2-Day Akagera National Park Game Drive, Ihema Boat Trip With a Choice 4×4

Akagera National Park, nestled in the northeastern corner of Rwanda, offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating world of African wildlife. This 2-day adventure combines the thrill of game drives with a serene boat trip on Ihema Lake, providing a comprehensive exploration of the park’s diverse ecosystem. Guided by knowledgeable drivers, visitors can expect to encounter a myriad of animal species, from the majestic elephants to the elusive and critically endangered black rhinos. With personalized itineraries and a choice of comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable safari experience that will leave you eager to discover more about Akagera’s captivating wonders.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best 2 Day Tours In Kigali.

Key Points

• 2-day tour from Kigali to Akagera National Park with game drives and a boat safari on Ihema Lake to spot diverse wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more.

• Comprehensive package includes private transportation, knowledgeable driver-guide, park admission fees, and onboard amenities like reusable water bottles and WiFi.

• Accommodation upgrades available at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge, offering modern facilities and unique safari experiences.

• Personalized adventure led by a private guide, allowing for flexibility in the itinerary and in-depth learning about the park’s ecosystem.

• Overall tour received a 4.5-star rating from previous guests, who praised the knowledgeable guide, diverse wildlife encounters, and the Ihema Lake boat ride.

Tour Overview

The 2-day tour from Kigali to Akagera National Park includes exhilarating game drives and a boat safari on Ihema Lake.

Spotting an array of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and the elusive black rhino, is the highlight.

With a private guide, the experience is tailored to personal interests for a truly immersive adventure.

Guests can opt to upgrade and enjoy comfortable accommodation at either Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge, subject to availability.

The tour includes private transportation, the boat ride, a knowledgeable driver-guide, drinking water, and park admission – leaving travelers to simply sit back, relax, and soak in the natural wonders of this remarkable park.

Inclusions

This 2-day tour from Kigali to Akagera National Park comes packed with an array of inclusions to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Travelers will enjoy private transportation, a captivating boat ride on Ihema Lake, and the expertise of a knowledgeable driver-guide from Countryside Tours-Rwanda. Reusable water bottles and on-board WiFi are also provided. The experience is rounded out with park admission fees and the option to upgrade with accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge. However, alcoholic beverages and meals are not included in the package.

Inclusions	Details
Private Transportation	To and from Kigali City
Boat Ride on Ihema Lake	Opportunity to spot wildlife
Driver-Guide	From Countryside Tours-Rwanda
Drinking Water	Reusable bottles provided
WiFi on Board	Stay connected
Park Admission	For Akagera National Park
Accommodation	Optional upgrade available

Meeting and Pickup

Participants can select a pickup point in Kigali City for the start of this 2-day Akagera National Park tour.

They’ll need to provide the hotel name or street number to the tour operator. This allows the driver-guide from Countryside Tours-Rwanda to pick up travelers directly from their location in the city.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, giving participants flexibility with their plans.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Additional Information

Confirmation for this tour is received at the time of booking.

This 2-day excursion from Kigali to Akagera National Park isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the trip. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.

Guests will enjoy a private guide throughout the experience, providing a personalized adventure. The tour includes a boat ride on Ihema Lake, where visitors can spot hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

With pickup and drop-off in Kigali, this comprehensive package offers an unforgettable exploration of Akagera’s diverse ecosystem.

Reviews and Ratings

The Akagera National Park tour has garnered 8 reviews, resulting in an impressive overall rating of 4.5 stars.

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Anaclet, who’s been described as accommodating and informative. Guests enjoyed the personalized experience and were thrilled by the wildlife spotting, which included hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and even black rhinos.

The boat ride on Ihema Lake was also a highlight, providing a unique perspective to observe the abundant wildlife.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

One of the key highlights of the Akagera National Park tour is the opportunity to spot an impressive array of wildlife.

Guests can expect to see:

• Majestic hippos and crocodiles basking in the waters of Ihema Lake
• Towering elephants and graceful giraffes roaming the savanna
• Striped zebras and nimble gazelles darting across the landscape
• The elusive but powerful lions, prowling for their next meal
• The critically endangered black rhinos, a true wildlife treasure

These sightings provide a thrilling and immersive safari experience, allowing visitors to witness the natural wonders of Rwanda’s premier national park up close.

Accommodation Options

As part of the Akagera National Park tour, visitors have the option to upgrade their experience by booking accommodation at one of the park’s lodges. The available options include the Akagera Game Lodge and the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, both of which offer comfortable accommodations and amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Amenity	Akagera Game Lodge	Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Lodging Type	Modern, en-suite rooms	Luxury tented suites
Dining	On-site restaurant	Dining under the stars
Facilities	Swimming pool, lounge	Private verandas
Location	Close to park entrance	Secluded riverside setting
Price	Higher	Lower

The choice of accommodation depends on individual preferences and budget, allowing visitors to tailor their Akagera National Park experience to their liking.

Personalized Experience

Typically, the Akagera National Park tour offers a personalized experience, with a private guide leading the way. This allows for a more tailored journey, catering to the unique interests and needs of each group.

Some key benefits of the personalized approach include:

• Flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on wildlife sightings and guest preferences
• Insider knowledge from the guide on the best spots for spotting animals
• Opportunities for more in-depth conversations and learning about the park’s ecosystem
• Ability to make spontaneous stops or linger in areas of interest
• A more intimate and immersive safari experience overall.

The private guide ensures guests get the most out of their time in Akagera National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Camera Equipment Is Recommended for the Safari?

For this safari, it’s recommended to bring a DSLR camera with a zoom lens of at least 200mm. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing landscapes. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards.

Is the Boat Ride Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?

The boat ride on Ihema Lake may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness. The calm waters generally make for a smooth ride, but the boat’s movement could still trigger discomfort in some individuals. Bringing anti-nausea medication or avoiding the boat tour is advisable.

Can We Change the Pickup Location During the Tour?

According to the tour overview, guests can select a pickup point in Kigali City and provide the hotel name or street number. The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, which may allow changing the pickup location.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not have any specific age restrictions. However, infants must sit on laps during the transportation. The tour is recommended for most travelers, but not for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit the participants’ interests. The private guide is flexible and can adapt the itinerary to focus on the wildlife, activities, or experiences that are most appealing to the group.

Recap

Set out on a captivating 2-day adventure in Akagera National Park, where you’ll witness diverse wildlife, from majestic elephants to elusive black rhinos. Enjoy a thrilling game drive and a scenic boat trip on Ihema Lake, all while guided by a knowledgeable private driver who’ll tailor the itinerary to enhance your wildlife spotting opportunities. Choose from comfortable accommodation options for an immersive safari experience you’ll never forget.