1 Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Tour
1-Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Tour from Kigali offers a chance to explore Rwanda’s largest protected wetland and only savanna national park, which spans 1,075 square kilometers in the eastern part of the country near the Tanzanian border. This safari, ideal for business travelers seeking a wildlife experience, starts and ends in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport. Visitors may encounter Africa’s big five mammals, making it a unique opportunity for a close wildlife experience.
Akagera National Park is among the oldest national parks in Africa. It was founded in 1934 by the Belgian government during the colonial era to preserve the wildlife surrounding the Kagera River. Savanna plains, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers are among the several landscapes that may be found there. Originally known as the “Park of Lycanos,” meaning “home to a significant population of wild dogs,” it was eventually renamed after the Akagera River along its eastern border after the Belgian colonialists exterminated the population. Wildlife conflicts were exacerbated by human encroachment, especially after the 1994 political unrest, as returning locals settled for agricultural and other purposes. This resulted in unrestricted hunting and lion poisoning, which had a major effect on the park’s fauna.
The new Rwandan government aims to revitalize the park as part of national reforms by engaging African Parks for management and conservation, having been a battleground during the political unrest of 1990-1994 (Rwandan Civil War). The genocide against the Tutsi had a devastating impact on the environment, not only in Akagera but countrywide. Infrastructure improvements, including land reclamation and fencing, have facilitated species such as lions and rhinos. The park now hosts a variety of mammals, including elephants and giraffes. Additionally, community tourism initiatives are being promoted to ensure local economic benefits from the park.
An Akagera safari provides stunning scenery perfect for nature and bird lovers, with diverse landscapes like lowlands, water bodies, forests, hills, and open grasslands, especially beautiful after the rainy season. The park is very instrumental in biodiversity restoration and development of the surrounding communities. Therefore, for visitors interested in an extended experience, a 2-day safari package is available.
1 Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Tour-Game drive (big five)
This 1-day Akagera National Park wildlife tour will take you to explore Rwanda’s only savanna park with unique wildlife species, especially the big five, including Lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, among other species. The tour begins with a 2-hour drive from Kigali, where your driver guide will pick you up and drive eastwards through undulating hills and a tapestry of green vegetation to Akagera National Park. Upon reaching there, enjoy a morning game drive where you will see other wildlife species, including antelopes like topis, waterbucks, impalas, Jackson hartebeest, and several zebras. Following a picnic lunch, you will have a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering views of various aquatic mammals and bird species such as the Saddle-billed Stork, African Jacana, Yellow-billed Stock, African Fish Eagle, Herons, and Kingfishers. A longer, 3-day safari option is available for a more in-depth experience. The day concludes with a return drive to your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
End of Tour
Meal plan: Lunch
1 Day Akagera National Park wildlife tour package price includes:
• All private transport in a safari vehicle
• Park entrance fees
• Drinking water
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
The 1 Day Akagera National Park wildlife tour package price excludes:
• Travel Insurance
• Visa
• Travel Ticket
• Personal laundry, phone bills, gifts, souvenirs, etc.
• Tips
• Extra activities
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks