3 Day Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali
Akagera is Rwanda’s classic savannah park, a great fit if you want real wildlife viewing without a long cross-country journey. This three-day Akagera safari starts in Kigali and takes you east to the park in about four hours, then straight into your first game drive for a proper welcome to the plains. Over the next two days, you will combine unhurried game drives with a Lake Ihema boat safari, one of the best ways to spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds at close range. Expect a mix of big mammals and beautiful scenery, with the pace set by your interests, whether that is photography, family-friendly wildlife time, or chasing the best sightings. We can run this trip with budget, mid-range, or luxury lodging, and we can finish with a Kigali drop off at your hotel or the airport.
Safari highlights
Duration, 3 days, 2 nights
Start and end, Kigali
Drive time, about 4 hours to the park (traffic dependent)
Main experiences: game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari
Safari style, private guided, can be tailored
Best for, first-time Rwanda visitors, a short add on after the gorillas
3-day Akagera itinerary
Day 1, Kigali to Akagera, afternoon game drive, overnight
You will be picked up from the airport in Kigali, and your guide will welcome you for the safari in Rwanda. After a short briefing, you will start the journey to Akagera National Park, which will take about 2 to 3 hours. you will engage in an afternoon game drive and explore the savannah plains in search of wildlife species such as waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos, among others. After the game drive, you will be driven to the lodge, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2, sunrise game drive, Lake Ihema boat cruise, overnight
Your breakfast will be served early at the lodge ahead of your morning game drive in search of wildlife species such as lions, hyenas, buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas, giraffes, among others, around the savannah plains. After the morning game drive, you will also engage in an afternoon boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you will enjoy views around the park and also see hippos and Nile crocodiles. You will return to the lodge after the boat safari and have your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3, final game drive, return to Kigali
Begin your last morning in Akagera with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a final game drive. The early hours are often rewarding, with predators still active and the plains coming alive with antelope, zebra, and giraffe. This is your chance to complete your wildlife checklist or revisit a favourite area of the park. After the game drive, return to the lodge for checkout and begin the drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about four hours, with scenic countryside views along the way. On arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
End of your 3-day Akagera safari.
lodges in Akagera National Park
Budget Lodges
- Magashi Tented Camp Campsite
Simple camping facilities within the park, suitable for organised budget safaris. - Akagera Transit Lodge
Located near the southern gate, basic but convenient for short stays. - Dereva Hotel Kayonza
Outside the park in Kayonza, clean rooms are good for budget overnights before entering Akagera. - Best for backpackers, students, and cost-conscious travellers.
Mid Range Lodges
- Akagera Game Lodge
One of the most established lodges inside the park, with panoramic views over Lake Ihema, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and easy access to game drive routes. - Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Eco-friendly tented lodge located on the shores of Lake Ihema, offering an intimate atmosphere and strong wildlife viewing around camp. - Best for couples, families, and first-time safari travellers.
Luxury Lodges
- Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris
High-end tented camp in the northern sector of Akagera, known for excellent guiding, refined design, and strong Big Five sightings. - Best for honeymooners, photographers, and travellers celebrating special occasions.
Exact lodge will be confirmed at the time of booking based on availability and your preferred comfort level
What is Included and Excluded
What is Included
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop up roof
Professional English speaking driver guide
All park entrance fees for Akagera National Park
All scheduled game drives as per itinerary
Lake Ihema boat safari fee
2 nights accommodation in selected lodge category
Meals as indicated, usually full board while in the park
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Pickup and drop off in Kigali, hotel or airport
Government taxes and park levies
What is Not Included
International flights to and from Rwanda
Rwanda visa fees where applicable
Travel insurance, strongly recommended
Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
Personal expenses, laundry, beverages, souvenirs
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Extra nights in Kigali before or after the safari
