On this short itinerary, you will have the opportunity of spending 3 days checking out the highlights of Rwanda’s only savannah-dominated National Park- Akagera while spotting its big game (such as lions, elephants, leopards, Hippos, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Masai giraffes, elands, Defassa waterbucks, and others), birds and appreciating the beauty and diversity of its landscapes- sweeping savannah plains, woodlands, Lakes, wetlands and others. Get prepared to take guided game drives, and cruise through the scenic Lake Ihema on a boat tour, in addition to strolling down the beautiful streets of Africa’s cleanest City which is also the Capital of Rwanda.
Highlights
- Wander through Kigali City checking out the Genocide Memorial Sites and others.
- Cruise through Lake Ihema on a boat sighting lots of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
- Take a guided game drive to see the lions, leopards, Rhinos, and other wildlife species.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kigali- Akagera National Park- 2 ½ – 3 hours’ drive
- Day 2: Game drive and boat ride in Akagera National Park.
- Day 3: Return to Kigali- Depart Rwanda the land of a thousand Hills.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali- Akagera National Park- 2 ½ – 3 hours’ drive
Begin this beautiful day with a visit to the renowned Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, just a stone’s throw from your Hotel to learn about the 1994 incident that shaped Rwanda’s unity. This place isn’t for the faint-hearted as you will shed tears listening to stories of survivors, get taken through how the murders were conducted, and see remains of victims in form of clothes, bones, and others. After this tour, your safari driver will transfer you to Akagera National Park on the Eastern side of the country with lunch at the Lodge.
Overnight:
- Magashi Camp for upmarket accommodation.
- Akagera Game Lodge for midrange accommodation.
- Akagera Transit Lodge for budget accommodation.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Drive time: 2 ½ – 3 hours.
Day 2: Game drive and boat ride in Akagera National Park
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and head into the heart of Akagera National Park for a game drive that brings to light the different wildlife species in Rwanda’s only savannah Protected Area. Spend the next 3-4 hours identifying different ecosystems (savannah grasslands, woodlands, Lake shores, and forest galore), while spotting various wildlife species that range from the Rhinoceros, African bush elephants, buffaloes, Hippos, elephants, Masai giraffes, leopards, spotted hyenas, to Olive baboons. This game drive ends at the Lodge where you will have a proper breakfast or brunch, lunch, and siesta.
Return to the Park in the afternoon for a boat ride through Lake Ihema. Meet more animals during this 2-3 hours ride and these include Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants alongside birds such as pelicans, Kingfishers, African fish eagles, and others. Return to the Lodge in late afternoon for slumber and dinner served according to your preference (the comfort of the room, restaurant or under the stars).
Overnight:
- Magashi Camp for upmarket accommodation.
- Akagera Game Lodge for midrange accommodation.
- Akagera Transit Lodge for budget accommodation.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Return to Kigali- Depart Rwanda the land of a thousand Hills
After your last Akagera National Park breakfast, take a ride back to Kigali for your next Rwanda adventure or take a flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
3-Day Akagera National Park Inclusions:
- Park entry fees.
- Bottled water.
- Game drives aboard open-roof safari vehicle.
- All relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Boat rides.
- Road transfers by customized safari vehicle.
- A private and experienced safari driver for the entire trip.
- 2 nights’ accommodation.
- Meals per the program.
- Airport transfers as long as they are not beyond the last day of the trip.
Exclusions
- Airfares.
- Insurance.
- Items of personal nature like cigarettes, tips, souvenir shopping, drinks, laundry fees and others.