3 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari

Overview

This 3 days big 5 safari in Akagera National Park is one of the best experiences Rwanda can offer visitors. This involves doing game drives, boat cruise and an optional activity, to increase your chances of spotting the big 5. The big 5 in Africa comprise lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes, and can be seen reliably in Akagera National Park. In the 1,122 square kilometers Akagera National Park also offers more views a part from the big 5. These include the antelopes, warthogs, giraffes, and hyenas.

Akagera National Park also houses 500 bird species that can be spotted while you look for the big 5. The 3 days Akagera National Park big 5 safari is also an opportunity to enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. You will also have the option of whether to do a hot air balloon tour or walk the line. These are also perfect experiences that give different perspectives of seeing the big 5 in Akagera National Park. The 3 days Akagera Big 5 safari starts and ends in Kigali. 

Highlights of the safari

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali to Akagera National Park. Full day game drive in northern part of the park

Day 2: Half day game drive and boat cruise on Lake Ihema

Day 3: Any optional activity and travel back to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali to Akagera National Park. Full day game drive in northern part of the park.

At Kigali city, our driver will meet you and pick you up for a transfer to Akagera National Park. This is a 107 kilomter drive to Akagera. Once you arrive, you will drive to the northern part of the park for a game drive. The Big 5 mammals can be seen in the savannah grassland and woodland while you are in the open-roof car. Other amazing mammal species to see in that area are impalas, elands, giraffe, topis, waterbucks and warthogs among others. Head to your lodge and check in. Enjoy relaxing while waiting for your dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Half day Game drive and boat cruise on Lake Ihema

After your early breakfast, you will head to the southern part of the park, just as rich and teeming with unique wildlife. During this guided game drive, you will spot a variety of wild animals including the big 5. Zebras, elands, impalas, giraffes, elephants and others can be spotted as well. You will also notice that so many bird species also live close to the mammals. These birds include Egyptian geese, Shelley’s francolins, dusky turtle doves, secretarybirds, Martial eagles, Ross’s turacos, lesser jacanas and African swifts.

You will have lunch, before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon tour. This lake offers very exciting boat cruises on its shimmering waters. Plenty of wild animals can be seen while you are relaxed in the motorboat. Crocodiles and hippos are among the standout wildlife species, but bird species generally dominate the entire landscape. Bird species to see include saddle billed stork, swamp nightjar, Eurasian moorhen, lesser jacana, hadada ibis, purple heron and reed cormorant. Head back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Any optional activity and travel back to Kigali.

Rise up and take some breakfast before checking out of the lodge. You will do an optional activity, hot air ballooning or walk the line. Any of these activities offer different views of Akagera National Park’s wildlife and savannah scenery. You will be transported to Kigali City, with lunch enroute. Upon arriving in the city, you will be dropped off at your point of convenience, either at the airport or your accommodation. This is the end of your 3 days Akagera Big 5 safari.