a standard 4×4 safari
- A professional English-speaking safari driver / guide
- Accommodation for one night
- Meals and drinking water throughout the 2 Days
- Park Entrance fees
- All activities included in the itinerary
- All Government taxes and park entrance fees
Excludes:
- Medical and Personal insurance.
- Air tickets and Visa fees.
- Shopping expenses.
- Tips for hotel staff and guides.
- All expenditures that may be considered personal, like those on alcoholic drinks, cigars, accommodation in Kigali, telephone calls, and laundry