Private Full-Day Tour Akagera Game Drive

If you’re dreaming of spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and more in Rwanda, this Private Full-Day Akagera Game Drive might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews, detailed itineraries, and expert guides suggest it offers a truly memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is how seamlessly it combines wildlife spotting, scenic landscapes, and local culture — all with the convenience of private transportation and knowledgeable guides. Plus, the fact that it’s highly rated (a perfect 5.0 from 12 reviews) signals consistent quality and visitor satisfaction.

One thing to keep in mind is the price of $360.15 per person — it’s a solid investment, but considering the full day of adventure, wildlife, and included meals, it offers good value. This tour is perfect for those who crave an enriching, flexible, and comfortably paced safari experience, especially if you’re eager to connect with Rwanda’s wild side in a more intimate setting.

Key Points

• Expert Guides Make a Difference: Knowledgeable guides like Kevin and Samuel lead the way, enhancing the experience with insights and spotting skills.
• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: With a chance to see four of the Big Five and hundreds of bird species, the safari packs genuine wildlife moments into a single day.
• Comfort and Convenience: Private transportation, WiFi on board, and pick-up/drop-off make the day smooth and stress-free.
• Taste of Local Culture: Starting at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center offers a taste of Rwandan artistry and a chance to enjoy breakfast or packed lunch.
• Flexible & Family-Friendly: Open to most travelers, service animals included, with a clear cancellation policy for peace of mind.
• High Customer Satisfaction: Consistently positive reviews highlight skilled guides, good planning, and memorable wildlife sightings.

This tour offers a comprehensive day trip into Rwanda’s premier wildlife sanctuary, Akagera National Park. Starting early, you’ll be picked up from Kigali and head towards the eastern part of the country, a journey of just over an hour. Along the way, you’ll stop at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center—a scenic coffee stop with arts from different artists and an opportunity to enjoy breakfast and possibly order packed lunch.

First Stop: Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center

This stop offers a relaxing break before the safari kicks off. The location is praised for both the coffee shop ambiance and the artistic displays. Reviewers mention enjoying the arts and the convenience of ordering packed lunch here, which is perfect for a full-day adventure. It’s a brief 20-minute stop with free admission, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship and a chance to stretch your legs before the wildlife excitement begins.

Heading into Akagera National Park

Once inside the park, the real magic begins. Covering woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah, Akagera boasts a diverse landscape that’s as photogenic as it is wildlife-rich. Expect to spend around 6 hours on game drives, guided by experts who know where to find the animals. Several reviewers highlight the guides’ exceptional ability to spot animals and share insightful commentary.

Wildlife sightings are a major highlight, with reports of seeing four of the Big Five (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes), along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species—including the rare shoebill stork. The southern part of the park features Lake Ihema, home to hippos and crocodiles, adding a water-side dimension to your safari.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters

Reviewers consistently describe the thrill of seeing a variety of animals in their natural habitat. One noted guide, Dady, was praised for being knowledgeable and attentive, making each sighting even more memorable. Visitors often mention how the guides’ expertise elevates the experience—spotting animals hidden in the brush, sharing interesting facts, and ensuring everyone gets great photo opportunities.

Return Journey: Scenic and Relaxed

After a full day in the park, you’ll head back to Kigali, typically taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Many reviews highlight how smoothly the trip runs, with drivers like Justin and Emile known for their friendly service and local insights. The return journey often has travelers reflecting on the amazing sights and planning their next trip back.

This tour’s all-inclusive package features private transportation, bottled water, WiFi, and lunch, which significantly simplifies planning. The guiding fees are wrapped into the price, and pickup/drop-off services ensure you don’t need to worry about logistics.

However, note that entrance fees are not included, so you might need to pay at the gate, depending on your arrangement. The tour also offers group discounts** and is available daily from early morning to evening, giving you flexibility for your planning.

Value for Money

At $360.15 per person, this tour delivers a full day of wildlife viewing plus cultural exposure. The reviews repeatedly mention the excellent planning, friendly guides, and “well taken care of” experiences, making it clear that the price reflects both the quality and convenience. Especially for those wanting a guided, private experience without the worry of navigation or logistics, this tour offers great value.

Multiple reviews praise guides like Kevin, Dady, Samuel, and Valens for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. They’re often described as being able to spot animals others might miss and for sharing stories that bring the experience alive.

One traveler shared how their guide, Anaclet, made them feel like VIPs, adding a personal and relaxing touch to the adventure. This personalized service is a major selling point, particularly for those who want a more intimate safari experience compared to large group tours.

The tour’s cancellation policy is straightforward: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which offers peace of mind. Reviewers consistently mention the ease of booking and how the team, especially Celine, is very responsive to last-minute changes or special requests.

The private nature of this experience means your group will enjoy the day without worrying about strangers, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a tailored safari.

If you’re after a well-organized, wildlife-rich day, led by knowledgeable guides in a private setting, then this Akagera game drive ticks all the boxes. The combination of scenic landscapes, wildlife sightings, and cultural stops makes it a balanced experience for anyone wanting to explore Rwanda’s natural treasures.

The value is noteworthy considering the full-day itinerary, included meals, and personalized touch. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer comfort, flexibility, and expert insights over crowded, generic safaris.

This tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Rwanda’s most iconic animals, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy scenic beauty—all in one well-planned package. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone looking to experience Rwanda’s wilderness with ease.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $360.15 per person, which includes transportation, guide fees, lunch, and other amenities.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 to 12 hours, from early morning pickup to late evening return.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species including the rare shoebill stork.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s a family-friendly experience suitable for those interested in wildlife.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included in the tour price; breakfast and dinner are not.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and binoculars if you have them. Bottled water is provided.

How is the transportation arranged?
Private transportation with WiFi on board, pickup, and drop-off services are included, ensuring comfort and flexibility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What is the guide like?
Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to spot animals. Some reviewers mentioned guides like Kevin, Samuel, and Anaclet as particularly excellent.

Is there any additional cost I should be aware of?
Entrance fees to the park are not included and may need to be paid separately at the entrance.

In the end, this Private Full-Day Akagera Game Drive offers adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters in Rwanda—perfect for travelers who want a memorable, hassle-free safari experience.