Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Tents among the trees on the Lake Ihema shore, run by the park's management.
Ask about this lodge# LTM-RW-AK3|3 days, 2 nights
3-Day Akagera Big Five Luxury Safari
Starts & endsKigaliRouteKigali › AkageraA private trip: it starts on any day you choose, and every quote is all-inclusive.
A private safari, 3 days, 2 nights
This private safari takes you from Kigali to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only Big Five park. You spend two nights by the lakes, with a full day of game drives on the northern plains, a boat trip on Lake Ihema and a night drive with a park guide.
It works on its own as a short break, or before or after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Highlights
- Game drives on Akagera's northern plains
- A boat trip on Lake Ihema
- A night drive with a park guide
- Lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and, with luck, rhino
- Two nights at a lakeside lodge
Day by day
- Kigali
- Akagera
- Kigali
Day 1Kigali › Akagera
Kigali to Akagera
Pick-up in Kigali and the drive east to Akagera. After lunch, a boat trip on Lake Ihema among hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
Day 2Akagera National Park
The northern plains
A full day of game drives in the north of the park, where lions, rhinos and plains game are most often seen. After dinner, a night drive with a park guide.
Day 3Akagera › Kigali
Back to Kigali
A morning game drive on the way out of the park, then the drive back to Kigali.
Lodges are confirmed in writing when you book, and timings are adjusted to your dates and pace.
Where you stay
Two nights at one of these lodges, or one of the same standard.
Magashi Camp
A tented camp on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga in the quiet north of Akagera.
Ask about this lodgeThe Mavens difference
Private vehicle and guide
A 4x4 with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide, for you alone.
Luxury lodges
Every night at a lodge chosen for its position and its standards.
Fees and permits included
Park entry, permits and the activities in the itinerary are in the price.
Flexible by design
Lengthen, upgrade or combine the trip before you pay.
Included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- 2 nights at a lakeside lodge, full board
- Park entry fees
- Boat trip on Lake Ihema
- Night drive with a park guide
- Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Rwanda visa
- Drinks other than water, tea and coffee
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Fitness
Easy. Game drives, a boat trip and a night drive.
Best time
June to September, when animals gather near the lakes.
Health
Akagera is low and warm, so take malaria precautions.
Make it longer
Add gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Dates & availability
This is a private trip, so it starts on any day you choose. Choose a month to carry it into the quote request.
What every quote includes
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- 2 nights at a lakeside lodge, full board
- Park entry fees
- Boat trip on Lake Ihema
- Night drive with a park guide
- Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
Quotes depend on your dates, the size of your group and the lodges you choose. Green-season months are often better value, and Christmas and New Year can carry lodge supplements.
Reviews from this trip
Verified reviews appear here once guests are home.
Questions travellers ask
Will we see rhinos?
Rhinos live in Akagera but are shy and sightings take luck. Lions, elephant, buffalo and giraffe are seen far more often.
Can we add gorillas?
Yes. Akagera and Volcanoes combine easily via Kigali; see our 7-Day Rwanda Primates & Big Five.
Is Akagera good for a first safari?
Yes. It has classic savannah game and is easy to reach from Kigali.
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Something made for you
Any trip can be lengthened, upgraded or combined across both countries. Send your dates and the number of travellers, and you'll get a costed plan within a day.