1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari

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Exploring the 1-Day Safari to Akagera National Park: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a day-long safari in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, this tour offers a fantastic way to experience the country’s premier wildlife sanctuary without the hassle of overnight stays. Based on glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, it seems to offer a well-rounded, value-packed adventure that’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides like Justin, Peter, and Vianni are repeatedly praised for their extensive knowledge and friendly approach. Second, the personalized group size (limited to 7 travelers) ensures a more intimate, less rushed experience. Third, the combination of game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema allows for diverse wildlife sightings in one day. A possible consideration? The early start at 5:00 am might be a stretch for some, but it’s designed to maximize your time and wildlife sightings.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a premium yet affordable wildlife experience in Rwanda, especially when short on time but eager for Big5 sightings. It’s particularly well-suited for those who love wildlife photography, nature lovers, or travelers seeking an authentic, guided adventure with a small group.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Limited to 7 travelers, ensuring more attention from guides and a relaxed pace.
Comprehensive Safari: Combines game drives with a scenic boat cruise, increasing your chances of spotting diverse animals.
Expert Guides: Guides like Justin and Vianni receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Includes park entry, lunch, bottled water, and guiding fees—great value for the price.
Early Start: Begins at 5:00 am for optimal wildlife viewing, which may require an early wake-up.
Convenient Transfers: Hassle-free round-trip transportation from anywhere in Kigali.

Looking for more options in Kigali? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Pick-up and Journey from Kigali

The day kicks off at 5:00 am, with a pickup from your Kigali hotel. This early start might seem demanding, but it’s designed to give you a full day of wildlife exploration. The roughly three-hour drive through Rwanda’s vibrant countryside offers a chance to enjoy scenic views, passing farmland, lively local markets, and local communities.

Traveling in a private vehicle means you avoid the crowded shuttles or public transport, making the entire experience more comfortable and flexible. The use of a dedicated guide ensures you get insights about the landscape and local life even en route.

Arriving at Akagera National Park and Registration

By 7:30 am, you’ll arrive at the park headquarters for registration, a smooth process that allows you to get familiar with the park’s rules and safety guidelines. From here, your game drive begins in a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle. Guides like Peter and Vianni are known for their keen eyes and wealth of information, making the wildlife spotting more rewarding.

Game Drive in the Savanna

The core of the safari is the morning game drive across the grasslands, where your guides are eager to show you the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Reviewers highlight how guides go out of their way to find animals, sharing interesting facts along the way. For instance, David mentions how guides “provided so much information and went out of their way” to enhance their experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Kigali

Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

At around 2:00 pm, the tour moves to Lake Ihema for a relaxing boat cruise. This part of the experience provides a different perspective, with the chance to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a stunning array of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork and African fish eagles. Reviewers like Giannina note how guides are knowledgeable about the wildlife and eager to point out sightings, making the cruise a highlight of the day.

Final Exploration and Return

After the cruise, the safari continues with more game drives or a scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving around sunset. The round-trip transportation is included, allowing you to focus solely on the wildlife and landscapes without worrying about logistics.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

When you compare the price of $332.50 per person, it covers nearly everything a wildlife lover would want: park entrance fees, guiding services, a tasty lunch, bottled water, and comfortable transport. The reviews attest to the quality of guides and the overall organization, making this a cost-effective option that doesn’t skimp on the experience.

The small group size (maximum 7 travelers) means more personalized attention, better animal sightings, and fewer distractions. Reviewers have raved about guides like Justin and Justine, highlighting their friendliness, extensive knowledge, and helpfulness. Such personalized service often turns a good safari into a memorable adventure.

What to Expect in Terms of Wildlife and Scenery

You’ll see a mix of open savanna, lakes, and lush wetlands. The park’s biodiversity offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography, especially with the early start that increases your chances of spotting animals before they retreat from the midday heat.

The boat cruise on Lake Ihema is particularly good for birdwatching and spotting aquatic animals. Reviewers note that you might see hippos and crocodiles up close, along with an array of colorful waterbirds. For wildlife photographers, this diversity makes Akagera a mini paradise.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip

Wear long sleeves, a safari hat, and neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment and protect against insects.
Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent; the open vehicle exposes you to the sun and bugs.
Arrive early for the best animal sightings, especially since the tour starts at 5:00 am.
Consider packing a light snack or extra water if you’re hungry or thirsty during the day.
Remember, animals have keen senses—avoid wearing strong fragrances or bright colors like white or bright patterns that contrast with the natural environment.

Authentic Insights From Reviewers

Multiple reviewers praised the guides for their friendliness and knowledge. David describes Peter and Vianni as “excellent” and went out of their way to ensure a comprehensive experience. Giannina called Justin “a dream”, emphasizing his friendliness and expertise about the park and its animals. Laura shared how Justine was “so knowledgeable” and “easygoing,” making the entire day memorable.

The small group size was also a common highlight, with travelers like Laura appreciating how helpful and approachable the guides were, leading to a more personalized and engaging safari.

The Sum Up

The 1-Day Safari to Akagera National Park offers more than just a glimpse of Rwanda’s wildlife; it provides an expertly curated experience packed with diverse sights, knowledgeable guides, and excellent value. The combination of game drives, boat cruises, and scenic views make it a well-rounded, memorable adventure suited for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those with limited time but big wildlife dreams.

If you’re after a properly organized, intimate safari with a high chance of Big5 sightings, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided expertise, comfort, and a small-group atmosphere, ensuring a day filled with stunning scenery, incredible animals, and authentic local encounters.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with pick-up at 5:00 am and typically returns around sunset, allowing you to make the most of the daylight hours for wildlife viewing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hassle-free round-trip transportation from any location in Kigali is included in the price, making logistics simple for travelers.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 7 travelers, offering a small-group experience that enhances wildlife spotting and guide interaction.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers park entry fees, guiding services, bottled water, and lunch. Tips and breakfast are not included but are optional.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the early start and outdoor nature suggest it’s best for travelers who are comfortable with a full-day outdoor adventure.

What should I wear for the safari?
Opt for neutral, earth-tone clothing, long sleeves, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to stay comfortable and protected during game drives.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 67 days in advance to secure your spot, as the tour is popular and highly rated.