1 Day Akagera Game Drive Safari

Our goal was to see the big five. Our expectations were met entirely. We especially loved the night safari finding a lion and a leopard and the time we were given to watch the animals in their own habitat. The night guides were excellent in tracking the animals And putting us in good positions to observe their behavior. We took a boat ride in the park to see the hippos this too, was a good experience. We did see hippos at other occasions from the land, but they were always submerged in the water and difficult to find. Our guide on the boat Explained things very well and pointed out very interesting bird life, alligators, etc. Our accommodations in the park were terrific. On our second morning, we walked the line with a park Ranger. It was to be a 7 km hike along the line up a steep narrow, rocky path and 7 km return along the same way. The hike was actually too long. The weather was very hot and having seen a kilometer and a half of the fence we felt we had had enough and hiked back down. I think the 7 km hike was not necessary for the experience. We did not see any animals along the line. On the other hand, our guide was excellent in telling us more about the relationship between the community outside the line and the park animals. The history, the struggle and present day relationships. We also learned a lot about the community that lives outside the park. That was very helpful interesting information. We were anxious to learn about the ordinary Rwandan. From the park, we returned to Kigali and set out the next day for Huya coffee plantation. Another wonderful local guide took us up into the hills where the coffee is planted and harvested. We followed the whole process from planting harvesting, washing, sorting roasting and packaging. Fascinating and good experience. What we loved was conversation at the sorting table with the local women who do this job. Again, it was a little window into ordinary Rwandans and their lives. We were also given a chance to sit with them and sort the coffee beans, and learn how hard and tedious but necessary a job that is. We learned the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee . This is important information as we return to the United States and try to find coffee as delicious as the Rwandan coffee. We learned how to read a label on the coffee packaging to distinguish between coffees, their roasting and strength. On the way down the hill from the plantation, we stopped to speak to a family that runs a bicycle repair station outside their home. It turned out thatThe family also weaved the beautiful baskets Rwanda is known for.. This experience of speaking to Rwandans off the tourist path was a highlight for us. We got to actually be with ordinary citizens and not just guides. we then drove to the national park for a zip line and canopy walk experience. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it did not disappoint. As scared as we were of the zip line once we were on it descending at great speeds over beautiful jungle down a slope a kilometer and a half we felt like we were in another world flying over nature’s beauty. The guides were excellent in reassuring us and accompanying us all the way. The canopy walk was a second opportunity to walk above the trees on a very narrow swinging bridge. We spotted beautiful birds, butterflies, monkeys, and a huge variety of trees and ferns and mosses. The trek back up from the bottom of the zip line to the reception center was arduous, especially at high altitude, but with an excellent guide and a Porter and many stops to admire our surroundings, it was not hard after all. Our next stop was like Kivu lake. . We arrived late in the afternoon for a boat ride to see the cows swimming the lake a monkey island and a stop at Napoleon Island. In our estimation this was the least interesting of all our visits. We did arrive late in the afternoon after much driving. We were tired and not ready to explore further. We also thought that there was minimal interest in watching cows swim a lake. The monkeys performed because the guides gave them bananas, and in the end there was very few monkeys to observe. We were too tired to climb Napoleon Island And the bats were pretty disgusting. Overall, I would say this was the low point of our trip. Our accommodations at Lake Kivu were charming. individual mountain side huts. The dinner was delicious food on a verandah overlooking beautiful views of the lake. We were disappointed to have arrived after the fishing season. The fishing boats looked fascinating and the experience of going out fishing on them is what we had hoped for and will probably come back to do someday. We could not have asked for a more wonderful driver/guide than Alice who was with us for the four day tour. She was patient curious, informative at every turn. She also gave us a very informative history of Rwanda, especially covering the period of the genocide Which marks Rwandan history forever, as well as the shame of the world for not interfering. She talked hopefully of the future where Rwandans have come together to build a new and prosperous countr. She is a wonderful ambassador for Rwanda. We loved Alice and cherish her as a friend well into the future. When we started to plan this trip, we had many sites we wanted to see and Judith Safari helped us Plan it all on paper. What we were not prepared for and what we had not been warned of was the distances between each activity. We found the 3 to 4 to 5 hour drives each day. Exhausting. . Perhaps we would have planned the tour differently if we had known beforehand. We also had not been warned that dollars do not work outside of Kigali. We were caught unaware without local money to tip guides or buy food. It would have been helpful to be told to carry at least $100 worth of Rwandan francs with us. We also felt very protected and guarded. We had hoped for more contact with local people in their villages so we could experience daily Rwandan life.. As it was planned, we only experienced the tourist spots. In general, we felt overprotected and not free to explore on our own. A friend had suggested we use Judith Safar and specifically for Alice as a guide. She was absolutely right. I must say it was a terrific tour with many personal touches. Everyone on the staff went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and happy. I can’t imagine another to our company being as flexible and attentive, and as personal in their service as Judith Safari. We will surely pass along the recommendation to as many people as we can. Thank you, Judith and Mary and our new dear friend Alice. All the best to each and everyone of you . You have lodged a happy memory of Rwanda in our hearts forever.

Alice was awesome! Unfortunately we didn't see any Lions or Leopards. However, they told me before the trip that this may happen. The effort Alice put in was first class. Thank you.

Out of all the companies I emailed, Judith Safaris were the only ones who were able to match me up with other solo travellers to make a group and share the cost. No other tour company seemed interested. I had a really good day. The other travellers were really nice our guides were excellent. It’s always a bit of luck with a safari but we did pretty well and saw a lot. I would genuinely recommend this company if you are travelling alone. I had to be a bit flexible on dates but to share the cost it was really worth it. Aside from the safari, Emeline also helped me with loads of advice regarding buses etc. and how much to pay for a local taxi, which was really appreciated. I also think it’s great to support a female orientated business 💪

This was a great Safari Drive. I got picked up in the morning and spent a good portion of the day at Akagera. We were able to see bird, hips, crocodiles and many other animals. I would recommend to Safari to anyone.

Went with my 15 yo daughter. Two days, one night -- Saturday morning pickup in Kigali, Sunday evening return. Judith arranged everything, no muss no fuss. Very simple and easy. We saw lots of zebras, lots of hippos and birds (on the lake cruise), one buffalo, one elephant. No lions or leopards, but that's just random chance. What moved this from four stars to five was the driver / guide, Irere. Friendly, punctual, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife and the birds. Ask for Irere -- *especially* if you are a bird person. The birds may be less dramatic than lions or elephants, but there are a fantastic variety of them, and if you have a knowledgeable guide they can be very interesting. Recommended.

Viator told us in two different occasions that the park entry ticket was included, that was incorrect. But the trip it self was awesome! A good guide with a lot of knowledge.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He maintained a safe environment during COVID. This is a full day trip with a nice lunch and snacks along the way. Zero hassle and great door to door device.

The only reason I didn’t give it a five stars rating is that one day is definitely not enough to see the big five (though I was lucky to see the lions) ... I would have loved to combine it with a night drive to see the carnivores at work.

Didi is a very good tour guide. I learned a lot about Rwanda's history and national parks as well. Outstanding experience. Everything was well organized and even the food, especially the avocado, was really nice.

We had a lovely trip and saw so many animals. Iddy the driver was prompt and very concerned about our well being. The lunch was great and it was so worth the trip