The Akagera national park offers one of the most convenient safaris in the region. Located just 3 hours from the capital Kigali, an overnight stay offers plenty of time to explore and view all the game and nature in the park. In the last couple of years, the Akagera has been going through a revival following the war devastation of the 80’s and 90’s, and is now quickly returning to its past glory. The park is now home to a diverse range of African wildlife including the Big 5 and comprises of a system of lakes and linking swamps, low mountains and savannah, making some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes in Africa.
Set off in the morning from Kigali and head east to the Akagera national park. Check in to your lodge, and after lunch head out for an evening game drive. With the expertise of a ranger, safari drives typically include most of the common plains species. Impala, Topi, Eland, Oribi, Waterbuck, Maasai giraffe, seem to be dominant.
With elephants and buffalos mostly found in the northern regions of the park. 7 lions and 18 black rhinos were recently reintroduced to the park. You may be fortunate to sight some of them.
Set off early morning for another game drive, this time looking for animal species you may have not seen on your previous game drive. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema and witness the largest concentration of hippos in East Africa. The lake is also teeming with large numbers of crocodiles and offers great sightings of various species of birds.
Head back to Kigali after your boat safari and make it before sundown.
Available extensions
1 day extensions of your safari and explore more parts of the park – $240 per person
