4-Day Akagera Heart Safari - Beyond the Big Five

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Akagera transfer & Night Safari

- Today, around 7:30 a.m your professional driver guide will pick you up from the airport or your hotel to take you first for a city tour to visit some of the interesting places in Kigali, such as the genocide memorial site and thereafter proceed to Akagera National Park (around 3 hours of transfer).

- Upon arrival, you will check in and have your lunch at Ruzizi Tended Lodge. In the afternoon, relax at the intimate retreat Lake Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees.

- Then go to the night safari (2.5 hrs) for discovering night different animals.

- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury Eco-Lodge).

- Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner (Breakfast not included)

- Drinks: Mineral water, tea & coffee.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Best Time To Visit June to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)

High Season June to September (The park is busiest at weekends)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Akagera NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

HippoAbundant

White RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

Show more

ElephantOccasional

Black RhinoRare

LeopardRare

HyenaRare

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

• Luxury tented camp located inside Akagera NP

+15 Photos

+14 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Ihema Boat Trip & Lakeside Wildlife Safari

- Following a restful night, Day 2 immerses you in the serene beauty of Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park. We begin with a tranquil boat trip, offering a unique perspective on the park’s incredible biodiversity. This isn’t just a scenic cruise; it’s a prime opportunity for close-up wildlife viewing. Expect to encounter substantial populations of hippopotamus – often visible basking near the shore – alongside a dazzling array of birdlife.
- Return to the lodge for lunch
- The afternoon transitions into a lakeside wildlife safari. We’ll explore the areas surrounding Lake Ihema by vehicle, focusing on tracking other iconic African animals. This offers a contrasting view to the boat trip, allowing us to cover more ground and potentially spot elephants, buffalo, predators like lions and leopards that frequent the area.

- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury Eco-Lodge).

- Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner (Breakfast not included)

- Drinks: Mineral water, tea & coffee.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

• Luxury tented camp located inside Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kilala's Wildlife & Village Life – A Safari with Heart

-Today, venture deep into the heart of Akagera’s Kilala Plains, renowned for its abundant wildlife. Embark on a thrilling game drive in search of the iconic ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos – alongside a diverse array of other species.

-After lunch, you may also have the opportunity to connect with the local community (optional), gaining insights into their daily lives and traditions. Visit a nearby village, meet local artisans, and learn about their sustainable practices. This immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the relationship between wildlife conservation and community development.

- Or back to camp, relax and cool off!

- Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp

- Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

- Drinks: Mineral water, tea & coffee.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Karenge Bush Camp

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Akagera NP

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hot Air Balloon Safari

-On your final day, experience Akagera from a truly unique perspective from above. Wake before dawn for a pre-sunrise hot air balloon safari (as an optional activity, at additional cost of $400/person) over the park’s stunning savanna and wetland landscapes. Observe the balloon inflation process, then ascend to witness a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the wildlife below. After an hour in the air, enjoy a delightful English bush breakfast upon landing.

NB: Hot air balloon safari is not available in the months of: February, March, and April.

-Alternative activity: Dawn Game Drive– Witness Akagera Come to Life
You will be enjoying the sunrise in the savannah.
-The tour will end at Karenge Bush Camp about 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and followed by check-out.
Then your guide will transfer you back to Kigali, with lunch enroute, and drop you either to your hotel or directly to the airport.

- Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch (dinner not included)

- Drinks: Mineral water.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.