Rwanda's Big Five Experience

2 Days | 1 Nights

From $667 / person

Your trip overview

Join us on an unforgettable 2-day adventure in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and the country’s premier Big Five destination! Akagera is now officially home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, offering one of the most authentic safari experiences in East Africa. The park is teeming with diverse wildlife including giraffes, hippos, zebras, bushbucks, kobs, and waterbucks, all set against a stunning backdrop of rolling plains, lakes, and wetlands.

Recently revitalized with the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos from South Africa, Akagera offers thrilling game drives where every turn holds the promise of a magical encounter with Africa’s most iconic animals. Whether it’s your first safari or a quick getaway from Kigali, this compact tour is perfect for wildlife lovers looking to explore Rwanda’s untamed beauty in a short time.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Akagera National Park

Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Rwanda

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Rwanda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Afternoon Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, your safari guide will pick you up at 7:00 AM for the journey to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, winding through Rwanda’s lush hills and scenic countryside. Feel free to ask your guide for stopovers to capture the stunning views or stretch your legs.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short game drive en route to your lodge, offering your first glimpses of Akagera’s diverse wildlife, expect to spot zebras, antelopes, or even giraffes along the way. After checking in and settling into your accommodation, you’ll head out for a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema. This serene experience allows you to observe hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife up close. You might also see elephants and buffaloes lounging near the water’s edge.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge(Luxury tented camp located inside Akagera NP)

Where to stay

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Luxury tented camp

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Luxury tented camp

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park & Return to Kigali

Wake up to the sounds of the wild and enjoy an early breakfast at 7:00 AM before setting off on a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park. This is the best time to catch a glimpse of early risers and late-night hunters, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, before they retreat into the bush.

Your guide will take you through the northern circuit, the most rewarding area for game viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, topis, and waterbucks. With a bit of luck, you might spot the recently reintroduced black rhinos and lions, making Akagera a true Big Five destination.

You’ll carry a packed lunch, allowing you to enjoy a picnic amidst the wild, with sweeping views of the park’s rolling savannahs, lakes, and wetlands. Akagera is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 500 bird species, from African fish eagles to the elusive shoebill stork.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin the scenic drive back to Kigali, arriving in the early evening. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel plans.

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Solo 1 Room	2+ people Sharing Rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$956	$667
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$956	$667

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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Rwanda's Big Five Experience

2 Days | 1 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Rates Per Person

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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