2-Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari

Safari Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day Akagera National Park safari with Usoke Explorers and get up close with four of Africa’s Big Five in the heart of Rwanda’s wilderness. Experience the thrill of the only savannah park in Rwanda, where you will encounter an impressive array of wildlife including buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, Nile crocodiles, impalas, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Venture deeper into nature’s splendor and witness playful bush babies, blue monkeys, silver monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons roaming freely.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”

• Evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema

• Morning game drive in Akagera National Park

• Spot four of Africa’s Big Five – lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants

• Birdwatching with over 500 species including the rare Shoebill Stork

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or residence before our friendly company representative picks you up for an unforgettable journey to Akagera National Park. Embark on a scenic 135-kilometre drive approximately 2.5 hours through the stunning eastern Rwandan countryside, where rolling, lush hills cascade into the plains bordering western Tanzania.

As you approach Rwamagana, take in the iconic sight of Rwanda’s majestic Inyambo cows, renowned for their long, graceful horns. Your journey then leads you to Akagera National Park, arriving just in time for a captivating launch cruise on Lake Ihema the second largest lake in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. Along with numerous smaller lakes, Lake Ihema forms the largest protected wetland in East and Central Africa.

Enjoy a recreational cruise where you may spot abundant wildlife, including Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of rare bird species such as the elusive Shoebill Stork and Papyrus Gonolek. As the day winds down, head to your pre-booked accommodation for a breathtaking sun downer, followed by a delicious dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

• Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge

• Budget: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Game Drive and Transfer Back to Kigali

Wake up to an energizing early breakfast and embark on an unforgettable morning game drive into the heart of Akagera National Park’s wilderness aboard a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle the ultimate way to get up close with Rwanda’s vibrant wildlife. While both morning and afternoon game drives offer unique experiences, the early hours provide the best light and the most active animal sightings.

On this exhilarating 3 to 4-hour journey, keep your camera ready for incredible encounters with Maasai giraffes, elusive leopards, mighty buffaloes, gentle elephants, and the regal lion. You might also glimpse Topis, roan antelopes, waterbucks, elands, impalas, reedbucks, and even bush babies among many other remarkable species. Along the way, be enchanted by the stunning Mutumba hilly landscapes, extensive wetlands, and breathtaking views overlooking the Tanzania Plains.

After an action-packed game drive filled with unforgettable wildlife moments, enjoy a comfortable transfer back to Kigali, marking the end of your spectacular 2-day Akagera National Park Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali

• Transportation in a private 4WD vehicle

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema

• Morning game drive

• Park entry fees and conservation levies

• All meals as specified in the itinerary

• Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff

• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary