Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
Our 3 day Akagera safari is the easiest way to enjoy classic African savannah in Rwanda. You start in Kigali with a city tour. Then, you head east to Akagera National Park for a full day of game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Finally, you return to Kigali in time for your flight.
Trip overview
Akagera borders Tanzania and is full of wildlife. In addition, it is home to more than 500 bird species. Swamps and lakes follow the Akagera River, which is one of the most remote sources of the Nile, and they shape much of the scenery.
This is archetypal African savannah. Acacia woodland mixes with open grassland, and herds of elephants and buffaloes come down to drink at the lakes. As a result, lucky visitors may also spot a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a lion. You will also see many hippos, zebras, impalas, warthogs and giraffes.
Tour highlights
- Visit genocide memorial sites and local craft and fruit markets in Kigali.
- Look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and lions on game drives.
- Cruise Lake Ihema past crocodiles and hippos.
- Search for special birds such as the shoebill and papyrus gonolek.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, city tour and drive to Akagera
When you land at Kigali International Airport (Kanombe), your guide welcomes you and briefs you about the tour. Next, you set off on a city tour. You visit some of the genocide memorial sites, as well as local craft and fruit markets.
Along the way, local guides share facts about Rwanda. They also tell the sad story of the innocent men and women who lost their lives during the genocide. Afterwards, you begin the 3–4 hour drive to Akagera National Park, a park with growing wildlife numbers and many lakes. When you arrive, you check in to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp / Magasha Tented Lodge
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Dereva Hotel
Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise in Akagera National Park
Right after an early breakfast, you head into the park. At this hour, predators set out to hunt, while night hunters return to rest. So, keep your camera ready. Wildlife to look for includes elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions, Masai giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, oribis, Burchell’s zebras, topi, roan antelopes, bushbabies, leopards and bushbuck.
After lunch, you join a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. On the water, you will see crocodiles and hippos along the banks. In addition, the lake attracts huge numbers of birds, with over 525 species recorded in the park, both migrants and savannah birds.
You may also spot special birds such as the shoebill and the papyrus gonolek. Look out, too, for jacanas, ibises, sandpipers and herons. Finally, you return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp / Magasha Tented Lodge
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Dereva Hotel
Day 3: Return to Kigali for your flight
After a restful night, enjoy a good breakfast. Then, you start the 3-hour drive to Kigali International Airport for your flight. On the way, your driver-guide takes a scenic route, so you can enjoy views of the hills and plantations one last time.
Who this Akagera safari suits
This short safari suits first-time visitors to Rwanda, families and anyone who wants big game without long drives. It also works well before or after gorilla trekking. Because the activities are by vehicle and boat, you do not need a high level of fitness. Moreover, birders will love the lakes and swamps.
Best time for a 3 day Akagera safari
Akagera is open all year. However, the drier months of June to September and December to February are usually best for game viewing. At that time, animals gather near the lakes, and the grass is shorter. On the other hand, the wet season brings green scenery, migrant birds and fewer visitors.
Tips for your trip
- Bring binoculars. They help you enjoy distant animals and small birds.
- Pack sun protection. A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must on the savannah.
- Use insect repellent. It keeps you comfortable near the lakes.
- Wear neutral colours. Khaki, green and brown work best on game drives.
- Charge your camera. Also, bring a spare battery for the boat cruise.
For more about the country, visit the official Visit Rwanda website.
Extend or combine your trip
Akagera is easy to combine with Rwanda’s primate parks. For example, add mountain gorillas on our 3 day Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes. Alternatively, track chimps on the 3 day Nyungwe chimp trekking tour. For a full holiday, see our 8 day Rwanda classic safari, or explore more Rwanda national parks.
Every Roots Tours & Travel trip is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a free itinerary for your 3 day Akagera safari.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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