Overview
Day by day
Price
Embark on an early morning journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park southern gate, setting off on a full-day cross-park safari through changing landscapes from Lake Ihema’s scenic wetlands to the expansive northern Kilala Plains. Throughout the traverse, you will track a rich variety of savannah wildlife,including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, topis, hippos, and potentially big cats like lions—before enjoying a packed picnic lunch amidst the wild terrain. After sweeping the predator-dense northern sector, you will exit through the park's northern gate in the mid-afternoon and enjoy a comfortable drive back to Kigali by early evening.
- You visit
- Kigali(Start) Akagera Kigali(End)
- Highlights
- Wildlife safarisBirding tours
- Vehicle used
Day 1: AKAGERA FULL DAY GAME DRIVE
05:00 AM – Departure from Kigali
Your professional driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or residence in Kigali in a full tank, specialized 4x4 Land Cruiser. Leaving at 5:00 AM ensures you beat the city traffic and arrive at the park just as the wildlife is waking up and actively moving. (Drive time: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours).
07:15 AM – Arrival & Registration at Southern Gate
Arrive at the Akagera National Park southern entrance. While you stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air, your guide will handle the park registration and entry clearances at the reception.
07:30 AM – Morning Game Drive Begins
Pop open the roof of the Land Cruiser! You will begin your game drive from the southern sector, heading north. The early morning is the prime time to spot predators like lions and leopards returning from their night hunts, as well as elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species grazing in the savanna.
12:30 PM – 01:30 PM – Lunch at Mihindi Campsite & Cafe
Head over to the scenic Mihindi Cafe, beautifully situated inside the park overlooking Lake Mihindi. Here, you will take a relaxing break to stretch, enjoy a delicious, cooked lunch, and watch the hippos and crocodiles lounging by the lake shores.
01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Continue your safari as you head toward the northern exit. The afternoon sun often brings animals down to the watering holes. Your driver-guide will use their expert tracking skills to seek out the rhinos and hidden prides of lions in the Kilala plains.
03:00 PM – Exit the Park via the Northern Gate
Conclude your game drive and exit the park through the Northern Gate (Nyagatare side). This allows you to experience a complete traversal of the park's diverse landscapes from south to north without backtracking.
03:00 PM – 05:00 PM – Return Drive to Kigali
Relax in the comfort of the Land Cruiser as your driver takes the smoothly paved main highway back to the capital.
05:00 PM – Drop-off in Kigali
Arrive back in Kigali right on time. Your driver-guide will drop you off safely at your hotel or preferred location, marking the end of an incredible safari adventure.
Lunch
