Things to Do in Akagera National Park (Activities)

Reasons to Visit Akagera National Park

• Being the only Big Five park in the nation and now home to lions and rhinos, Akagera has an outstanding conservation tale.
• It is an easy destination to tack on before or after seeing the gorillas, and it is a lovely and convenient savannah setting to explore, only two hours’ drive from Kigali.
• The variety of habitats within a single park, such as lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains, and woods, creates breathtaking views.
• More than 482 bird species, including the rare and ancient shoebill and numerous Lake Victoria endemics, have been identified in Akagera, making it a birder’s paradise.
• The tourism industry is expanding. To the south of the park, a day visitor complex featuring a coffee shop and gift shop has been constructed. There are other lodging choices, such as Karenge Bush Camp and the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, which is run by the park. Four campsites, the opulent Magashi Camp, and the Akagera Game Lodge are other choices. Tourist-generated income is reinvested in the park and the neighbourhood.

Things to Do in Akagera National Park

1. Cultural tours outside the Akagera National Park

Visitors to the community on the opposite side of the wall’s power grid will find the friendly inhabitants there both amusing and informative about their way of life. Meeting and mingling with locals, sampling traditional fare, milking cows, singing and dancing, and other fun activities are all possible under the watchful eye of a tour guide. The cultural excursion to the rural area will take roughly three hours.

2. A Boat trip in Akagera National Park

In addition to the wildlife that calls Akagera National Park home, visitors can also enjoy boating on the park’s many lakes, which also serve as important bird-breeding grounds. Ihema Lake is a popular spot for boat tours and home to a wide variety of aquatic wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and fish. Morning and evening boat cruises are available for around 180 US dollars per trip (the exact price may vary slightly by season) and accommodate a maximum of 11 passengers.

3. Camping in Akagera National Park

Camping is a popular pastime in Akagera National Park because of the park’s relatively flat terrain, which makes setting up camp a breeze. Akagera National Park is home to three major camping areas where visitors can pitch a tent for the night: Mutumba, Shakani, and Muyumbu. Tourists can get a view of the various ecosystems and fauna in the Park thanks to these, which can be located throughout the park. Camping tents can be rented at the park’s front desk at any time, and whichever campground you end up choosing will also supply you with firewood to keep you toasty at night.

4. Birding in Akagera

Most of the birds in Akagera National Park are native to the Albertine region, while the park also attracts a variety of migratory species. There are over 450 distinct types of birds in Akagera National Park, and they all have different breeding grounds that you should be aware of.

The double toothed barbet, The great shoebill stock, The arnot turaco, The Meyer’s parrot, The red faced barbet, The long tailed Cisticola, The open bill stork, The African darter, The marsh flycatcher, The African Jacana and many more others.

5. Game drives in the Akagera

Most visitors to Akagera National Park look forward to going on a game drive so that they may observe the park’s abundant wildlife and the breathtaking scenery. The finest way to see the park and experience Africa is on an all-day game drive with a knowledgeable guide. Tourists can also go on night drives, during which they might see bush infants, hyenas, owls, leopards, nightjars, and genets, among other nocturnal wildlife. You will be able to witness a variety of creatures, such as:

Hippos, Crocodiles, Giraffes, Zebras, Bush pigs, Antelopes of different species that is the situngas, klipspringer and the roan antelopes. Warthogs, Impalas, Reedbuck, Vervet monkeys, baboons, Black masked civet and many more others.

6. Hot Air Balloon Rides Akagera

One of the most amazing ways to see and learn about the grandeur of Rwanda’s savannah is to take a hot air balloon ride over Akagera National Park. As you float gently above the broad plains, lakes, and lush hills, you’ll see animals in their natural habitat and feel the peace of nature all around you.

Royal Balloon – Rwanda is the only hot air balloon company in Rwanda. They offer a unique view of this beautiful national park that can’t be found anywhere else in the area.

Every year, more and more people want to take balloon flights over Akagera. This is because the weather is perfect for flying and you can see Africa’s “Big Five” and other famous animals from the sky, which is a view like no other.

Royal Balloon – Rwanda, along with the Rwanda Development Board and Akagera Management Company, offers amazing hot air balloon rides over the beautiful scenery of Akagera National Park. Our boutique-style service makes sure that every client has a very personal and special experience, from the time they are picked up to the time they celebrate after the trip.

Our pilots are well-known around the world and have a lot of expertise. They are dedicated to providing world-class service, safety, and warmth on every flight. We want every trip to be extraordinary, even though we have limited space and pay close attention to every aspect.

Without a doubt, ballooning over Akagera is a “must do” in Rwanda. We will treat you like royalty on a sumptuous, exclusive, and personalised hot air balloon ride over one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks.

Akagera Safari Packages

Akagera safari packages offer diverse options, from quick 1-day trips to multi-day adventures, focusing on Rwanda’s Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo), diverse wildlife like zebras/giraffes, and stunning landscapes with boat trips on Lake Ihema, with prices varying greatly by luxury level, duration (1-8 days), and inclusions (meals, transport, park fees) from various tour operators like The Bespoke African Safari Co., Kabira Safaris Africa, and Kabira Gorilla Safaris.

Akagera National Park Safari Packages

1 Day Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali

Only in Akagera National Park can you experience a true Rwanda wildlife safari, as it is the only savannah park in the country. Spend a day exploring the wildlife of Akagera National Park for a typical African safari perspective on Rwanda, the land of “a thousand Hills.” The Savannah and the forests of Akagera National Park provide visitors with a wide range of Rwandan landscapes. You may be lucky enough to see some of the large mammals and breathtaking scenery on your journey.

A one-day trip to Akagera National Park from Kigali offers a fast-paced, action-packed safari to see Rwanda’s diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife, typically involving an early start (around 5 AM) for morning drives, potential boat trips on Lake Ihema, and a return to Kigali in the evening, perfect for short stays or layovers, with tour operators providing vehicles, guides, and sometimes lunch for a seamless experience.

2 Day Akagera Wildlife And Game Drives

Indulge in the finest game drives in Akagera National Park with this two-day wildlife safari. The only Savannah park in Rwanda where we can take our specially designed safari vehicles for game drives is at Akagera National Park. The park is home to several large creatures; some of the most popular ones include the lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and hippos. By involving locals in conservation efforts, the park has achieved significant progress in recent years. The reintroduction of lions has resulted in a daily increase in the Big Five’s population.

A 2-day trip to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah park, offers a condensed, action-packed safari to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo) plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, and rich birdlife, featuring morning/evening game drives, a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and stays at lodges like Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge, perfect for short trips from Kigali.

3 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari

This three-day wildlife safari in Akagera National Park will provide you with the best possible opportunity to view animals in its natural habitat. The park is the only Savannah park in Rwanda and is home to many large species, including the country’s most popular subjects for wildlife photographers: lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and, more recently, rhinos. Two game drives and a boat safari on Lake Ihema are in store for you.

A 3-day Akagera National Park safari offers a classic Rwanda wildlife experience with game drives, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, and chances to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo), plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, and diverse birdlife, usually including transfers from Kigali, full-day game viewing, and departure on day three, perfect for a quick yet immersive African safari adventure.

4 Days Akagera National Park Safari

The BIG 5 may be found at Akagera National Park, making it a must-see on any 4 Day Akagera National Park Rwanda Safari. Game viewing at Akagera is an exciting and memorable adventure where you might see zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, lions, leopards, or even rhinos. Lake Ihema boat safaris are still the best way to see wildlife including crocodiles, monitor lizards, and amazing birds up close. Experience true natural immersion by staying at the eco-friendly Karenge bush camp.

A 4-day Akagera National Park safari offers an amazing blend of Rwanda’s savannah wildlife, featuring game drives for the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, rhino, leopard) and boat trips on Lake Ihema for hippos/crocs, plus cultural visits to local villages, with typical days including transfers from Kigali, extensive game viewing, and optional activities like hot air ballooning, making it perfect for immersive nature and wildlife encounters.

4 Days Akagera Wildlife, Balloon And Community Visit

If you’re considering a trip to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, you should think about going on the 4-day Akagera National Park safari. The safari will start with a ride from the airport in Kigali to Akagera National Park, which is home to the “big five” animals. Then, in the morning, you’ll go on a game drive and in the afternoon, you’ll go on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. After that, you’ll go up in a hot air balloon and take a tour of the Iby’iwachu cultural village, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about Rwandan people and where they came from. Finally, you’ll go back to the airport and fly back home.