Exciting 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari

Embark on a thrilling 3 Days Akagera National Park safari in Rwanda. Enjoy game drives, a Lake Ihema boat cruise, and cultural tours, spotting the Big Five and more in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna national park and a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nestled in the eastern part of Rwanda near the Tanzanian border, Akagera spans approximately 1,200 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, including rolling savannas, woodlands, papyrus swamps, and serene lakes.

3 Days Akagera National Park is designed to immerse you in the park’s rich biodiversity, offering thrilling game drives, a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and cultural experiences that showcase Rwanda’s vibrant heritage.

Over three days, you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo—alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.

You may also like a 3 Days Nyungwe Forest Safari

This adventure promises breathtaking scenery, intimate wildlife encounters, and memories to last a lifetime.

3 Days Akagera National Park Safari

Detailed Itinerary of the 3 Days Akagera National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Morning: Pickup and Kigali City Tour
Your safari begins in Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali, where our professional driver-guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel at 7:00 AM. After a warm welcome and a brief overview of the adventure ahead, you’ll embark on a short Kigali city tour to get a taste of Rwanda’s culture and history. Highlights include:

Kigali Genocide Memorial: A poignant site dedicated to the 1994 genocide, offering insight into Rwanda’s resilience and reconciliation.
Kimironko Market: A bustling market where you can interact with locals and browse colorful crafts, fabrics, and fresh produce.
Nyakarambi Village (en route): On the way to Akagera, we’ll stop at this village to witness the unique Imigongo art, a traditional practice of creating geometric designs using dried cow dung mixed with natural pigments. This stop supports the Kakira Women’s Cooperative and provides a glimpse into Rwandan creativity.

The drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park covers approximately 110 km and takes about 2.5 hours, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

You’ll enjoy scenic views of terraced hills, banana plantations, and rural villages, with opportunities to stop for photos.

Afternoon: Arrival and Evening Game Drive
Upon arriving at Akagera’s southern gate around 10:30 AM, your guide will handle park registration while you stretch your legs.

You’ll then proceed to your lodge for check-in and a delicious lunch. Accommodation options include:

Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, offering eco-friendly tents with stunning views of Lake Ihema.
Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge, a comfortable option with modern amenities and panoramic park views.
Budget: Karenge Bush Camp, a rustic yet charming camp for an authentic wilderness experience.

After lunch and a brief rest, you’ll set off at 2:00 PM for an evening game drive, lasting about 2 hours. Akagera is home to all the Big Five, thanks to recent reintroductions of lions and rhinos. During this drive, expect to encounter:

Herds of zebras, impalas, and topis grazing in the savanna.
Majestic elephants and buffalo near waterholes.
Giraffes browsing acacia trees, their silhouettes striking against the horizon.
If luck is on your side, you may spot lions or the elusive leopard camouflaged in the bush.

The evening light casts a golden glow over the park, enhancing wildlife sightings and offering excellent photography opportunities.

Your experienced park guide will share insights about the animals and the park’s conservation efforts, managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board.

Evening: Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
At 4:30 PM, you’ll head to Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest lake, for a 2-hour boat cruise. This tranquil experience offers a unique perspective on the park’s aquatic life and birdlife. Keep your binoculars ready for:

Hippos wallowing in the water, occasionally surfacing with a snort.
Nile crocodiles basking on the shores or gliding silently through the lake.
Rare birds like the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, pied kingfishers, and papyrus gonolek, making this a paradise for birdwatchers.
Land animals like waterbucks and sitatunga antelopes drinking at the water’s edge.

As the sun sets, casting vibrant hues across the lake, you’ll return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner.

Relax on the deck, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness, and retire for the night, filled with anticipation for the days ahead.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-range), or Karenge Bush Camp (Budget).
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Full Day of Wildlife Exploration – Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Optional Night Safari

Morning: Game Drive and Optional Rhino Tracking
Rise early for breakfast at 6:00 AM, as the morning is prime time for wildlife activity. At 6:30 AM, you’ll embark on a 4-5 hour morning game drive, exploring different trails to maximize your wildlife sightings.

Akagera’s varied habitats—savannas, woodlands, and wetlands—support a remarkable diversity of animals. During this drive, you may encounter:

Lions returning from their nightly hunts or resting under acacia trees.
Rhinos, recently reintroduced to the park, grazing in the northern Kilala Plains (visible from a distance for safety).
Leopards, though elusive, may be spotted in wooded areas or draped over tree branches.
Herds of antelopes, including roan antelopes, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks.
Over 500 bird species, including the striking lilac-breasted roller and grey-crowned crane.

For an exclusive experience, you can opt for morning rhino tracking (additional cost, subject to availability). This activity, available only to guests staying at Karenge Bush Camp, involves joining the park’s rhino monitoring team on foot in the Kilala Plains.

You’ll learn about rhino conservation, observe their behavior from a safe distance, and contribute to their protection.

Note that this requires spending the second night at Karenge Bush Camp, located in the park’s northern sector.

You’ll return to the lodge around 11:30 AM for a hearty lunch and some downtime to relax by the pool or enjoy the lodge’s scenic views.

Afternoon: Leisure or Optional Activities
After lunch, the afternoon is yours to unwind or customize with additional activities (at an extra cost, subject to availability):

Guided Nature Walk: Explore Akagera’s flora and smaller fauna on a ranger-led walk, perfect for photography and learning about the park’s ecosystems.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, start the day with a 5:00 AM hot air balloon ride (if available). This 45-minute flight offers unparalleled views of Akagera’s landscapes and wildlife from above, accessing areas unreachable by vehicle.

Evening: Optional Night Game Drive
At 6:00 PM, you can opt for a 2-3 hour night game drive to spot nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day. With the aid of spotlights, your guide will search for:

Leopards and hyenas, which are more active at night.
Smaller predators like genets, servals, and jackals.
Bushbabies and porcupines foraging in the dark.

This thrilling experience adds a new dimension to your safari, revealing the park’s hidden nightlife. If you prefer a relaxed evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge, perhaps with a sundowner by a campfire, and soak in the ambiance of the wilderness.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Cultural Tour, and Return to Kigali

Morning: Final Game Drive
Your final day begins with an early breakfast at 6:00 AM, followed by a 3-hour morning game drive starting at 6:30 AM.

This is your last chance to spot any animals you may have missed, such as the elusive leopard or a pride of lions. Your guide will take you to new trails, perhaps in the northern sector, where rhinos and large herds of buffalo are often sighted. The morning light enhances the park’s beauty, with mist rising from the lakes and animals grazing peacefully.

Return to the lodge by 10:00 AM to check out and prepare for departure. If time permits, you’ll enjoy a packed picnic lunch during the drive back to Kigali.

Mid-Morning: Cultural Tour
Before leaving Akagera, you’ll participate in a cultural tour (optional, included in the itinerary) to the Humure Refugee Camp or a nearby community.

This experience offers a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and the park’s role in supporting local livelihoods. Activities may include:

Meeting community members and learning about their traditions, such as basket weaving or dance.
Visiting a local cooperative to purchase handmade crafts, supporting sustainable tourism.
Understanding how Akagera’s conservation efforts, like electric fencing, reduce human-wildlife conflict and benefit nearby villages.

This cultural immersion highlights Rwanda’s commitment to balancing tourism with community development, leaving you with a richer appreciation of the region.

Afternoon: Return to Kigali
At 11:00 AM, you’ll begin the 2.5-hour journey back to Kigali, arriving around 1:30 PM. Depending on your flight schedule, you can opt for a quick stop at the Caplaki Craft Village to shop for souvenirs like wood carvings or jewelry.

Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your 3-day Akagera adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch.

End of the 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari

What to Pack and Wear

To ensure a comfortable and safe safari, pack the following:

Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants in khaki, olive green, or beige to blend into the environment and protect against insects. A warm sweater and rain jacket for early mornings or wet seasons (March-May, October-November). A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots for game drives and walks.
Accessories: Binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Other: A small daypack, personal medications, and cash (Rwandan Franc or USD) for tips and souvenirs.

The dry seasons (June-September, December-February) are ideal for game viewing, with clear trails and active wildlife. The wet seasons (March-May, October-November) offer lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary to show appreciation for your guide, driver, and lodge staff. Recommended amounts per person per day:

Guide/Driver: $8-$15
Park Ranger: $5-$10 (per group)
Lodge Staff: $3-$5

Why Choose This Safari?

This 3 Days Akagera National Park safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. You’ll experience Rwanda’s only savanna park, home to the Big Five, without the crowds of other African destinations.

The itinerary is flexible, with optional activities like rhino tracking or hot air balloon safaris to suit your interests.

Our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures your trip supports conservation and local communities, making it a meaningful journey.

We look forward to guiding you through this extraordinary wildlife adventure. Please contact us for booking details, pricing, or to customize your itinerary further. Let’s make your Akagera safari a trip of a lifetime!