A Thrilling Big 5 Safari in Rwanda's Heartland Tour by Kingfisher Journeys

3 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

30 peopleMaximum group size

1 - 85 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Kigali, Rwanda

Ends

Kigali, Rwanda

Highlights

Enjoy a memorable sunset boating experience on Lake Ihema

Go on a full-day wildlife safari in Akagera National Park

Brace yourself for a thrilling encounters with the Big 5 and other wildlife species

Experience the thrill of staying in tented lodges situated inside the national park

Itinerary

Imagine a safari where every sunrise brings the thrill of spotting Africa’s most iconic animals. This 3-day adventure in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable wildlife tour experience, blending classic game drives with unique moments in nature. Your journey kicks off with a scenic drive from Kigali to the park, followed by a relaxing stay at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge overlooking tranquil Lake Ihema.

Set out on exhilarating guided game drives to seek out the Big Five—elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards—while learning about the park’s diverse habitats. As dusk falls, a sunset boat cruise reveals hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of waterbirds along the lake’s shimmering edge. The second day ramps up the excitement with both daytime and night game drives, offering a rare glimpse of Akagera’s nocturnal wildlife, before settling in under the stars at Karenge Bush Camp.

Your final day includes one last immersive game drive before returning to Kigali, capping off a whirlwind exploration of Rwanda’s premier safari destination. The trip’s standout feature is the combination of classic safari encounters with the tranquil luxury of lakeside lodges and the thrill of after-dark wildlife viewing. For young adults and seasoned adventurers alike, this tour package delivers the essence of Africa’s heartland in just three days—perfect for those craving a concentrated burst of nature and excitement.

day 1 - Kigali to Akagera: Game Drive & Sunset Boating

Your adventure begins with a scenic morning transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush landscapes as you drive towards one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Upon arrival at the park, you will check in at the luxurious Ruzizi Tented Lodge, a beautiful accommodation nestled along the shores of Lake Ihema. After settling in and having lunch, the adventure truly begins with a guided game drive through the park's diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to wetlands. Keep an eye out for the Big 5, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards, as well as giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy a relaxing sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in the park. This tranquil experience offers an excellent opportunity to spot aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, as you take in the spectacular colors of the African sunset. In the evening, return to Ruzizi Tented Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Duration:6 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Lunch, Dinner

day 2 - Full-Day Game Drive – Day & Night Safari

On day two, you’ll embark on a full day of exploration through Akagera National Park. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive, covering some of the park’s most diverse regions. Akagera is home to a variety of ecosystems, and during the drive, you’ll witness a rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and more. This safari will give you ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and observe wildlife behaviors as you move through the park's rolling savannahs and marshlands.

Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, where you can relax and take in the surroundings. After lunch, continue your game drive, exploring different areas of Akagera. The park’s wetlands, such as the Kagera River and Lake Rwanyakazinga, offer great wildlife viewing opportunities, including herds of elephants and the occasional sighting of a lion stalking its prey.

As the sun sets, you’ll head out for a night game drive in search of nocturnal wildlife. The night drive provides an exciting opportunity to spot creatures that are typically more active after dark, such as hyenas, leopards, and nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars. You’ll also have the chance to see the park’s other animals, such as buffaloes, continuing their activities into the evening. After a full day of adventure, retreat to Karenge Bush Camp, where you will spend the night in a cozy, intimate setting under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the wilderness.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 3 - Final Game Drive & Transfer Back to Kigali

On your final day in Akagera, you will set out early for a morning game drive to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife before the heat of the day sets in. This will be your last opportunity to catch glimpses of any animals you might have missed, such as rhinos or the elusive leopard. Akagera is known for its diverse habitats, so this final drive will take you through varied landscapes, from dense woodlands to open savannahs, where you’ll encounter more wildlife and stunning vistas.

After the game drive, enjoy a relaxing breakfast back at your lodge before preparing for your transfer back to Kigali. After a full day of unforgettable wildlife encounters, you’ll begin your journey back to Kigali, which will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Depending on your schedule, you will be dropped off either at your hotel or directly at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Duration:8 hours

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

A Thrilling Big 5 Safari in Rwanda's Heartland

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What's Included

2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 DinnersTransport from and to Kigali (airport or hotel)Accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Day 1) and Karenge Bush Camp (Day 2)Guided game drives (day and night safaris)Sunset boating on Lake IhemaPark fees and taxesExperienced driver guideSoft DrinksEmergency evacuation insurance

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A Thrilling Big 5 Safari in Rwanda's Heartland

Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Kigali to Akagera: Game Drive & Sunset Boating

day 2 - Full-Day Game Drive – Day & Night Safari