3-Day Akagera Luxury Safari with Hot Air Balloon and Sunset Boat

Experience Akagera National Park in ultimate luxury. Enjoy exclusive game drives, a magical hot air balloon safari, and serene boat cruises in premier accommodation.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Rwanda’s breathtaking wilderness with Afri Safaris’ 3-day luxury Akagera safari  the perfect escape for honeymooners, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers. This exclusive adventure blends romance, comfort, and raw African beauty for memories that last a lifetime.

Begin with a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, where golden plains and shimmering lakes host the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos — alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelope. Glide across Lake Ihema on a private sunset boat safari as hippos and crocodiles emerge beneath fiery skies, then embark on a thrilling night drive to spot elusive nocturnal wildlife.

At dawn, soar over Akagera in a hot air balloon, witnessing elephants and antelope from above as the sunrise paints the savannah gold. Celebrate with a champagne bush breakfast and a personalized flight certificate — the perfect finale to an unforgettable romantic adventure.

Tour Highlights

Luxury lodge accommodation, hot air balloon safari over the savannah, multiple game drives at different times, sunset and morning boat cruises on Lake Ihema, Big Five viewing opportunities, and gourmet dining experiences.

What to Expect

Day 1:  Kigali city tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park with Sunset Boat safari Afternoon game drive. Day 2: Pre-dawn hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast, afternoon game drive and Night game drive. Day 3: Early morning game drive, final wildlife viewing, scenic return to Kigali.

Luxury Experience 

lodge accommodation, aerial wildlife viewing from balloon, professional photography guides available, intimate wildlife encounters, and exceptional culinary experiences featuring local and international cuisine.

3-Day Akagera National Park Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park

08:00 AM – Kigali Hotel Pickup & City Tour
After breakfast, your Afri Safaris guide will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Kigali in a private 4×4 safari vehicle, equipped with Wi-Fi for connectivity. Begin your day with a brief introduction, followed by a Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, concluding around 10:00 AM.

10:00 AM – Departure to Akagera National Park
Embark on a scenic drive east toward Akagera National Park, guided by your local safari expert. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside.

11:30 AM – Stop at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center, Kayonza
Enjoy a 45-minute stopover to explore local arts and crafts at Imigongo Art Center. Relax with coffee, refreshments, and snacks while experiencing Rwanda’s rich artistic heritage.

12:30 PM – Arrival at Akagera & Transfer to Lodge
Continue the journey to Akagera National Park (approx. 1-hour drive). Arrive at the park entry by 1:30–2:00 PM, complete park formalities, and proceed to your lodge.

02:00 – 04:00 PM – Check-in & Leisure at Lodge
Check in at your accommodation, freshen up, and enjoy leisure time by the pool or surroundings.

04:30 – 06:00 PM – Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Embark on a spectacular sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. Capture the vibrant hues of the African sunset while gliding through one of Rwanda’s most beautiful wetlands.

Evening – Dinner & Overnight Stay
Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Akagera Mantis Game Lodge.

Highlights:

• Opportunity to see Akagera’s Big Five: Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, and Rhinos

• Explore Rwanda’s largest protected wetland and savannah landscapes

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Adventure & Full-Day Safari

05:15 AM – Hot Air Balloon Experience
Begin your day with an early morning pick-up from the lodge to the balloon takeoff site. Enjoy coffee and snacks as the balloon is prepared. Soar over Akagera’s vast savannahs and wetlands for 45–60 minutes during sunrise, witnessing breathtaking aerial views of wildlife.

Post-Landing – Champagne Celebration & Flight Certificate
Conclude the balloon adventure with a traditional champagne toast and receive a flight certificate to commemorate your experience.

Morning – Full-Day Game Drive
After the balloon ride, embark on a full-day game drive, heading north through the park. Stop for a picnic lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area, spotting zebras, giraffes, elephants, and predators in their natural habitat.

02:00 – 04:00 PM – Lodge Check-in & Rest
Check in at Karenge Bush Camp, relax, and prepare for an evening adventure.

05:30 – 08:00 PM – Night Game Drive in Kilala Plains
Experience the thrill of a night safari, tracking nocturnal animals and observing predators in action under the stars.

Evening – Dinner & Overnight Stay
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Karenge Bush Camp.

Highlights:

• Hot air balloon over Akagera National Park

• Full-day wildlife safari with picnic lunch

• Night safari spotting nocturnal animals and big cats

Day 3: Early Morning Safari & Return to Kigali

05:00 AM – Early Morning Game Drive
Before breakfast, enjoy an early morning safari in Kilala Plains and Nyamatete, maximizing sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.

09:00 – 09:30 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge

10:00 AM – Check-out & Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, check out and depart north of the park for the drive back to Kigali (approx. 3–3.5 hours).

Arrival in Kigali
Your driver will drop you at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, concluding your unforgettable Akagera National Park safari.

Highlights:

• Early morning wildlife sightings for optimal photography

• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills

• Optional transfer to Kigali International Airport or city hotel