This 2 days Akagera national park Rwanda safari takes you to the only savannah park in the country for an amazing game drive to enjoy the cool breeze off lake Ihema, see birdlife, and encounter Africa’s big five mammals and other wild animals. Other animals in Akagera national park include giraffes, zebras, topis, cape elands, bush bucks, impalas and so much more. Akagera national park is located on the eastern side of Rwanda covering an area of 1112 sq. km. The park was named after river Akagera which feeds Lake Ihema and other lakes inside the park. the park was opened up in 1934 making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa. Akagera national park hosts so many lakes such as Lake Mihindi, Lake Hago, Lake Shakani, Lake Ihema, and Lake Rwanyakizinga to mention but a few.

2 Days Akagera national park Rwanda Safari highlights

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera national park

Day 2: Akagera national park morning game drive and transfer back to Kigali

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera national park

You will be picked by our English-speaking driver guide who will brief and guide you on your 2 days Akagera national park Rwanda safari. You will then start your journey to Akagera national park passing through different hills, villages, and towns. The drive to Akagera national park is about 2 – 3 hours. Upon reaching Akagera national park, you will be welcomed by green thrilling vegetation cover which acts as a habitat for the parks’ wildlife. When you reach the park, you will proceed to your lodge, check-in, relax and wait for lunch.

After enjoying your lunch, you will head out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is the largest lake in Akagera national park and the second biggest lake in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. On Lake Ihema you will enjoy the cool breeze of the lake which seeing hippos and crocodiles in the waters. If you a bird lover you will see water birds like shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and papyrus gonolek. You will also see herds of elephants along the shores of the lake drinking water or bathing. After the boat cruise, you will get back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akagera game lodge – luxury, Ruzizi tented camp – mid range, Mutumba campsite – budget.

Day 2: Akagera national park morning game drive and transfer back to Kigali

You will wake up early in the morning and our driver-guide will take you for a game drive in Akagera national park. You will go for game drives in the southern sector of the park because the biggest population of the game is found there. During the game drive, we expect to see so many animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, rhinos, impalas, bushbucks, cape elands, giraffes, baboons, oribis, waterbucks, topis and so many others. If you are lucky you will see leopards. If you are a good birder, you’ll see some of the 525 different species among which include water birds, forest birds, endemic to rift valley species. The game drive in Akagera national park also gives you an opportunity of seeing numerous lakes that are spread inside the park. After the game drive, you will get back to your lodge for relaxation, have lunch and check out and start your journey back to Kigali at either your hotel or airport.

Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Tour includes

Transport

Service of an English-speaking guide

Accommodation

Meals

Park entrance fees

Boat cruise

Drinking water

Tour excludes 

International flights

Visas

Personal expenses

Extra drinks

Insurance

Tips

What to pack for 2 days safari in Akagera national park?

Binoculars (bird lovers)

Sunglasses s

Camera

Sunscreen

Light safari clothing

Hat

What is the best time to visit Akagera national park?

Although visiting Akagera national park can be done throughout the year, the best time for a safari in Akagera national park is during the dry months of June to September and December to January when there is little or no rainfall. For bird lovers, the best time to visit Akagera national park is the wet season which falls around March to May and October to November.