Akagera National Park Day Trip – Explore Rwanda’s Only Savannah Park in a Day

Overview

Embark on an exciting Akagera National Park day trip, a perfect one-day safari adventure in Rwanda’s only savannah park. Located just 2.5 hours from Kigali, Akagera offers a chance to spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos), along with zebras, giraffes, hippos, and numerous bird species. Join Go Safaris Africa for a thrilling game drive and optional boat safari on Lake Ihema, making the most of your one-day Akagera excursion.

Trip Highlights

✅ Full-day game drive in Akagera National Park
✅ Chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard)
✅ Spectacular savannah landscapes & wildlife photography opportunities
✅ Optional boat safari on Lake Ihema (extra cost)
✅ Convenient round-trip transfer from Kigali

Itinerary – One-Day Akagera Safari

Morning: Depart from Kigali & Enter Akagera National Park

• 5:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Kigali by your Go Safaris Africa driver-guide.
• 7:30 AM: Arrive at Akagera National Park, check-in at the entrance, and start your game drive.
• Explore the southern and central regions of the park, spotting wildlife like giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and elephants as they roam freely in the savannah.
• Drive through scenic rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands, offering incredible wildlife sightings.

Midday: Big Five Spotting & Picnic Lunch

• Continue deeper into the park, increasing chances of spotting lions, rhinos, and leopards in their natural habitat.
• Stop at a designated picnic site, enjoying lunch surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
• Take in views of Lake Ihema and the park’s scenic plains, perfect for wildlife photography.

Afternoon: Optional Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

• After the game drive, opt for a boat safari on Lake Ihema (extra cost), where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds such as the rare shoebill stork.
• Alternatively, continue exploring the northern plains, where large herds of antelope, elands, and warthogs are often seen.

Evening: Return to Kigali

• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Exit the park and begin the drive back to Kigali.
• 6:30 PM: Arrive in Kigali, with drop-off at your hotel or airport for evening departures.

Trip Inclusions

✅ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide
✅ Park entrance fees & full-day game drive
✅ Bottled water during the safari
✅ Round-trip transport from Kigali

Trip Exclusions

❌ Optional boat safari on Lake Ihema ($40 per person)
❌ Meals & drinks
❌ Personal expenses & tips