Safaripark Dagtrip Avontuur vanuit Kigali

I had the most wonderful day traveling with Junior from Kigali to Akagera National Park, exploring the park, and then driving back to Kigali. From the moment we started, he was warm, friendly, and so easy to talk to. I learned so much from him, not just about Akagera and its incredible wildlife, but also about Kigali and Rwanda’s history, culture, and everyday life. He’s an excellent driver, a fantastic guide, and one of the most hospitable people I have met on my travels. When I come back to Kigali (and I know I will, with family and friends), Junior will be the one of the first people I call. If you are planning a trip to Akagera, I can’t recommend him enough!

This is the 4th time I have visited Akagera park. The other 3 times, I was part of a group and we did the one day up and back in a safari vehicle. My wife had never been, so instead of the one day up and back (which is just a long day). I opted for a multi day. Hours on the internet...options, companies, quotes...etc. Heaven experiences was responsive with email, had good reviews, but ultimately went with them, because and I had previously stayed at Heaven and trusted them. Day 1: 0430 start, but with an actually tasty packed breakfast with coffee and lunch from Heaven (not a typically boxed nasty). Our private safari vehicle and private driver (Oscar) confirmed the agenda and we were off. Of the 4 Akagera drivers I have been with, Oscar, was really the best, timely, professional, kind and attentive. We pelted him with the usual thousand questions about Rwanda, Kigali and the Park, and he managed us well. Got to the park about 0730, drove around a bit saw a few animals (hippos, alligators, birds, zebra, baboons..etc) , amazing scenery, and searched for elephants and lions. The evening boat ride was the highlight of the day, with more animals we could see from the water (closer hippo's experiences). Day 2: 0700 start, good drive through the southern park of the park in the morning, zebras, baboons, hippos, warthogs...etc. lunch back at the hotel, few hours off, then a 1900 night tour. Rhino's pretty up close, and a few other things, but no luck with the lions. Day 3: 0700 start , We picked up our park guide (Jean-Paul, super smart guy), and we immediately found the herd of elephants. Other vehicles figured it out too, and came and left after about 15 minutes. Our guide told us to be patient and wait, then 2 different herds of elephants walked by, complete with momma and baby elephants playing etc. We finished our 6-7 hour drive north, lots more elephants, hippo's, zebra's, deer, baboons, warthogs, giraffes, alligators...etc, so much they become Meh..., and then you realize it is all about the whole experience and not about any specific event or animal. Oscar and Jean-Paul became more comfortable with us after 3 days, basically became our friends. Lunch in the park was at a place called 'Picnic" You would think that the food would be sketchy, but the food and view was phenomenal, we enjoyed it for an hour (coffee was great too). I was initially aphrenrsive about the cost and time for the 3 days in Akagera ( it is hard to explain why paying for 3 days seeing animals you can see in the zoo makes sense) but it is not about the animals, it is also about the totality of experience (always felt safe) we were able to share with Oscar and Jean-Paul. So, recommend 3 days, private and the Heaven Experience organized tour was worth it (just overall well done). And, thank you Heaven, Oscar, Jean-Paul and Heaven Experiences, upon return from our vacation to a few countries, this event was our highlight.

I spent 2 days in Akagera park with other 2 friends of mine. The organization have bene amazing and impeccable. Jamal took care of everything. We just needed to have fun. We have been picked up at Sat morning by a private guide and brought to Akagera park where we had a first flavour of safari (southern part of the park). During night we stayed in a really amazing lodge (with swimming pool and gym). The day after we spent the morning on a boat trip and the rest of the day in the northern part which is the best one to spot animals with an local park guide, beyond our usual guide, provided by the hotel. One particular mention to Oscar, the guide of the hotel that has been our driver (you get a new safari jeep just for you, with everything inside like wifi, water, ...) for all the two days in the safari (you go around the park with the hotel jeep) and he was always available for any doubts or curiosity.