Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Akagera National Park
Pick up at either your Kigali hotel or the international airport to transfer to Akagera National Park in time for a late morning safari drive. The park is now home to the big five, so you can spot lion, leopard, buffalo, elephants and recently reintroduced rhinos here, as well over 500 bird species. It is a true birders’ paradise and expert birding guides are available on request.
After lunch there is a rare and unique opportunity to visit the National Park HQ, to meet the anti-poaching team for a talk on conservation and look behind the scenes at all the work that they do. The day finishes with a sunset boat trip on Lake Ihema, to see throngs of crocodiles and hippos and an island teeming with aquatic birds.
Included meals: Lunch and dinner
Accomodation: Akagera Game Park
Day 2 - Akagera National Park
Today you can spend your time solely on game drives, or this morning you can join a park ranger on a conservation and anti-poaching patrol. On this two-hour, 7km walk along a section of the park boundary fence, the ranger will explain about the ways in which the park works with local communities, some of whom you will visit in nearby villages. You'll also meet cattle herders and farmers along the way and hear from them first-hand how working with the national park improves their livelihoods and reduces wildlife-human conflict. You will also share lunch with the local community.
In the afternoon, a sunset game drive is recommended to look for wildlife seeking a place to shelter for the night and a night drive provides a superb opportunity to see a new cast of nocturnal animals and birds. If you’re lucky, highlights can include leopard and hyena sightings.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Karenge Bush Camp
Day 3 - Akagera National Park and return to Kigali
Leaving early in the morning, enjoy a full day game drive towards the north of Akagera National Park passing several lakes and amazing wildlife spotting opportunities. We stop for a packed lunch in a shady spot inside the park. Continue north, passing the main plains where lions are sometimes found and transfer back to Kigali - either to your hotel or to the airport for your international flight home.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Heaven The Retreat