2 Day Akagera Wildlife Safari from Kigali

This 2-day Akagera wildlife safari from Kigali is designed for travellers who want a short Rwanda safari with game drives, savannah wildlife and a boat ride on Lake Ihema. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s main savannah wildlife destination and the best place in the country for a classic game drive experience. The park lies in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzania border and combines open plains, woodland, lakes, papyrus wetlands and rolling hills.

This safari starts and ends in Kigali, making it suitable for travellers with limited time in Rwanda. You will enjoy an afternoon game drive on arrival, an early morning game drive the next day, and a Lake Ihema boat safari for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and wildlife along the shores. The route works well for solo travellers, couples, families and visitors, adding wildlife viewing before or after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Akagera Game Drives
Akagera Game Drives

Safari Highlights

  • 2-day Akagera wildlife safari from Kigali
  • Game drives in Akagera National Park
  • Lake Ihema boat safari for hippos, crocodiles and birds
  • Chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and antelopes
  • Possible sightings of lions, leopards and rhinos
  • Scenic drive through eastern Rwanda
  • Private safari vehicle and driver guide
  • Overnight stay near or inside Akagera National Park
  • Good short Rwanda safari for limited travel time
  • Can be combined with Rwanda gorilla trekking

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Kigali Pickup and Afternoon Game Drive in Akagera

Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the Airport if your flight arrives in the morning. The drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route passes through eastern Rwanda’s rural landscapes, small towns and farming areas before reaching the park. Arrive in time for lunch, then continue for an afternoon game drive. This first drive gives you a good introduction to Akagera’s landscapes, with open plains, woodland, lakes and wetland areas. During the afternoon game drive, your guide will look for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, elephants and other wildlife. Predator sightings are possible, but they depend on movement, time of day and the area covered. After the game drive, continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options: Mid-range option: Akagera Game Lodge, Premium tented option: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Luxury option: Magashi Camp, Budget accommodation outside or near the park can be arranged on request, depending on availability and travel style.

Day 2, Sunrise Game Drive, Lake Ihema Boat Safari and Return to Kigali

After an early breakfast, start the morning game drive before the heat of the day. Morning game drives are valuable because animals are usually more active in the cooler hours. Your guide will search for wildlife that may have been missed the previous afternoon, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators where possible. Akagera is also one of Rwanda’s best birding destinations, so the drive may include several bird species along the lakes, wetlands and open plains. Later, connect for a boat safari on Lake Ihema. This is one of the best experiences in Akagera because it gives you a different view of the park from the water. You may see hippos in the lake, Nile crocodiles along the shores and many waterbirds around the wetland edges. After the boat ride, begin the drive back to Kigali. Your guide will drop you at your hotel, the airport or another agreed location. This marks the end of your 2-day Akagera wildlife safari from Kigali.

a boat safari on Lake Ihema
a boat safari on Lake Ihema

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

  • Kigali hotel or airport pickup
  • Private safari vehicle
  • English-speaking driver guide
  • Fuel for the full route
  • 1 night accommodation
  • Meals as stated in the final itinerary
  • Akagera National Park entry fees
  • Lake Ihema boat safari
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers
  • Return transfer to Kigali

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Rwanda visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for driver guides, park guides and lodge staff
  • Personal drinks, laundry and calls
  • Optional night game drive
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari
  • Activities not confirmed in the final itinerary
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