2-Day Big Five Adventure
A two-day private safari into Akagera National Park, Rwanda's premier Big Five destination, with a Lake Ihema boat safari, southern and northern game drives, and an overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.
Tour Overview
Travel through Akagera National Park, Rwanda's savannah park and principal Big Five destination. This two-day private expedition takes you deep into the park's diverse landscapes , from vast savannahs and wetlands to rolling hills, where you'll have the chance to encounter the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Each day showcases a different dimension of Akagera. Day 1 introduces the southern sector with a game drive through the savanna, followed by a Lake Ihema boat safari. Day 2 ventures into the northern plains on an extended game drive, searching for wildlife across varied habitats. An overnight at your choice of three park lodges - Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, or Karenge Bush Camp - offers a comfortable retreat in the heart of nature, with dinner and breakfast included.
The journey begins and ends in Kigali, making it an ideal short safari for travelers with limited time.
This package also works beautifully as part of a longer Rwanda journey. Akagera pairs naturally with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe, or a relaxing break on the shores of Lake Kivu. You can request this safari on its own, or combine it with other Inland Africa Safaris packages to build a complete Rwanda itinerary.
Highlights
- Explore Rwanda's Big Five national park
- Cruise Lake Ihema on a wildlife boat safari
- Search for lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and other wildlife
- Experience southern and northern Akagera
- Overnight at your choice of three park lodges
- Travel privately with an Inland Africa Safaris driver-guide
- Kigali pickup and return
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Journey into the Wilderness
Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your accommodation in Kigali, setting out eastward toward Akagera National Park. The scenic drive through Rwanda's rolling countryside provides an introduction to the journey. A stop at Imigongo Arts Café offers an opportunity to refresh, enjoy coffee, and encounter a distinctive form of Rwandan artistic expression. After arriving at Akagera's southern entrance, your Inland Africa Safaris guide provides an introduction to the park and its ecosystems. The first major wildlife experience is a Lake Ihema boat safari, with opportunities to encounter hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. After returning to land, continue with a game drive through southern Akagera, searching for wildlife across the savanna. By evening, arrive at Akagera Game Lodge for dinner and overnight.
The Big Five Safari Experience
Begin with an early breakfast before setting out on an extended game drive across varied Akagera habitats. Travel through the southern plains and into northern Akagera, with opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and other wildlife. Your guide provides interpretation throughout the drive. A stop at Mihindi Café offers a chance to rest and enjoy lunch. Continue with northern wildlife viewing and panoramic scenery before exiting through the northern gate. Return to Kigali or the airport as arranged.
What's Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Experienced driver-guide throughout the tour
- Drinking water/refill support onboard
- One night at Akagera Game Lodge
- Dinner at Akagera Game Lodge
- Breakfast at Akagera Game Lodge
- Akagera National Park entrance
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Lunch stop at Mihindi Café on Day 2
Rwanda prohibits plastics like single-use plastic water bottles. Travelers should carry a reusable personal water bottle that can be refilled during the trip.
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Kigali accommodation before the tour
- Kigali accommodation after the tour
Additional Kigali accommodation can be arranged on request.
Your Akagera Accommodation
We partner with three distinctive lodges inside Akagera National Park. You'll choose your preferred option when requesting your quotation.
Akagera Game Lodge
Mid-rangeSet on a ridge above Lake Ihema with panoramic lake views. Features a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar with 60 comfortable rooms.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
PremiumA luxury tented eco-lodge on the shores of Lake Ihema. Tents connected by wooden boardwalks, with a thatched lounge and dining deck overlooking the lake.
Karenge Bush Camp
PremiumA seasonal, intimate bush camp in the heart of the park. Six tents with en-suite facilities, offering an authentic close-to-nature experience during the dry season.
Know Before You Go
Physical Activity
Minimal physical exertion. Most activities consist of vehicle-based game viewing and the boat safari.
Families
The experience can accommodate families and activities can be adjusted for younger travelers where appropriate.
Recommended Packing
Comfortable neutral-colored clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, hat, binoculars, camera, reusable water bottle. Detailed packing guidance can be provided after booking.
Wildlife
Akagera is home to all Big Five species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can be considered when communicated in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season
June to September
Excellent for wildlife viewing as animals may concentrate around water sources.
Wet Season
Lush & Vibrant
Offers lush landscapes and vibrant vegetation across the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Destinations on this journey
Experiences included
Birding
Rwanda's strength as a birding destination lies in habitat variety over relatively short distances.
Big Five Safari
Akagera offers Rwanda's principal savannah safari. The Big Five title is useful shorthand, but it does not fully describe the park.
Helpful travel guides
Ready for your Big Five adventure?
Every journey is shaped around your dates, pace and interests. This safari can also be combined with gorilla trekking, Nyungwe, or Lake Kivu.