Akagera National Park Tour
Come See The Big Five in Rwanda!
The African Water Buffaloes, Majestic Elephants, Leopards, Lions, and Rhinos.
“Akagera National Park is now the largest protected wetland in central Africa and the last remaining refuge for Savannah-adapted species in Rwanda”. The park was established in 1934. But by the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi the park had lost the lion and rhinoceros population. In 2015 the park was able to home seven lions, 5 females and 2 males. Proudly there are now 58 lions living around the park in their own new prides. Another great success story for the park has been the reintroduction of 18 Black Eastern Rhinos, and then White Rhinos were also introduced. Come see the big five in a Akagera National Park Tour in Rwanda, photograph Water Buffaloes, Majestic Elephants, Leopards, Lions, and the Rhinos.
The park is also home to hippos, giraffes, zebras, elands, baboons, silver monkeys, Vervet monkeys, antelopes, hyenas, crocodiles, and over 500 species of birds. If you are lucky, you might even be able to see the rarely seen Shoebill stork that spends most of its time in Uganda. Join us on safari and let’s count how many species we can see.
The Akagera National Park has taken conservation and ending poaching in the park very seriously and the results have been amazingly positive for the large mammal and key species population. The 2013 count was 7,892 with 11 species, elephants, buffalos, elands, hippopotamus, giraffes, roan, warthogs, zebras, waterbucks, impalas, and topis. As of the August 2021 big mammal and other key species, there were 12,152 big mammals counted, including lions, Black Eastern and White Rhinos. We are so proud of this accomplishment.
Getting to Akagera National Park
Akagera is about a 2.5 hour drive from Kigali depending on traffic. You will pass town and villages along with beautiful views of Rwanda and feel the rythm of daily life being lived.
What other activities are possible in a Akagera National Park Tour?
Boat Excursions on Lake Ihema
Boat trips on Lake Ihema are a great way to see birds and other wildlife from a different vantage point. Trips leave daily with pre-booking at 7:30 and 9am, 3 and 4:30pm. Other private tours may also be arranged. We highly recommend pre-booking.
Behind the Scenes at the Park
For those curious about how the park is run, operated, and protected this tour offers great insight to the big picture. This is a great tour for educational and special interest groups. This must be booked in advance.
Night Game Drives
This is a fun tour to take if you are interested in seeing the Nocturnal side of Akagera. This offer the opportunity to see Owls, Nightjars, Hyena, Bush babies, leopards and more. This must be booked in advance and has extra booking fee.
Walking Safari
This is a guided walk allowing you to get close to the small details of Akagera and its stunning landscape.
Walk the Line
This guided walk will take you for a 7km walk outside the park but along the fence. This walk will give you new insight to life on the park line for the animals and the people as well as some spectacular vantage points.
Community Cultural Experience
This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested on how the communities on the edges of the park. Some of the actives you may learn about are dairy farming and the culture of cattle and milk in the Eastern Province, Banana beer making or a honey cooperative. The revenue from these tours is shared with the community members.
Some Sample Akagera National Park Tour Itineraries
Dear Guest,
These itineraries are offered as is or you can request for additions or subtractions to be made. Our team’s primary goal is to provide you with the trip to Africa you’ve always dreamed of.
Please Contact us Intore Expeditions Rwanda Today.
One Day Akagera National Park Safari
Our one-day safari departs as early as 4:30AM for the park. It is about a three-hour drive to the main gate. Once in the park you will drive to the registration desk. You will have the opportunity to use the bathrooms, get a good cup of coffee or latte and pick up a park ranger who will guide you through the park. These rangers are full of information about the park’s history and the animals.
Includes: Driver guide, park ranger, vehicle, water, lodging and full board.
Does Not Include: Additional activities – tips for driver and park ranger – any personal spending such as souvenirs.
One Night – Two Day Akagera National Park Safari
DAY 1: Morning departure from Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters you will have a chance for a great cup of coffee and to use a bathroom. You will have a briefing about the park, how to behave while on safari and tips for spotting animals and birds. After your day on Safari, you will go to your lodge to relax and have dinner. If you would like you may also choose to take a night game drive.
*The night game drive and lake Ihema boat rides are an additional fee.
DAY 2: Early morning pre-breakfast game drive, depending on lodging. If you stay in the Northern part of the park at Karnege Bush Camp this is a very fun option. It is a great opportunity to see early morning activity. Return to camp for breakfast and pack up the vehicle with your gear and packed lunches. Return to the Savannah and more. Return to Kigali by evening.
*Choice of lodging – Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp or Karenge Bush Camp.
Includes: Driver guide, park ranger, vehicle, water, lodging and full board.
Does Not Include: Additional activities – tips for driver and park ranger – any personal spending such as souvenirs.
Two Night – Three Day Akagera National Park Safari:
DAY 1: Morning departure from Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters you will have a chance for a great cup of coffee and to use a bathroom. You will have a briefing about the park, how to behave while on safari and tips for spotting animals and birds. This afternoon you will also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema where you will see different kinds of water birds, hippos, crocodiles and just enjoy the beauty of the different view of the park. After your day on Safari, you will go to your lodge to relax and have dinner.
*If at Ruzizi you may have the option for a massage, this is an additional fee.
DAY 2:
You will have the option to change lodging to Karenge Bush Camp which will provide you with more time in the north and the savannah. You will take your packed lunch and have a full day, Safari. Tonight, you will have the special opportunity to go on a night game drive. This is an opportunity to see Bush Babies, Owls, and other animals that come out at night. Enjoy your night around a campfire and under stars. Dinner will be at the Bush camp.
DAY 3:
Early morning pre-breakfast game drive, depending on lodging. If you stay in the Northern part of the park at Karenge Bush Camp this is a very fun option. It is a great opportunity to see early morning activity. Return to camp for breakfast and pack up the vehicle with your gear and packed lunches. One more game drive before your drive back to Kigali.
*Choices For Lodging:
In park lodging – Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp or Karenge Bush Camp.
Outside park lodging – Akagera Rhino Lodge, Akagera Transit Lodge, Akagera Safari Camp.
**Night time game drives are only available for those who stay in the park.
Includes: Driver guide, park ranger, vehicle, water, lodging and meals, taxes, VAT, and bank fees.
Does Not Include: Additional activities – tips for driver and park ranger – any personal spending and the park offices.
For different tour options and inclusions, longer Safari’s Please Contact Our Office. Our team’s primary goal is that you will have the experience that appeals to you the most and the African trip of a life time.