Kigali: 3-Day Akagera National Park Safari with Boat Cruise

Travelers seeking a genuine safari experience in Rwanda will find this 3-day journey into Akagera National Park offers a compelling blend of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and relaxing boat rides. While the cost of $900 per person might seem steep at first glance, it packs in a well-rounded exploration that balances wildlife viewing, aquatic adventures, and comfortable lodgings. The experience is especially appealing for those who love seeing the Big Five and want to enjoy Rwanda’s only savannah park with expert guides.

What truly makes this safari stand out are the knowledgeable guides who enhance every aspect of the trip, the opportunity to spot rare nocturnal animals during a night game drive, and the stunning landscapes that make each drive a visual delight. One possible consideration is the long travel time from Kigali—about 7 hours on the first day—which could be tiring for some. Nonetheless, this tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, bird lovers, and anyone wanting a well-organized, authentic safari experience in Rwanda.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: Big Five, aquatic life, and over 550 bird species.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides who add depth to your safari.
• Scenic Landscapes: Rolling hills, plains, lakes, and river views.
• Multiple Activities: Game drives, boat rides, and night safaris.
• Value for Money: All-inclusive transport and game drives, with optional pay-at-venue costs.
• Limitations: No accommodation included; additional fees apply for park entrance and meals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the 3-Day Akagera Safari

This tour is designed to maximize your wildlife sightings and scenic experiences within Rwanda’s only savannah park, making it a perfect choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Akagera. The itinerary balances active game viewing with relaxing moments on Lake Ihema and some unique wildlife activities like rhino tracking.

Day 1: Transfer and First Game Drive

The adventure kicks off early at 8 am, with pickup from your Kigali accommodation by an English-speaking guide. Expect a scenic drive toward Rwanda’s eastern region, where the landscape begins to shift into grasslands and rolling hills. The drive includes a short coffee stop at Imigongo Café—an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy local snacks before reaching the park.

Once at the southern entrance, you’ll do a quick game drive through the Nyamwashama Plains. Here, the vast open spaces are perfect for spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The guide’s insights really shine during these drives, pointing out animal behaviors and park history that most casual observers might miss. After checking in to your lodge for lunch and some downtime, the real highlight comes at night: a night game drive searching for elusive creatures like hyenas and leopards, which are often more active after sunset.

Day 2: Boat Ride and Wildlife Viewing

Wake up to a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This 1-2 hour trip offers a different perspective, with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds like the African Fish Eagles. The boat trip often becomes a wildlife parade—some reviews describe the experience as “amazing,” especially with close-up sightings of hippos swimming and crocodiles basking on the banks.

Post-boat, you’ll travel to the northern parts of the park, where the landscape features lush wetlands and open plains. Check-in at Karenge Bush Camp for a hearty lunch and some downtime to enjoy the serene surroundings. The afternoon involves more game viewing, giving you additional chances to spot giraffes, zebras, and perhaps even lions. This section is praised for its peaceful vibe and excellent wildlife sightings, with guides sharing local stories that deepen the experience.

Day 3: Rhino Tracking and Return to Kigali

The final day begins with an early breakfast before heading out for rhino tracking in the Kilala Plains. This activity is a rare privilege, giving you a close look at Rwanda’s endangered black and white rhinos in their natural habitat—an experience described as “unforgettable” by recent guests. The guide’s expertise in tracking and animal behavior makes these moments even more special.

Following rhino tracking, you’ll embark on a scenic game drive along the northern part of the park, searching for lions, buffaloes, and other members of the Big Five. The views here are often described as “breathtaking,” with the plains stretching to the horizon and the hills providing a stunning backdrop.

By late afternoon, you’ll head back to Kigali, concluding your safari with memories of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the warm hospitality of your guides.

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The Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour includes private transportation in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and game drives—essentials for a smooth, personalized safari. Drinking water is provided throughout, ensuring you stay hydrated during those long drives.

However, it does not cover accommodation, park entrance fees, or meals beyond breakfast. This means you’ll need to budget separately for these aspects, which can add to the overall cost but also offers flexibility for choosing where to stay and dine.

Practical Tips:

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera for memorable wildlife photos.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems due to the nature of the activities and vehicle rides.
• Keep in mind that drones are not allowed to protect wildlife and park regulations.
• Since the tour is pay later, you can secure your spot without immediate expense, which is helpful if travel plans are uncertain.

Why This Safari Offers Great Value

For $900, this package delivers a robust schedule of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and boat cruises—especially considering all transportation, game drives, and guiding are included. The chance to see the Big Five in one of Africa’s few savannah parks outside of official luxurious safaris makes it an attractive option for travelers on a moderate budget seeking an authentic experience.

Guests repeatedly mention the knowledge of guides as a highlight, with reviewers noting guides like Ernest and George as “friendly, well-informed,” and “great at spotting elusive animals.” This adds significant value, as expert guidance turns a good safari into a memorable one.

Although the park entrance fee and meals are extra, many find that these costs are reasonable and allow flexibility—whether they prefer local eateries or higher-end lodges.

Who Would Love This Safari?

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see Africa’s Big Five, bird watchers aiming for over 550 species, and those who enjoy a combination of land and water-based wildlife viewing. It’s also suitable for travelers comfortable with longer drives and outdoor activities that require some stamina.

Couples, small groups, or solo adventurers will find the flexible itinerary and knowledgeable guides make for an engaging, personalized experience. If your goal is to experience Rwanda’s only savannah park in a compact, well-organized tour, this safari delivers.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day safari to Akagera National Park offers a well-rounded, authentic safari experience within Rwanda’s borders. You’ll love the opportunity to see the Big Five, observe aquatic wildlife during boat rides, and learn from guides whose knowledge and friendliness elevate the trip. The landscapes are stunning, with rolling hills and expansive plains providing a beautiful backdrop to your wildlife sightings.

While it isn’t the cheapest safari out there, the combination of activities, expert guides, and scenic variety makes it a solid investment for those wanting a memorable Rwandan adventure. It’s best suited for travelers who value wildlife viewing, enjoy boat rides, and prefer guided tours that handle logistics seamlessly.

If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, comfort, and authenticity, this safari ticks all the boxes—and leaves you with plenty of stories to tell at the end of your trip.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private transportation in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is included for the entire trip, making travel between locations smooth and comfortable.

Are park entrance fees included?
No, park entrance fees are not included in the $900 price. You’ll need to budget separately for these additional costs.

What meals are included?
Only breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not covered, so you can choose where and what to eat during the trip.

Can I see the Big Five on this tour?
Yes, this safari is designed to give you good chances to see all five—elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes—as well as other wildlife.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The tour’s flexible structure and group activities make it a great option for solo adventurers as well as couples and small groups.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing. Remember, drones are not allowed.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you peace of mind while planning your trip. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems?
No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back issues due to the nature of the activities and vehicle rides involved.

You can check availability for your dates here: