2 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari

Planning a wildlife safari in Rwanda? We’ve reviewed the 2-day Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari, a well-rounded tour designed for those craving authentic animal encounters without the hassle of hidden costs. From the moment you leave Kigali to the final game drive, this tour offers a blend of comfort, adventure, and the chance to witness some of Africa’s iconic species.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the all-inclusive pricing covers accommodation, meals, park fees, and transfers, so you won’t have to worry about surprise expenses. Second, the personalized guide service helps maximize your chances of spotting lions, rhinos, and elephants—especially with the help of local knowledge. Lastly, the boat trip on Lake Ihema promises memorable moments with hippos and crocodiles just a splash away.

That said, a possible consideration is the 6-hour game drive on the second day; it’s long, and some may find it tiring, especially if traveling with small children or those with limited stamina. Still, the route along the lake offers views and animal sightings that make every minute worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who value convenience, expert-guided safaris, and a well-organized itinerary. It suits travelers who want a taste of Rwanda’s iconic animals without the complexities of planning every detail themselves.

Contents show

Key Points

All-Inclusive Convenience: Accommodation, meals, park fees, and transfers are included, removing hidden costs.
Expert Guiding: Knowledgeable guides increase chances of wildlife sightings and provide insightful commentary.
Seamless Transfers: Round-trip private transportation ensures comfort and punctuality.
Variety of Experiences: From game drives to boat trips, the tour offers diverse ways to see wildlife.
Small Group Feel: Limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, maintaining a personalized experience.
Value for Money: For $956, you gain two days of guided adventure with most expenses covered.

Setting the Scene: The Journey from Kigali to Akagera

The adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kigali. The 2.5-hour journey to Akagera National Park is quite pleasant, with opportunities for stops along the way to capture photos of the lush landscape. The route is dotted with rolling hills and patches of farmland, providing a welcome break from city life.

Our driver, who doubles as a guide, was praised in reviews for his responsiveness and effort in finding animals. One reviewer, Lszl_K, appreciated the “perfect” lodge accommodation and the dedicated gamekeeper, who went above and beyond to help spot wildlife. This highlights the importance of a knowledgeable guide in making the most of your safari experience.

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

First Impressions: Arriving at Akagera

On arrival, you’ll typically enjoy a short game drive en route to your lodge. This initial safari offers your first glimpses of the park’s varied habitats, from open plains to lush water bodies. The lodge itself is set up to provide comfort after a morning of travel, with some reviews mentioning the excellent accommodation quality.

After checking in, a relaxed lunch sets the tone for the afternoon. Then, it’s time for a boat trip on Lake Ihema. Here, expect to see hippos and crocodiles lounging by the shores—an iconic scene. The boat ride is a highlight for many, offering a different perspective of the park’s aquatic wildlife.

Day 2: The Big Game Drive

Early mornings are best for wildlife sightings, and this tour capitalizes on that with a 6-hour game drive. Your guide will lead you through the park’s diverse landscapes, increasing your chances to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and several antelope species. Notably, the park has recently reintroduced lions and rhinos, making sightings even more exciting.

One reviewer noted that the park is a birders’ paradise, with over 500 bird species. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just enjoy the occasional spotting, this adds an extra layer of interest to the drive.

The journey back to Kigali is along the lake route, which often yields additional animal sightings—particularly around water. You’ll stop for a packed lunch during the game drive, allowing you to keep energized as you seek out that perfect wildlife moment.

The Logistics: Price, Inclusions, and Practicalities

At $956 per person, this safari offers significant value considering almost everything is included: meals, accommodation, park entrance fees, and private transportation. The only extra cost is typically the boat ride, which is $45 per person.

The tour is designed with convenience in mind, featuring hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), making it suitable even for travelers unfamiliar with local logistics. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention without feeling crowded.

The tour is ideal for those with moderate physical fitness, as game drives involve some walking and vehicle transfers across uneven terrain. Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult, and travelers should be prepared for a full day of activity.

Authentic Encounters and Reviewer Insights

Feedback from past travelers emphasizes the quality of the lodge and the dedication of the guides. Lszl_K’s comment about enjoying the safari and the “perfect” lodge highlights the value of comfortable accommodation after a day of adventure.

Guests appreciated the opportunity for close animal encounters, especially with the reintroduced lions and rhinos, which are rare sights in many parks. The boat trip was also a favorite, with viewers noting hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

There's plenty more to explore in Kigali

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is perfect for travelers seeking a hassle-free wildlife experience with everything taken care of. The inclusive price and guided approach are ideal for those new to safaris or visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Rwanda’s wildlife. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer a smaller group and personalized service.

If your priority is seeing Africa’s iconic animals in a well-organized, comfortable setting without hidden costs, this tour ticks all the boxes. The variety of activities—from game drives to boat trips—adds value and keeps the experience engaging.

However, if you’re looking for a more rugged, self-guided adventure or want to spend multiple days exploring, this might feel a bit limited in scope. Regardless, for a focused, quality introduction to Akagera, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $956?
The price covers accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), park entrance fees, game drive fees, private transportation, and a professional guide. The only extra expense is the boat fee, which is $45 per person.

Is transportation private or shared?
You’ll enjoy private transportation, ensuring comfort and flexibility during your journey to and from Akagera.

How long is the drive from Kigali to the park?
The journey takes about 2.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic, making it a manageable day trip.

Are meals provided?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, with the lodge serving local and international cuisine.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelope species, and with luck, lions and rhinos. The park is also home to over 500 bird species.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level due to the nature of game drives.

What should I bring for the boat trip?
Bring water, sunscreen, and camera equipment. The boat trip typically lasts around 1 hour, offering good opportunities for photos of hippos and crocodiles.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people usually participate?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, maintaining a small, personalized group setting.

Is there an option for airport pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option at booking.

To sum it up, this 2-day Akagera safari balances comfort with adventure, offering a well-organized opportunity to see Rwanda’s wildlife in a manageable timeframe. It’s especially appealing for those who value guided expertise, inclusive pricing, and a variety of wildlife-viewing activities. Whether it’s your first safari or a repeat visit, this tour promises memorable encounters and a taste of Rwanda’s natural beauty in style.