Akagera National Park 1 day Safari Experience
Description
Experience Rwanda’s only savanna park on an exciting Akagera safari filled with wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable moments. Choose between our comfortable SUV, classic safari vehicle, safari with boat ride option, or a budget-friendly Rav4 available during dry season. Departure times vary depending on the vehicle and safari experience selected. Akagera is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards, along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Early morning game drives offer the best chance to spot wildlife as the park comes alive at sunrise. Throughout the journey, your experienced driver guide will share insights about the animals, landscapes, and conservation story of Akagera, making the experience both exciting and meaningful. Perfect for travelers looking to experience the wild side of Rwanda in comfort.
Tour Options
Itinerary
From pick-up point in Kigali to Akagera National Park, you're in for a scenic treat that showcases the diversity and beauty of Rwanda's east side. The road winds its way through picturesque valleys and rolling hills, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscapes that define the East Province. As you travel, you'll notice the vibrant hues of greenery that blanket the countryside, interspersed with terraced fields and traditional Rwandan villages. This region is known for its fertile soil and agricultural prowess, with crops such as bananas, maize, and sorghum thriving in the fertile valleys. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of local farmers tending to their fields or herding their livestock, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the communities that call this region home. The journey serves as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of East Province, who have thrived amidst the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them.
As you arrive at Akagera National Park, our experienced guide-driver warmly welcomes you and escorts you through the park reception. Here, you're provided with a comprehensive briefing about the park's unique ecosystem, its inhabitants, and the rules for a safe and enjoyable visit. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the park and its wildlife. Once briefed, the exhilarating journey of the game drive begins. As you venture deeper into the park, the excitement builds with every turn, as the landscape unfolds before you, revealing an array of remarkable wildlife. From the moment you enter, the enchantment of Akagera becomes palpable as sightings of animals begin almost immediately, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.
After immersing ourselves in the wonders of half the park, encountering captivating wildlife along the way, we pause our adventure for a delightful lunch and refreshing break. Energized and rejuvenated, we eagerly venture northward, where the sprawling savannah unveils a plethora of majestic animals awaiting our discovery.
After a satisfying lunch break ,the excitement of your game drive continues as you journey further north into Akagera National Park. With each passing moment, anticipation mounts as you delve deeper into the park's wilderness, eager to discover the hidden treasures that await. As the landscape unfolds before you, with its sprawling plains and meandering rivers, the possibility of encountering majestic wildlife fills the air with anticipation. With every turn of the road, you're one step closer to uncovering the natural wonders that make Akagera a haven for safari enthusiasts.
As your exhilarating game drive in Akagera National Park comes to a close, you're filled with a sense of fulfillment and awe at the remarkable wildlife and natural beauty you've experienced. With memories of giraffes grazing on acacia trees and hippos lazing in the water, you bid farewell to the wilderness and begin the journey back to Kigali. As you're dropped off at the starting point in Kigali, you reflect on the day's adventures with gratitude and wonder. The sights and sounds of the park linger in your mind, a testament to the power of nature to inspire and uplift. Though your safari may be over, the memories you've made will stay with you forever, reminding you of the magic that awaits in Rwanda's wild places.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Provide us with your location we will pick you up and drop you off.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(20)
It's a long ride from Kigali, but we stopped halfway for a coffee and a bite. It was a great day in the park. It's fun to look for the animals. We saw 16 animal species and so many different birds. I recommend the boat ride, especially for bird watchers. if you're prone to motion sickness, take something for that. It's a bouncy ride all day. It was the end of the rainy season, so not the best time of year for spotting, but we saw everything except hyenas and leopards, which are rare to see anyway since they are nocturnal. Kevin was amazing at spotting animals while driving!
Thank you, Rich, for your detailed review. We are glad to hear you had a great full-day experience in Akagera National Park and enjoyed spotting so many animals and birds along the way. We are also pleased that Kevin made the experience even better with his excellent eye for wildlife. We appreciate your helpful notes about the journey and timing, and we are happy you still had such a memorable safari.
I have done a few safaris in my time, and I must say this one in Akagera was truly memorable. My wife and I spent three days in Rwanda, all arranged by Iriza, including our airport pick up and drop off. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled properly. After a long journey, it is reassuring to see someone waiting for you and to know the rest of your stay has been carefully planned. Sam was our driver guide, particularly for our day in Akagera. He arrived early for pick up, right on time, and everything was handled properly from the start. No confusion, no rushing, just smooth and straightforward. In the park, he drove with patience and care. He knows the roads well and understands where to look for wildlife. We saw a good number of animals, and he positioned the vehicle thoughtfully so we could enjoy the views without disturbance. It was a long day, but a very good one. Comfortable vehicle, steady driving, and a guide who takes his work seriously. Over the course of the three days, the entire experience ran seamlessly. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone considering a safari in Akagera, or to anyone planning a visit to Rwanda.
Hi Timm, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to us. We are very happy to hear that your three days in Rwanda were well spent and that everything, from airport pick up to your Akagera safari, felt smooth and well organized. Sam will be especially glad to read your kind words. He takes great pride in making sure every guest feels comfortable and well looked after. It was a pleasure hosting you and your wife in Rwanda. We hope to welcome you back again someday.
We were lucky to see so many lions, my favorite animals, and it was truly the highlight of the day. Thanks to our amazing guide J Paul and the company Operating manager for organizing our thrip well.
Thank you, Steven. We are happy to hear seeing the lions was a highlight of your day. J Paul and our operations team will be glad to know their efforts made the trip special. We truly appreciate your feedback.
I had a wonderful trip to Akagera with Iriza Tours & Safaris. My guides Samuel and Ansh were excellent at communicating and made sure everything went smoothly from the start. They picked me up from my hotel on time and kept in touch throughout the trip. The game drive was amazing. I saw so many animals and had a delicious lunch by the lake with a beautiful view. Even though I was traveling alone, the experience felt warm and comfortable. Everything was well organized, and the service was truly top notch. It was one of the best trips I have ever had and one I will always remember.
Thank you so much for this lovely feedback! We are so happy to hear you had such a memorable trip with Samuel and Ansh. It means a lot to know you felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment in Akagera.
We had an amazing safari with Jérôme from Iriza Tours & Safaris. We were four friends and enjoyed every moment of the game drive. Jérôme spoke French, which made everything easier for us since we are from Germany. He was very knowledgeable and thoughtful, and we saw so many animals. It was well organized and a truly wonderful day. Highly recommended!
Thank you so much Perry for your lovely review. We are glad you had a wonderful safari with Jérôme and that his knowledge and care made your day enjoyable. It is great to hear you saw many animals and had such a memorable experience.
We had an amazing trip to Akagera National Park! Our driver-guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and their behavior, which made the experience even more exciting. He also gave us helpful advice on what to wear, ensuring we were prepared for the day. Throughout the trip, we had plenty of refreshments to keep us energized. One piece of advice I would recommend booking a safari car. I wish I had done that because it would have made the game drive even more enjoyable. Overall, a fantastic experience! Thanks Jerome and Iriza Tours
Thank you, Steve! We are so happy to hear you had a great experience at Akagera and that Jerome made your trip memorable. Your advice about booking a safari car is very helpful. We hope to see you again soon.
The safari itself was breathtaking, and the service provided by Iriza Tours was top-notch. We felt safe, well cared for by our driving guide Jerome, and truly immersed in the beauty of Rwanda. It was an experience our family will cherish forever. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much, We are delighted your family enjoyed Akagera with Jerome and that the safari was such a memorable experience.
We were taken care of by Denys our French speaking guide, at our hotel and on time. He found us photographs to see the animals at close range. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the lions. To see them it is advisable to sleep on site. Apart from the entrance to the park there is no additional charge (as is the case for gorillas).
Merci, Johan, pour votre avis. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre safari à Akagera avec Denys et ses conseils pour la photographie. Nous espérons vous accueillir de nouveau bientôt pour une autre belle expérience !
We had a fantastic Safari tour with amazing animals encounter. Our guide Benique was super accommodating, attentive to every need and very knowledgeable about places, customs and culture. I strongly recommend
Thank you, Kristina, for the wonderful feedback. We are so happy you enjoyed the safari and had such memorable wildlife encounters. It is great to hear Benique made the experience special for you. We truly appreciate your recommendation.
What a great day !! I love animals so much and I loved the game drive you are excited for whats next , what can we spot next pacific is an amazing driver guide he knows where to find mist animals in the park. Thank you for the amazing Safari experience.
Hi Bill, Thank you so much. We are really happy to hear you enjoyed the safari, especially as someone who loves animals. Pacific will be so glad to know you appreciated his guiding. He truly knows where to find the best wildlife in the park. We are glad it was a great day and hope to welcome you again for another adventure.
