Tour Overview

Experience the very best of Rwanda’s wildlife on this 4 Days Akagera National Park Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise. Explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. This unforgettable safari combines exciting game drives, a relaxing boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Ihema, and a guided Kigali City Tour, offering the perfect balance of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty.

From the rolling hills of Kigali to the vast plains, wetlands, and woodlands of Akagera, you’ll encounter an incredible diversity of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species. Ideal for nature lovers and first-time visitors to Rwanda, this safari promises remarkable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

4-Day Akagera And Boat Cruises on Lake Ihema Highlights

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to hotel in Kigali.
  • Day 2: Have a short Kigali city tour and transfer to Akagera National Park.
  • Day 3: Game drive in Akagera National Park and an evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
  • Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali International Airport for departure

Detailed Itinerary of 4 Days Akagera National Park Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax after your flight or enjoy the hotel’s facilities while preparing for your safari.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kigali.

Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando or similar.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, begin the day with a guided Kigali City Tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation. You may also explore local craft markets or artisan centers, offering an opportunity to purchase authentic handmade souvenirs.

Following lunch, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your safari lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Full Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, set out on an exciting morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Accompanied by an experienced safari guide, explore the park’s diverse ecosystems of open savannah, acacia woodland, wetlands, and lakes while searching for its abundant wildlife.

Keep your camera ready as you look for the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive leopard. Other wildlife commonly seen includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, elands, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. Akagera is also one of Rwanda’s premier birdwatching destinations, with over 500 recorded bird species.

Return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat cruise.

The boat safari offers exceptional opportunities to observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes drinking along the shoreline, as well as a rich variety of water birds, including African Fish Eagles, kingfishers, herons, jacanas, cormorants, and the elusive African Finfoot.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your lodge and beginning the drive back to Kigali.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to stop at local craft markets for last-minute souvenir shopping before your driver-guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport or your hotel, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda wildlife adventure to a close.

End of 4 Days Akagera National Park Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Inclusions

  • English speaking driver-guide
  • Safari van
  • Lunch
  • Water on board
  • 3 nights’ accommodation

Exclusions

  • Any purchases of personal kind
  • Any changes to the Itinerary
  • International flights and visas