Rwanda

2-Day Akagera Big Five Wildlife Safari

From

$1,780 PP

Duration

2 Days

Pickup

Kigali

Best Time

1 january to 28 February

This two-day journey into Rwanda’s Akagera National Park offers a complete Big Five safari experience just hours from Kigali. Track lions, elephants, rhinos, and more across the savannah, swamps, and rolling hills of this biodiverse haven. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on day one, followed by a relaxing overnight at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge. On day two, take to the water with a guided boat ride on Lake Ihema, then continue with a final game drive through the park’s northern section. This is a perfect wilderness escape for those looking to make the most of a short stay — without missing the highlights.

Highlights

  • Track Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—on guided game drives through Akagera’s savannahs and wetlands.

  • Cruise Lake Ihema on a boat safari with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill stork.

  • Relax with a full-board overnight stay at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, blending comfort with views of the park’s wilderness.

07:30 – Pickup from your Kigali hotel or residence and depart for Akagera B.

10:30 – Arrive at the park headquarters for registration and a short briefing. Begin a guided game drive, exploring southern regions of the park and searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, and dozens of bird species.

13:00 – Break for lunch at Lake Mihindi Restaurant inside the park.

14:30–17:30 – Continue the afternoon game drive with chances to spot predators and rhinos.

Evening – Check in at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, enjoy dinner and a relaxed overnight.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Room Type: Standard Room (Twin or Double)

Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast (Full Board)

07:00 – After breakfast, transfer to Lake Ihema for a 1-hour guided boat safari. Expect hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers, herons, and the rare shoebill stork.

10:30 – Resume your final game drive as you head north through the park, covering diverse ecosystems.

13:00 – Lunch break at Lake Mihindi Restaurant.

15:00–16:30 – Leisurely game viewing as you make your way to the northern gate for park exit. Return to Kigali; drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
THE END

Tour Pricing (Per Person in USD)/ 2025

Group Size

1 Person

2 People

3 People

4 People

5 People

6 People

International / African Guests

$1780

$1260

$1170

$1075

$960

$915

Foreign Residents

$1705

$1210

$1120

$1025

$910

$865

EA & Rwandan Citizens

$1675

$1180

$1100

$1005

$890

$845

What's Included

  • Round-trip hotel transfers in Kigali
  • One night at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (half Board)
  • Full board meals (from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 2)
  • Park entry fees & permits
  • Guided boat ride on Lake Ihema
  • Private custom safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Emergency medical evacuation coverage
  • 24/7 assistance throughout the trip

What's Excluded

  • Drinks at the lodge unless mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses (e.g., phone calls, mini-bar, travel insurance
  • Visa to Rwanda
  • All extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel Information – Kenya & Rwanda

Passenger Information:-

– In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of similar category.

– At the moment, gorilla permit rates have not increased. Should they do so in 2026, the cost will be passed on to the guest after informing the agent with a formal communication from Rwanda Development Board.

– Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space

– All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them throughout their travel.

Tipping:

Tipping is not compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. These are our suggestions: We recommend that you tip your guide direct at the end of your stay in camp; as a rough guideline you might

want to tip from US$5-10 per person/ day.

Photography:

  • A good camera with zoom function. 300 mm lenses are adequate for wildlife photography.
  • We recommend you bring plenty of memory cards/film and batteries.
  • A dustproof bag ensures your camera is safe from the dust whilst on safari.
  • A pair of binoculars will enhance your game viewing experience and although your guide will have pairs available to use, you may wish to bring your own.
  • Please don’t forget to ask permission before taking a photograph of any Rwandan resident. There could be a charge for this.
  • A small flashlight – although flashlights are available at each property.

Safety:

Most areas are as safe as any other destination in the world, however, basic common-sense precautions should be used:

  • Ask the concierge at your hotel which areas are safe to walk around in and when
  • Travel in groups or pairs and always choose well-lit areas
  • Carry only as much cash as necessary
  • Don’t leave your property unattended
  • Don’t draw attention to yourself by flaunting valuables around openly or counting your cash at the ATM
  • Carry a copy of your passport/ ID in a separate section of your luggage
  • Clothing:
  • Subdued safari colors such as khaki, green, beige and neutral colors (dark blue and black clothing is not practical during game drives/treks but can be worn at the lodges)
  • Shirts with long sleeves
  • (Safari) trousers
  • A fleece or thick sweater is recommended for early mornings
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes sturdy shoes for hiking, (running/tennis shoes are fine).
  • Jackets or ties are not required nor any special dress code when dining in lodges & restaurants.
  • Swimwear is fine on the beach or around the pool, but not appropriate in town. Topless sunbathing is prohibited.

What to Bring on Safari:

  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries, personal medication
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with extra memory card and batteries)
  • Binoculars
  • Lip balm
  • Hand wipes
  • Wildlife checklist (or just paper) & a pen

Please use the form below for bookings or questions

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