Kigali + Akagera National Park — Big Five Safari in Rwanda

Overview

Rwanda is famous for its gorillas, but its eastern savannah is one of the great conservation success stories of Africa. Akagera National Park, run in partnership with African Parks, has seen lions reintroduced after fifteen years of absence and black rhinos brought back from Europe. This eight-day itinerary opens in Kigali with the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, the Inema Arts Center and Kimironko market, then heads east on 110 kilometres of tarmac to spend three full nights in the park. A half-day drive across the southern plains, a full day north in search of the Big Five, a private boat cruise on Lake Ihema among the hippos and fish eagles, a behind-the-scenes conservation visit and Rwanda’s only night safari fill the days. Entry fees fall by half from the second night and are free from the fourth, which is exactly why staying put pays. You return to Kigali for the Nyamata and Ntarama memorials and a tasting of Rwandan speciality coffee.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Big Five just 2h15 from the capital, on tarmac the entire way.
The only night safari in Rwanda: leopard, civet, bushbaby and spotted hyena.
A private boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of the finest stretches of water in East Africa.
Lions reintroduced after fifteen years of absence, and black and white rhinos brought back to the park.
A behind-the-scenes visit to the conservation team — the real story of how a park is rebuilt.
French is an official language of Rwanda: the whole trip happens in your own language.
Four game drives at four different times of day, including a dedicated sunrise photo session.
Two dedicated French-speaking guides and a professional photographer travelling with you throughout, plus a complete photo album.

Included/Excluded

Round-trip international flights and all park entry fees
7 nights accommodation, four game drives, night safari and private Lake Ihema cruise
Private air-conditioned coach and 4x4 safari vehicles inside the park
Local SIM with data, dedicated guides and a professional photographer (photo album)
Meals as indicated

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrival in Kigali and Welcome Briefing

Your Africa Tour Travel representative greets you at Kigali International Airport and accompanies you on a private transfer to your hotel, barely five kilometres away. After check-in we hold a friendly welcome meeting: a full day-by-day walkthrough of your programme, how each game drive works, and local etiquette. We set up your local SIM card with data and add you to our WhatsApp group.

WELCOME DINNER

Vue aerienne d un aeroport international en Afrique de l Est Vue aerienne de la skyline moderne de Kigali Kigali et ses collines verdoyantes vues du ciel

Day 02 Kigali — Memory and Creation

The morning is given to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, with the Ubumuntu audio-guide trail (allow two and a half hours). The afternoon turns to the living Rwanda: the Inema Arts Center, where you meet the resident painters and sculptors in their studios, and Kimironko market for spices, kitenge fabric and basketwork.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH

Batiment et jardins paisibles a Kigali Tambours et peintures dans un atelier d art africain Marche africain anime, etals de produits frais sous parasols

Day 03 Road to Akagera and First Game Drive

The tarmac road east from Kigali to the southern gate of Akagera National Park, about 110 km and two and a quarter hours. Entry to the park and a half-day game drive across the southern plains: zebra, impala, buffalo, topi and roan antelope. Check-in at your lodge.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

Acacias, lac et montagnes dans un paysage de savane Zebre dans la savane verdoyante d Afrique de l Est Vehicule de safari 4x4 dans un parc national africain

Day 04 Akagera — The Big Five Day

A full-day game drive north through the park with a bush picnic, in search of the Big Five: lions reintroduced after fifteen years of absence, black and white rhinos brought back to Akagera, elephants and Masai giraffes. Around 120 kilometres of tracks across one of the most varied landscapes in East Africa.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

Lion majestueux marchant dans la savane Deux rhinoceros dans la savane africaine Girafes broutant dans la savane herbeuse

Day 05 Lake Ihema and Night Safari

A private boat cruise on Lake Ihema among the hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles and vast waterbird colonies. Then a Behind the Scenes visit with the conservation team, and in the evening Rwanda's only night safari, two and a half hours after dark in search of leopard, civet, bushbaby and spotted hyena.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER

Groupe d hippopotames dans les eaux d un lac africain Aigle pecheur africain perche au bord du lac Leopard au repos sur les rochers a la nuit tombee

Day 06 Sunrise Drive and Return to Kigali

One last morning game drive in the best light of the day, a session dedicated to photography with your accompanying photographer. Then the tarmac road back to Kigali.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH

Lever de soleil dore et brume sur la savane Deux antilopes topi dans la vaste savane africaine Lac borde de vegetation vu du ciel

Day 07 Nyamata, Ntarama and Rwandan Coffee

The memorials of Nyamata and Ntarama, about thirty kilometres south of Kigali, visited with the quiet and respect they call for. The afternoon lightens: a craft cooperative and a tasting of Rwandan speciality coffee, among the finest in the world. Farewell dinner and a screening of your photo report.

BREAKFAST | DINNER

Jardin du souvenir arbore, lieu de recueillement Sacs de cafe rwandais dans une torrefaction artisanale Paniers tresses colores, artisanat traditionnel

Day 08 Departure

A final Rwandan breakfast, then a private transfer to Kigali International Airport, with photos and a personal album to treasure.

BREAKFAST

Comptoirs d enregistrement et ecran des departs dans un aeroport Avion de ligne au decollage depuis la piste Terminal d aeroport moderne a la facade vitree