How to spend 4 days in Akagera National Park Rwanda.

How to spend 4 days in Akagera National Park Rwanda, Rwanda has only one savanna park, Akagera national park. This park allows visitors to go on game drives to observe the country’s diverse wildlife. It is situated to the east of  Rwanda and is home to the big five African game which include, Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards and Rhinos.

Even though Rwanda does not have many wildlife parks, Akagera is a big magnet for people who are interested in wildlife game drives. It is the most ideal location for Rwanda’s wildlife tours.  Reaching this park from Kigali is just after 2.5 hours road drive.

During this 4 days stay in Akagera national park, you will enjoy boat cruises and game drives in which you will sight different animals, engage in the unique hot air balloon experience to observe the park from the skies and the newly introduced rhino tracking excursion. As you prepare your adventure, you can opt for a guided or a self-drive trip.

Tour highlights How to spend 4 days in Akagera National Park Rwanda.

• Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Akagera National Park
• Day 2: Full day game drive
• Day 3: Hot Air ballon experience- Boat cruise – night game drive
• Day 4: Rhino tracking and transfer to Kigali.

Detailed   trip itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Akagera National Park

Your driver guide will meet you at the airport or hotel in Kigali and briefs you about the safari. Following the briefing, proceed to Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five mammals.  After the entry procedures, you can have short game drive and later check into the accommodation where you will spend the rest of the day and night.

Optional activity: Before setting off for Akagera, you can start with a brief Kigali city tour in which you can visit places like the Kigali genocide memorial site, Kimironko market and craft centers.

Accommodation: Magashi safari camp (luxury), Akagera game lodge (midrange)

Day 2: Full day game drive

Enjoy a tasty morning breakfast at the lodge, with a packed /picnic lunch, embark on a full day game drive in the park. On this day, you can opt for a park guide if you are a self-drive visitor. This will help you reach different parts of the park because the guides know the best sites for locating the animals easily.  Start your exploration in the southern sector of the park, drive for 3-4 hours in the park as you spot different animals.  find a nice spot for your packed lunch and simple relaxation.  After lunch, proceed to the northern part of the park for more wildlife sightings. This sector has most of the animals especially in the Kilala plains. Some of the animals you expect to see this day include Lions, leopards, Rhinos, Elephants and Cape Buffalo, Giraffes, Elephants, Bushbucks, Hippos, Impalas, Topi’s, Zebras, Buffaloes and many more. After the game drive, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Magashi camp (luxury), Akagera game lodge (midrange)

Day 3: Hot Air ballon experience- Boat cruise (night game drive – optional)

You will be up very early and by 5am, you will be at Kayitaba, a place in the park where this experience starts. with your camera, you will get into the basket attached to an inflated ballon and take an hour flight into the park horizons. Enjoy the park vast savanna plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, animals and birds at an aerial view.

At the end of the flight, you will enjoy a champagne toast and hot bush breakfast and later given certificates as an appreciation for participating in the experience. You will drive slowly back to the lodge as you spot some wildlife have a short game drive and then return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema. The boat ride offers great sightings of hippos and crocodiles in the water. Wildlife like Elephants, buffaloes and antelopes can be seen on the lake shores and many bird species in the surrounding swampy vegetation. After the boat trip, transfer to your accommodation for dinner, and an overnight stay.

Optional activity: A night game drive exposes you to different nocturnal animals. the drive starts at 5 :30pm lasting for 2-3 hours. for this activity, you must be accompanied by an armed park ganger to ensure your safety. with the help of a night spotlight torch, you will spot animals like lions, leopards, civets, bushbabies, mongoose and many others.

Accommodation: Karenge bush camp (luxury), Akagera game lodge (midrange)

Day 4: Rhino tracking and transfer to Kigali.

With your night spent at Karenge Bush camp, you will get up early for breakfast and join your park /game ranger to the Kilala plains for rhino tracking excursion. The activity takes 2-3 hours as you observe these giant animals at a safe distance as you follow the instructions from your guide.

After the rhino tracking, return to the lodge, check out and later drive to Kigali. Drop off will either be at the hotel of your choice or at Kigali International Airport for your flight back home.

End of the 4 days tour/stay in Akagera National Park.

Tour Inclusions

• 4×4 safari van with popup roof
• Fuel
• English speaking driver guide
• Park entrance fees
• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Rhino tracking permits
• Hot air ballon fees
• Full board meals at the accommodations
• 3 nights accommodation
• Packaged drinking water on board

Tour exclusions

• Any purchases of personal kind
• Any changes to the Itinerary and optional activities
• International flights and visas
• Tips to guides.