3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari | Best Rwanda Game Drive and Boat Tour
3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari – Rwanda’s Big Game Getaway
The 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari is your ideal short escape into Rwanda’s only savannah park, where open plains, lakes, and wetlands host a surprising variety of big game. This well-paced itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a taste of classic African wildlife within a compact timeframe—complete with game drives, boat safaris, and scenic landscapes.
On this 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari, you’ll explore the park’s northern game-viewing tracks in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes. You’ll also enjoy a peaceful boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds abound. All safaris are led by a professional guide from Nextgen Safaris Africa, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience.
Whether you’re in Rwanda for a longer trip or looking to combine this with a gorilla trek, the 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari offers excellent value and unforgettable wildlife encounters. With private transport, full-board lodging, and expert guiding, this 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari gives you front-row access to Rwanda’s wild side—without the long distances or crowds.
If you’re looking for a quick but rewarding safari, this 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari delivers classic game viewing, dramatic scenery, and relaxing comfort all in one journey.
Safari Highlights – 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park, with optional en route cultural stops. Afternoon game drive in the southern section of the park.
Day 2: Early morning game drive through the northern plains in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
Day 3: Leisurely breakfast with optional birding walk near the lodge. Return drive to Kigali with scenic stops and drop-off at hotel or airport.
Safari Itinerary– 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park – Scenic Transfer and Afternoon Game Drive
Your 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari begins with pickup from your hotel in Kigali or directly from Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing by your Nextgen Safaris Africa driver-guide, you’ll set off for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border.
The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through picturesque countryside and traditional villages. Optional stops along the way include the Imigongo Art Center or local markets for cultural immersion.
Upon arrival at the park, complete registration at the southern gate and enjoy a light lunch or check-in at your lodge depending on timing. In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive, exploring the southern circuit of the park. Expect to spot buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, and a variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles and jacanas.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Your 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari has officially begun.
Accommodation Options – Akagera National Park:
Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge (budget bandas), Vintage Cottage
Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp
Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Camp (exclusive private lodge)
Transfer Distance: Approx. 110–120 km
Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3 hours by road
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
After an early breakfast at the lodge, set out for a morning game drive through the northern plains of Akagera National Park, the richest area for wildlife viewing. This is the best time to spot big game, including elephants, lions, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and antelope species like elands, topis, and oribis.
The drive follows the northern circuit, offering stunning views of rolling hills, open grasslands, and distant lakes. Your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide will help track animals, identify bird species, and explain Akagera’s remarkable ecological recovery story.
Return to the lodge for lunch and rest, then in the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a boat safari. This relaxing 1.5–2-hour ride offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including African fish eagles, papyrus gonoleks, kingfishers, and herons.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure. Day 2 of your 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari is the most action-packed, offering both land and water-based experiences.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Duration:
Morning game drive: 4–5 hours
Afternoon boat safari: 1.5–2 hours
Day 3: Return to Kigali – End of 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, enjoy a short nature walk or birding session near the property (optional), or simply take in your final views of Akagera’s hills and lakes. Depending on your flight schedule or onward plans, you’ll check out and begin the return journey to Kigali.
Your Nextgen Safaris Africa guide will ensure a smooth and scenic transfer back to the city, with opportunities for photo stops or cultural visits along the way—such as local communities or craft centers.
Arrive in Kigali by early afternoon and transfer to your hotel, residence, or directly to Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari. You’ll leave with lasting memories of Rwanda’s only savannah park and its recovering wildlife ecosystem.
Transfer Distance: Approx. 110–120 km
Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (en route)
Ready to Book Your 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari?
Enjoy a complete wildlife experience in Rwanda’s only savannah park. This 3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari includes scenic game drives, a boat safari on Lake Ihema, and relaxing overnights inside the park—all guided by our expert team at Nextgen Safaris Africa.
Perfect for short visits, family holidays, or as an add-on to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
📩 Request a quote
💬 Chat with our Rwanda safari planner on WhatsApp
🛫 Flexible departure dates – custom or group options available
Included/Exclude
Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off (Kigali)
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
2 nights’ accommodation in Akagera National Park (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)
Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Park entry fees for 3 days
Morning and afternoon game drives
Lake Ihema boat safari
Bottled drinking water during activities and transfers
Government taxes and conservation fees
International flights to/from Rwanda
Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., birding walk, community visit)
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages
Accommodation in Kigali before or after the safari (can be arranged on request)
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, snacks)
Tour Plan
Last Minute Deals
All-inclusive Absolutely Perfect 2 Weeks Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
