One Day in Akagera, Rwanda: A 24-Hour Itinerary & Cost

Embark on a one-day safari in Akagera National Park to experience the Big Five. Akagera National Park features a combination of savannah and forested regions, providing diverse vistas of Rwanda.

The One Day in Akagera, Rwanda Itinerary. The Akagera National Park is home to the big five African game and the best spot for a day trip to Akagera National Park from Kigali, Rwanda for wildlife viewing in the scenic wilderness. 

Rwanda doesn’t have several wildlife parks but Akagera is a major drawcard when it comes to wildlife game drives. The park has played a major role in boosting the Rwanda tourism industry as far as wildlife is concerned. One Day Safari to Akagera National Park is favorable for tourists who have limited time but want to have a game drive in Rwanda.

The One Day in Akagera National Park Safari  is very much recommendable for travelers who are already in Kigali. From Kigali, it takes about 2 h 30 min to reach the park on the fastest route and about 3 hours via Akagera road. Formed of the forest-fringed lakes, rolling plains, papyrus swamps, and savannah plains the park is famed as the most scenic in Africa.

A One Day in Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Discover Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s Big Five Paradise

Akagera National Park is situated in Eastern Rwanda, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. African Parks, a nonprofit organisation, is presently overseeing this park in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, and they are excelling in conservation efforts. Historically, numerous conflicts arose between individuals and the park; however, these were partially mitigated with the installation of fences in certain areas of the park and the implementation of community tours, which encourage tourists to engage with local communities and reap corresponding benefits.

The Akagera National Park wildlife safari offers opportunities for wildlife observation in Rwanda’s sole savannah park, which hosts various mammal species, including lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, kobs, zebras, bushbucks, waterbucks, and, most recently, black rhinos introduced from South Africa, thereby reinstating Akagera National Park as a Big Five park, as it was many years ago. It hosts a variety of avian species across multiple habitats, including woodlands, swamps, lakes, and savannahs.

A Detailed One Day Akagera, Rwanda Itinerary

Akagera National Park, Rwanda & Ruzizi Tented Lodge Stay

The One day in Akagera National Park starts very early in the morning. Your Rwanda tour guide ensures a pick up as early as 5:00 am local time for a transfer to the park.

The drive lasts about 2 h 30 min before you reach the park. Arriving at Akagera National Park, you then undertake a game drive in the scenic savannah plains for about 4 hours depending on the animal sightings and interests. Some of the animals that can be seen include the big five game which is Buffaloes, Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, and Leopards. Other wildlife species include Giraffes, Zebras, hyenas, cape bushbuck, Topis, Oribis, roan antelopes, duikers, impala, cape eland, and many more. After the morning game drive, you have lunch and then take a short game drive before driving back to Kigali. Lunch is either at Akagera game lodge or picnic lunch if you did carry packed lunch. Arriving in the evening, this marks the end of your day tour to Akagera National Park.

End of the One Day in Akagera National Park Safari

Safari exclusions

• Any changes to the included activities
• Tips
• International visas
• Insurance

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