Discover the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of eastern Rwanda on a 2 Days Akagera National Park Safari with Verdant Safaris. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s principal savannah destination, characterised by open plains, woodlands, lakes, wetlands and rolling hills. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species, while its wetlands support an impressive variety of birdlife. This short safari combines a thrilling game drive with a scenic boat excursion on Lake Ihema, giving you the opportunity to experience Akagera from both land and water. It is an excellent choice if you have limited time in Rwanda but still want to experience a genuine African wildlife safari.
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park, Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Safari
You will begin your safari with an early morning departure from Kigali, travelling eastwards towards Akagera National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, with rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and rural communities providing an interesting introduction to the country’s eastern region. Upon reaching the park, you will complete the necessary formalities before beginning your first game drive through the southern sector. As you explore the savannah and woodland habitats, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and a variety of bird species, with opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural environment. Akagera is also home to lions and black rhinos, forming part of the park’s remarkable conservation success story. After the game drive, you will proceed to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will head to Lake Ihema for a boat excursion, where you can look for hippos, Nile crocodiles and numerous waterbirds along the lake’s shores and wetlands. You will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
Accommodation options in Akagera National Park: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Magashi Camp.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Departure
You will wake early and enjoy breakfast before setting out for a final game drive through Akagera National Park. The early morning is an excellent time to explore the park because wildlife activity is often high before the heat of the day increases. Your guide will select a suitable route based on current wildlife movements and your interests, taking you through a combination of savannah, woodland, wetlands and open plains. You may have further opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife, while keen birdwatchers can look for some of the park’s many bird species, including wetland specialists. Akagera supports more than 500 bird species and is particularly notable for species such as the shoebill and papyrus gonolek. After your morning game drive, you will leave the park and begin your return journey towards Kigali. Depending on your departure flight schedule, you may stop for lunch along the way or enjoy a brief city experience before proceeding to Kigali International Airport. Your 2 Days Akagera National Park Safari with Verdant Safaris will end with your departure, leaving you with memorable experiences of Rwanda’s savannah, wildlife and wetlands.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off where applicable.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Accommodation in Akagera National Park.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Akagera National Park entry fees.
- Guided game drives.
- Lake Ihema boat excursion.
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities.
- Fuel and transportation throughout the safari.
- Applicable government taxes and service charges.
- All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Safari Exclusions
- International flights.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Optional activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari.
- Personal photography equipment.
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.