This 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari offers an exciting opportunity to explore Akagera National Park — Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the famous African Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
Located in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera is a diverse wildlife destination featuring open plains, rolling hills, wetlands, and scenic lakes. The park is dotted with water bodies that attract hippos, Nile crocodiles, and over 400 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. For travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, this short Rwanda safari delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
Safari Highlights
- Airport pick-up and transfer from Kigali
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional)
- Exciting game drives in Akagera National Park
- Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Optional sport fishing at Lake Shakani
- Morning game drive in the famous Kilala Plains
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. After a short briefing about your Rwanda wildlife safari, begin your journey east toward Akagera National Park (approximately 2–3 hours’ drive).
If time allows, you may stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a meaningful visit to learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable transformation.
Continue to Akagera National Park, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a short evening game drive or unwind at the lodge while preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in the southern sector of the park. This area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Animals commonly spotted include:Maasai giraffes, Eastern black rhinos, Elephants, Buffaloes,Zebras,Various antelope species, Numerous bird species
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, the largest lake inside the park. The boat safari provides a different perspective of Akagera’s ecosystem, with sightings of:Large pods of hippos,Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, Kingfishers, Shoebill storks (occasionally sighted)
After the cruise, you may proceed to Lake Shakani for optional sport fishing and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Kilala Plains & Return to Kigali
Rise early for breakfast and check out of your lodge. You will then head toward the northern sector of Akagera for a game drive in the Kilala Plains — a vast savannah landscape known for its high concentration of wildlife.This area is a prime hunting ground for predators such as:Lions, Leopards, Hyenas
The open plains also make it easier to spot grazing animals and enjoy wide panoramic views of the park.
After the game drive, enjoy a picnic lunch before exiting the park and returning to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
End of 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari
Safari Package Inclusions
- Park entrance fees\
- 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Exclusions
✖ Rwanda visa fees
✖ International flights
✖ Alcoholic beverages
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
✖ Tips and gratuities
Why Choose This 3-Day Akagera Safari?
- Ideal short Rwanda safari from Kigali
- Guaranteed Big Five wildlife viewing
- Combination of land and water safari experiences
- Suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers
- Perfect add-on to Rwanda gorilla trekking tours