Norrsken House, 1 KN 78 St, Kigali, Rwanda +250 781 445 000 info@vazqueztours.com

1-Day Akagera National Park Big Five Safari

Kigali → Akagera National Park → Kigali, Rwanda

Price

USD 490

Per person (based on two people)

Duration

1 Day

Destination

Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Journey Overview

Venture beyond Kigali and into an entirely different world, the sun-scorched savannahs, glittering lakes, and wide-open skies of Akagera National Park. On this action-packed full-day Big Five safari departing the capital at dawn, you’ll discover the rolling plains of East Africa’s most scenically diverse national parks, where lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino roam freely across a pristine 1,1122 Km² wilderness. Travelling in a custom safari vehicle with roof hatches for unobstructed wildlife, your expert guide will lead you deep into Akagera’s varied habitats, from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to the papyrus-fringed shores of Lake Ihema, tracking the Big Five and a remarkable cast of supporting wildlife including hippos, giraffes, zebras, and over 480 bird species. This is Rwanda’s wild, untamed side: raw, rewarding, and utterly unforgettable.

Highlights

  • Track the Big Five – Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino all roam freely within Akagera’s pristine 1,122 Km² wilderness, Rwanda’s only savannah park and one of East Africa’s great Big five destinations.

  • Discover extraordinary wildlife diversity – Beyond the Big Five, Akagera’s varied habitats support hippos, giraffes, zebras, and over 480 bird species across open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and the papyrus-fringed shores of Lake Ihema.

  • A full-day safari straight from Kigali – Departing at dawn in a custom roof-hatch safari vehicle, this seamlessly guided adventure brings you deep into the African bush & back to the capital by evening.

Preparing for Your Journey – Essential Gear for a Seamless Akagera Safari

Akagera National Park’s open savannah means warm afternoons, cool early mornings, and long hours in the vehicle, pack light but pack smart.

  • Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing – Breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers in Khaki, olive, or tan keep cool and bush-appropriate throughout the day.

  • A warm layer – Departing Kigali at 5:00 AM means a cool start. A light fleece or jacket is essential until the savannah warms up.

  • Closed-toe shoes or light hiking boots – Comfortable, protective footwear for game drives and short bush walks.

  • Sun protection – Wide-brimmed hat, UV, sunglasses, and high-PSF sunscreen are non-negotiable on Akagera’s open, shade-scarce plains.

  • Insect repellent – A quality DEET-based repellent, particularly important around the park’s lake zones.

  • Binoculars – Essential for spotting wildlife across Akagera’s wide landscapes. A good pair makes all the difference.

  • Camera and extra batteries – Akagera delivers extraordinary photographic moments all day long, arrive fully charged.

Detailed Itinerary

Day Trip: Akagera National Park Safari: Game Drives, Wildlife & Return to Kigali

Your adventure begins before sunrise. At 5:00 Am, your expert driver-guide collects you from your Kigali hotel and sets off eastward through Rwanda’s awakening countryside, rolling hills, terraced farmland, and open skies gradually giving way to the drier. After approximately two and a half hours on the road, the gates of Akagera National Park come into view, and your safari begins in earnest.

Stretching across 1,122 Km² of pristine savannah, woodland, and lake systems along the Tanzania border, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five park and one of Central Africa’s most scenically spectacular protected areas. Named after the winding Akagera River that traces its eastern boundary, the park encompasses an extraordinary mosaic of habitats, open acacia grasslands, dense miombo woodland, papyrus swamps, and a chain of glittering lakes of which Lake Ihema is the crown jewel. Guided by your expert naturalist, you’ll navigate this rich landscape in a custom roof-hatch safari vehicle, tracking lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino alongside giraffes, zebra, hippo, crocodile, warthog, impala, waterbuck, Topi, and over 480 recorded bird species, a cast of wildlife that rivals any park in East Africa.

At midday, your guide leads you to Mihindi Campsite and Café, a charming rest point set within the park, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and trade stories of the morning’s sightings over the sounds of the bush. Refreshed and rewarded, you begin the terrain journey to Kigali in the late afternoon, arriving in the city by early evening, tired in the best possible way, and carrying memories that will outlast the journey home.

Meal Plan: Lunch included, served with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

Conclusion of your unforgettable journey!

  • Private 4x4 Vehicle: Travel in comfort with exclusive use of a private 4x4 vehicle throughout your golden monkey trekking day trip.

  • Professional Driver-Guide: Benefit from the expertise of an experienced, professional, English-speaking driver-guide dedicated to your safety and experience from Kigali and back.

  • Meals as Specified: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mihindi Campsite and Café as outlined in your itinerary.

  • Akagera National Park Entrance & Game Drive Fees: Full access for a seamless adventure.

  • Mineral Water: Stay hydrated throughout your trek and drive with complimentary water.

  • Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance: Trek with peace of mind, knowing emergency evacuation coverage is included.

  • Government Taxes & Assistance: All applicable government taxes are covered, along with dedicated customer support before and during your trip.

  • Flights & Visa Fees: International and domestic flights, along with Rwanda entry visa fees.

  • Tips & Gratuities: Gratuities for your driver-guide, porter, and park staff are at your discretion and not included.

  • Personal Expenses: Costs such as phone calls, extra beverages, and personal travel insurance.

Talk to Your Adventure Planner