1-Day Akagera National Park

A single day in Akagera is packed with memorable activities:

• Morning Game Drive – Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, and leopards.

• Birdwatching – Akagera is home to more than 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

• Boat Safari on Lake Ihema – Watch hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds in their natural habitat.

• Cultural Interaction – Optional community visits near the park to learn about Rwandan traditions.

• Scenic Views and Photography – Capture sweeping landscapes, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes.

• Explore Rwanda’s only savannah national park.

• Witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.

• Experience a guided morning and afternoon game drive.

• Enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema.

• Capture incredible photos of wildlife and scenery.

• Opportunity for a short cultural visit near the park.

Morning Departure from Kigali
Your adventure begins early in the morning, usually around 5:00 am. A professional driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or residence in Kigali. The scenic drive to Akagera takes about 2.5 hours, passing through rolling hills and local villages. Along the way, travelers enjoy a glimpse of Rwanda’s rural lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes before arriving at the park entrance by 7:30 am.

Park Entry and Morning Game Drive
After completing entry formalities, the journey into the wilderness begins. The morning game drive is the highlight of the trip as animals are more active during the cooler hours. With the guidance of an experienced ranger, you will traverse savannah plains, open woodlands, and wetlands while searching for lions, leopards, hyenas, and large herds of antelope. Giraffes and elephants are often seen grazing majestically, while zebras and buffalo roam in large numbers. The excitement of spotting the Big Five makes this safari truly remarkable.

Mid-Morning Break and Birdwatching
Around mid-morning, your guide will arrange a short stop to stretch, enjoy refreshments, and take in the scenery. This is also a perfect time for birdwatching. With binoculars, you can spot colorful species such as kingfishers, herons, and eagles. Akagera’s rich wetlands make it one of the best birding spots in East Africa, and enthusiasts often describe it as a paradise for ornithologists.

Lunch at Akagera Game Lodge
By noon, you will drive to Akagera Game Lodge, the park’s main accommodation facility. Overlooking Lake Ihema, the lodge offers a tranquil environment with sweeping views of the park. A buffet or à la carte lunch is served, typically featuring both local and international cuisine. For travelers who prefer a picnic-style meal, packed lunches can be arranged and enjoyed at designated picnic sites within the park.

Afternoon Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
After lunch, the adventure continues with a boat safari on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera. This experience provides a close-up encounter with hippos basking in the water, Nile crocodiles lurking along the shores, and abundant birdlife such as fish eagles and cormorants. The gentle boat ride offers a refreshing contrast to the morning drive, allowing you to relax while appreciating the natural beauty of Rwanda’s eastern wilderness.

Scenic Drive and Departure
Following the boat safari, you embark on a short scenic drive back through the park, giving one last opportunity to spot animals missed earlier. The afternoon light provides excellent conditions for photography, casting golden hues across the savannah. By late afternoon, around 4:30 pm, you exit the park and begin the journey back to Kigali. Arrival in the capital is usually around 7:00 pm, concluding the day’s adventure.

Even though this trip is designed as a single-day safari, travelers who wish to stay overnight in or near the park have several options:

1. Akagera Game Lodge

   • Mid-range option with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

   • Prices range from $120 – $180 per night, depending on room type.

2. Ruzizi Tented Lodge

   • Luxury eco-lodge with intimate tented rooms overlooking Lake Ihema.

   • Prices range from $200 – $300 per night, ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity.

3. Karenge Bush Camp (seasonal)

   • Semi-permanent camp offering an authentic bush experience.

   • Prices range between $150 – $250 per night.

For a 1-day Akagera National Park safari without overnight stays, the costs are more budget-friendly. Average prices include:

• Park entry fee: $50 for international tourists, $25 for East African residents.

• Vehicle and guide fee: Around $150 – $200 for the day.

• Boat safari: $40 per person for a one-hour trip.

• Transport from Kigali and back: $150 – $250, depending on the tour operator and vehicle type.

Overall, the total cost for a single-day trip ranges between $250 – $400 per person, depending on group size and additional activities included.

A 1-Day Akagera National Park safari is ideal for travelers with limited time but a strong desire to experience Rwanda’s wildlife. Unlike gorilla trekking, which requires longer days and higher costs, this short trip is affordable and accessible, making it a perfect add-on to other activities in Kigali or Rwanda’s northern attractions. The proximity of the park to the capital means visitors can enjoy the thrill of a full safari without the need for extended travel or overnight arrangements.