2 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari

Planning a safari in Rwanda? The 2 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari promises a truly memorable encounter with nature’s wild side, all within one compact, well-organized package. For those craving a quick yet immersive escape into Africa’s big game, this tour packs in plenty—think game drives, boat cruises, and the chance to spot the famed Big Five.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the friendly, knowledgeable guides who seem to have a sixth sense for animal spotting, the balanced mix of adventure and comfort, and the value for money at $1,200 per person, which includes all the essentials for a successful safari. That said, the two-day structure means you’ll spend a lot of time on the road, so it’s best suited for travelers eager for a quick wildlife fix rather than a leisurely, extended safari.

One thing to consider: this is a private tour, so it’s tailored for your group, but that can also mean higher cost compared to group safaris. Overall, if you’re after an authentic, well-guided experience in Akagera that offers great value and plenty of wildlife sightings, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides like Serge and Didier enhance the experience.
• Diverse Activities: Combines boat cruises, game drives, and wildlife viewing for variety.
• All-Inclusive Price: Includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, and mineral water.
• Quality Accommodation: Overnight stays at luxury lodges like Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
• Authentic Encounters: Opportunity to spot the Big Five and other iconic African species.
• Ideal for Short Trips: Perfect for travelers with limited time but a strong interest in wildlife.

An In-Depth Look at the Akagera Safari Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The safari spans two days, packed with exciting experiences that give you both the thrill of spotting animals and a chance to relax in comfort.

Day 1: From Kigali to Akagera—A Variety of Wildlife and Scenery

Your adventure kicks off with a short briefing before hitting the road from Kigali to Akagera National Park. The journey itself is a scenic drive through Rwanda’s lush landscapes, building anticipation for what’s to come.

Once inside the park, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise, which is a highlight for many. As you glide across the water, expect to see hippos lazing in the river and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. This peaceful river setting offers a different perspective from the land-based game drives, and many reviewers mention spotting a variety of waterfowl and birdlife during this part of the tour.

In the evening, the game drive unfolds in the park’s open plains and acacia forests. Our sources mention seeing elephants, giraffes, buffalo, spotted hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles, often all in one drive. Reviewers like Lashanda praise their guide Serge for making the animals easy to spot, even from a distance, thanks to his eagle eye and patience.

Overnight accommodations are at luxury lodges—either the Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Both offer comfort after a long day of wildlife viewing, with Lashanda mentioning the “friendly staff and cozy rooms,” making it a smooth blend of adventure and relaxation.

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive & Return to Kigali

The second day begins with breakfast and a short briefing before heading back into the park for a full-day game drive. This is the prime time to spot the Big Five—lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. According to reviews, guides like Didier are exceptional at spotting animals, even at great distances, which makes all the difference during the long hours of the drive.

Travelers have reported seeing four of the Big Fives in one trip, exceeding expectations. The park’s diverse habitats mean you’ll also encounter an impressive array of antelopes, various bird species, and other creatures. The guides’ ability to identify animals and anticipate their movements ensures you get the most out of this experience.

After a late lunch, the drive back to Kigali completes the adventure, with many feeling satisfied that they’ve experienced a true safari, even in just 48 hours.

What Are the Key Benefits?

Transportation and Convenience: The tour includes all transport, so you don’t have to worry about logistics—just relax and focus on the wildlife. The private nature of the tour means fewer crowds and a more personalized experience.

All-Inclusive Meals and Water: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mineral water are included, which simplifies planning and ensures you stay refreshed during the long days.

Guided Expertise: The guides aren’t just drivers—they’re wildlife experts. According to reviews, Serge and Didier go above and beyond, spotting animals others might miss and sharing insightful information about the park’s ecosystem. Lashanda highlights Serge’s “effortless animal spotting,” emphasizing how valuable knowledgeable guides are.

Accommodation Quality: The lodges are described as luxury and comfortable, with reviewers mentioning cozy rooms and friendly staff, making the overnight stay an enjoyable part of the trip.

Is the Price Justified?

At $1,200 per person, this safari is a significant investment, but the value is clear when you consider the inclusions: transportation, entrance fees, meals, and expert guiding. The reviews suggest that many find the experience well worth the cost, especially given the chance to see multiple Big Five animals and enjoy a private, curated safari.

It’s important to note that this is a private tour, meaning a more tailored experience but also a somewhat higher price point than group options. For travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and expert guidance, the cost aligns well with the quality of the experience.

Additional Information

• Booking in advance is recommended, with most travelers reserving around 128 days ahead.
• Covid-19 policies are straightforward—no tests required, making planning easier.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, as most can participate without special requirements.
• Cancellation is flexible—free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager for a quick but comprehensive experience in Rwanda’s prime game park. It suits those who value guided expertise, comfortable lodging, and seamless logistics. It’s perfect for travelers with a limited timeframe who still want to maximize their chances of seeing prominent African animals.

If you’re someone who appreciates a luxury touch combined with adventure and prefers a private, personalized experience, this tour won’t disappoint. Conversely, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer longer, multi-day safaris, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

The 2 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari offers a compact, well-organized, and highly rewarding way to experience Rwanda’s stunning wildlife. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a good mix of boat and land-based safaris, it delivers excellent value for those looking to tick off the Big Five and enjoy the beauty of Akagera’s varied habitats.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a guided, private experience that balances adventure with comfort. The reviews confirm that many guests leave feeling they’ve had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, thanks to the guides’ skill and the park’s diverse wildlife.

For anyone short on time but eager to witness African wildlife in a relatively unspoiled setting, this safari provides a practical, authentic, and highly enjoyable option.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, entrance fees, guiding, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and mineral water.

Do I need to arrange my own flights?
Yes, flights are not included, so you’ll need to organize your own travel to and from Rwanda.

Can most travelers participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific restrictions mentioned.

Is Covid-19 testing required?
No, Covid-19 tests are not required or recommended for this tour.

How long are the game drives?
The first day includes an evening game drive, and the second day features a full-day game drive lasting about six hours.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, the tour includes overnight stays at luxury lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book approximately 128 days ahead, indicating high demand and the importance of early planning.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species.

What makes this safari special?
The combination of guided expertise, private luxury accommodations, and the chance to see multiple Big Five animals makes it a standout short safari experience.

In summary, if you’re looking for a carefully curated, wildlife-rich escape that balances adventure with comfort, this 2-day Akagera safari offers excellent value and authentic encounters. It’s tailored for those who want a private, guided experience that delivers the best of Rwanda’s wildlife in a condensed timeframe.