Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah destination, and this dedicated safari requires no trekking permit at all — just park entry fees — making it an easy, affordable add-on to a gorilla trekking trip, or a genuine standalone safari in its own right.
Detailed Itinerary
Kigali to Akagera National Park
A comfortable drive east across Rwanda’s rolling hills, arriving with time for an evening game drive.
Full Day Big Five Game Viewing and Boat Trip
A full day across Akagera’s savannahs, lakes and wetlands for lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and reintroduced black and white rhino, plus a boat trip on Lake Ihema for hippos and birdlife.
As above
Morning Game Drive, Return to Kigali
An early game drive before the return drive to Kigali.
Permits & Costs
| Park entry fee | ~$50 per person per day |
| Boat trip on Lake Ihema | Included in tour price |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers wanting a genuine Big Five safari without a primate permit, or extending a Volcanoes National Park gorilla trip with an easy addition.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & boat trip fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Akagera’s Conservation Story
Both lion and rhino were locally extinct in Akagera before reintroduction programmes brought them back, alongside existing elephant, buffalo and leopard populations — a genuine conservation success story that makes this one of the more meaningful Big Five destinations in the region, not just a scenic backdrop for game drives.
What to Pack
Comfortable layered clothing, sun protection, and binoculars if you have them — no walking or specialised gear is needed for this itinerary.
How does Akagera compare to Kenya or Tanzania’s savannah parks?
Smaller in scale but genuinely rewarding, with far fewer visitors and a compelling reintroduction story behind its lion and rhino populations specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Big Five genuinely reliable in Akagera?
Lion, elephant and buffalo sightings are consistently strong; leopard and rhino take more patience but both populations are established and monitored.
How far is Akagera from Kigali?
Around 2–2.5 hours by road, a comfortable single transfer.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.