Akagera is the only Big Five park in the world this close to a capital city — 110 km and about two and a half hours from Kigali. This day trip squeezes remarkable value from a single day: a long morning game drive across the southern plains and lakes, lunch overlooking Lake Ihema, and a scheduled afternoon boat safari among one of East Africa’s densest hippo populations.
Itinerary
- 05:30 — Pick-up from your Kigali hotel and drive east via Rwamagana to the south gate.
- 08:00–13:00 — Game drive through the southern lakes region: elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, topi and — with luck — lion and rhino.
- 13:00 — Picnic lunch near park reception overlooking Lake Ihema.
- 15:00 — Scheduled boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles and water birds.
- 16:30 — Exit the park and drive back to Kigali, arriving around 19:00.
What’s included
- Park entry fee ($100 international rate)
- Scheduled boat safari on Lake Ihema ($35)
- 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and English-speaking driver-guide
- Picnic lunch and drinking water
Not included
- Optional park guide at the gate ($25–40)
- Tips, drinks and personal items
Read more about game drives, boat trips and entrance fees before you go.