2 Days 1 Night Akagera Wildlife Safari & Kigali City Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 2-Day, 1-Night Akagera Wildlife Safari and Kigali City Tour, a perfectly designed experience that blends Rwanda’s rich culture with its breathtaking wilderness.

This short yet action-packed journey offers the ideal combination of a classic Big Five safari, scenic boat cruise, thrilling night game drive, and cultural discovery in Kigali perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and meaningful exploration in a limited time.

Tour Overview

Combine the best of Rwanda’s wildlife and culture in one seamless experience. Discover the vibrant capital city of Kigali before venturing east to the iconic Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five and stunning savannah landscapes.

This tour is designed for travelers who want a complete Rwanda experience in just two days, combining wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and historical insight.

Tour Highlights

• Full-day game drive in Akagera National Park
• Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Thrilling evening/night game drive (5:30 PM)
• Overnight stay in a comfortable safari lodge
• Optional Kigali City Tour
• Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Wildlife viewing in open savannah landscapes

What to Expect

Your journey begins in Kigali with a convenient hotel pick-up or optional city tour. Explore key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, vibrant local markets, and scenic viewpoints showcasing the city’s beauty and resilience.

After the city experience, enjoy a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive to Akagera National Park in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and guided by a professional local safari expert.

Along the way, gain insights into Rwanda’s culture, landscapes, and everyday life.

Complete Safari Experience

This tour combines:

• Thrilling wildlife encounters
• Aquatic wildlife and birdlife on Lake Ihema
• Cultural and historical immersion in Kigali
• Scenic landscapes and photographic moments
• Authentic Rwandan cuisine and local experiences

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Kigali Pickup, Cultural Tour & Evening Game Drive

Morning Pickup – Kigali

Begin your adventure with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Kigali. Your experience may include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving UNESCO-recognized site honoring the memory of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Spend approximately two hours exploring the museum exhibits, with optional audio guidance for deeper historical understanding.

Drive to Akagera National Park

After the visit, continue your journey east to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours). Travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with Wi-Fi, accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide who shares insights about Rwanda’s landscapes and culture.

Stopover – Lunch & Cultural Experience

Enjoy a relaxing stop at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center, where you can have lunch, coffee, and explore traditional Imigongo art and handcrafted souvenirs.

Arrival in Akagera National Park

Complete park entry formalities and proceed to your lodge. Take time to relax, refresh, or enjoy lodge amenities before your evening safari.

Evening Game Drive (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Head out for a thrilling sunset and night game drive across Akagera’s savannah plains. Spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes as the sun sets over the park.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 2 – Full-Day Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Morning Breakfast & Boat Safari

Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before heading to Lake Ihema for a 9:00 AM boat safari. Experience Akagera from a unique perspective as you glide past hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife along the shoreline.

Midday Game Drive & Lunch

Continue your safari deeper into the park, exploring diverse ecosystems and wildlife-rich areas.

Enjoy lunch at Mihindi Picnic Site, surrounded by nature.

Afternoon Game Drive (Until 3:00–5:00 PM)
Continue wildlife viewing across the park, increasing your chances of spotting elephants, lions, buffalo, and other iconic species.

Return to Kigali

After your unforgettable safari experience, drive back to Kigali. Arrive in the evening with lasting memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.