3 Days – Big Five Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Experience an Akagera Big Five safari in Rwanda. See lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and buffalo in this scenic park.
Planning an Akagera Big Five safari? This 3 day journey takes you to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda, the only park in the country where you can see the Big Five. Akagera National Park has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with lions and rhinos reintroduced to create a complete savannah ecosystem. An Akagera Big Five safari offers the chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos in a beautiful setting.
The Akagera Big Five destination covers 1,122 square kilometers of savannah, woodland, wetland, and lakes. The park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern border. An Akagera Big Five safari offers excellent game viewing in a less crowded setting than the famous parks of Kenya and Tanzania.
For those interested in combining activities, the Nyungwe canopy walk safari is another excellent option. However, this 3 day safari focuses exclusively on Akagera to give you the best chance of seeing the Big Five.
This 3 day Akagera safari is specifically designed for travelers who want to see the Big Five in Rwanda. The tour starts and ends in Kigali, with a drive to Akagera National Park on the first day. You will spend two full days in the park, with game drives timed to catch the wildlife at its most active. An Akagera Big Five safari includes park entry fees, accommodation, meals, game drives, and professional guiding.
Akagera National Park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern border. The park is characterized by rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and a series of lakes that attract a variety of wildlife. The park is home to over 8,000 large mammals, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. An Akagera Big Five safari also offers excellent bird watching, with over 480 bird species recorded.
An Akagera Big Five safari is a testament to successful conservation. Lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015 after being extinct for 20 years. Black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017, and white rhinos were introduced in 2021. The park is now a model for conservation in Africa.
An Akagera Big Five safari offers the only opportunity to see the Big Five in Rwanda. The park is less crowded than the famous parks of Kenya and Tanzania, offering a more intimate safari experience. The scenery is beautiful, with rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and lakes that attract a variety of wildlife.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine a safari with a visit to Rwanda gorillas. Akagera is easily combined with Volcanoes National Park for a complete Rwanda experience. The park is also a great option for travelers with limited time, as it is only a 2.5 hour drive from Kigali.
The professional wildlife safari driver will help you spot the Big Five and share information about the park ecology. The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring you have the best possible wildlife viewing experience.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and briefed on your safari. You will then drive to Akagera National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. The drive passes through the Rwandan countryside, with rolling hills and small towns along the way.
You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, you will have an afternoon game drive in Akagera National Park. The afternoon is a good time to see animals as they come out to drink at the lakes. You will search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After an early breakfast, you will depart for a full day game drive in Akagera National Park. You will carry a picnic lunch to maximize your time in the park. Your guide will take you to the best areas for Big Five viewing.
The northern sector of the park is best for savannah species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. The lions in Akagera are descended from lions reintroduced from South Africa in 2015. They have adapted well to the park and are now breeding successfully. You have good chances of seeing them, especially in the early morning.
The lakes in the park attract a variety of water birds and are good places to see hippos and crocodiles. Lake Ihema is the largest lake in the park and is home to a healthy population of hippos. The lake shores are also good for spotting elephants and buffalo.
The southern sector of the park is best for rhinos. Both black and white rhinos have been reintroduced to Akagera, and they are protected by armed rangers. The rhinos are often seen in the open grasslands, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
In addition to the Big Five, Akagera is home to over 8,000 large mammals, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks, and elands. The park has over 480 bird species, making it a good destination for bird watchers. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After an early breakfast, you will enjoy a final morning game drive in Akagera National Park. This is your last chance to see any animals you may have missed. You will then drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for lunch.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or shop for souvenirs at the Caplaki Craft Village. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your Akagera Big Five safari. You will leave with incredible memories of Rwanda savannah wildlife.
The best time for an Akagera Big Five safari is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the vegetation is less dense, making wildlife spotting easier. The animals also concentrate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to find.
The wet seasons from March to May and October to November bring lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. However, the roads can be muddy, and some animals may be harder to spot. This is a good time for bird watching, as many migratory species are present.
The park is accessible year round, but the dry season offers the most comfortable conditions for game drives.
Yes, Akagera National Park is the only park in Rwanda where you can see the Big Five. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhinos in 2017, and white rhinos in 2021. Elephants, buffalo, and leopards are also present. An Akagera Big Five safari offers excellent chances of seeing all five.
The success rate for seeing lions in Akagera is about 70 to 80 percent. The lions are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Your guide will use radio communication to locate the prides.
The success rate for seeing rhinos in Akagera is about 60 to 70 percent. The rhinos are protected by armed rangers and are often seen in the southern sector of the park. The white rhinos are more commonly seen than the black rhinos.
Yes, Akagera National Park is very safe. The park is well managed by African Parks, and armed rangers protect the wildlife and visitors. Follow your guide instructions and stay inside the vehicle during game drives.
Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Rwanda. Visas can be obtained online before travel or on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The East African Tourist Visa (100 dollars) allows entry to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
An Akagera Big Five safari offers the only opportunity to see the Big Five in Rwanda. The park is less crowded than the famous parks of Kenya and Tanzania, offering a more intimate safari experience. The scenery is beautiful, and the conservation story is inspiring. Book your Akagera Big Five safari today and experience Rwanda savannah wildlife.
