4 DAYS WILDLIFE SAFARI IN AKAGERA NP
Itinerary Overview
Encounter all the big five African game only on this 4 days wildlife safari in Akagera NP- the only savanna game park in Rwanda. The short wildlife safari in Akagera National Park will include a day game drive, a boat/launch cruise, cultural tour, Kigali city tour and more.
Located in the Eastern side of Rwanda, Akagera NP is a special area to see all the big five in a single habitat- the cape buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants; plus antelopes including the roan antelopes, oribis, elands, Kobs; zebras, Maasai giraffes. The park also hosts an estimate of 550 bird species which include shoebill storks, papyrus gonoleks; aquatic life like hippos, crocodiles which will be spotted on guided launch cruise along Lake Ihema.
Akagera is one of the oldest parks in Rwanda and Central Africa, established in 1934 and its boundaries extend to cover 1122sq.kms. Your wildlife safari to Akagera begins and ends in Kigali, accessible about 2 and half hours’ drive.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigaali City Tour, Transfer To Akagera Wildlife Safari
Enjoy early cup of tea or coffee back in a hotel in Kigali capital, after meet your driver guide outside for briefing about 4 days wildlife safari in Akagera NP. Next will be a Kigali city tour for about 2 hours which will include visiting important sites like Kigali genocide site- one of the sites that give a deep insight into the historical 1994 Rwandan genocide. Meet the locals, interact with them then drive to Kimironko market to purchase some fruits and you will settle for a leisurely lunch then drive to Akagera NP 2 hours’ journey.
Day 2: Akagera Wildlife Game Viewing Safari & Boat Cruise
Have breakfast at the wildlife safari lodge in Akagera and after, begin your day game drive along game tracks in Akagera N.P taking 2-4 hours. Wildlife encounters to expect on your day game drive will include giraffes, cape buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, lions, antelopes, birds, leopards, zebras, warthogs to mention but a few. Return to the lodge in a classic 4×4 vehicle while enjoying more animal sightings in the park, settle for a leisurely lunch and later, go for a guided boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Lake Ihema boat cruise for 2-3 hours will allow you see different aquatic species including hippos, crocodiles, birds and more. Dinner and overnight sleep on this second day will still be at the previous accommodation.
Day 3: Cultural Encounter, Afternoon Game Drives
After breakfast, you will set off for a cultural experience 2-3 hours to explore and experience the distinct Rwandan cultures. Cultural tours at Akagera are possible in any of the following: Humure Refugee Village tour (the refugee village is accessible within 40 minutes’ drive but known for its great cultural dances or actively participate on food preparation), Heritage in Rwanda, Imigongo Art and Craft Centre (observe or even involve in the entire process of art making).
Later, get back to enjoy lunch and some refreshments at the hotel or lodge in Akagera National Park Rwanda. In the afternoon, be ready for second phase of day guided game drives along the savannas of Akagera National Park for 2-4 hours, but will reward you with incredible animal sightings of antelopes, big game, birds and others.
Day 4: Transfer To Kigali, Departure
Early rise, take a hot cup of tea or coffee then board a 4×4 vehicle to return to Kigali. From Kigali, you will be dropped at the hotel or Kigali Airport where you have your departure flight marking the end of your wildlife safari in Rwanda.
