3 Days Akagera National Park Tour

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park, it is situated 2 and 2-and-a-half-hour hour drive from the main city of Kigali. The national park is home to many wildlife species of the savannah region, It was initially affected by the effects of the war in 1994 during the genocide, and most of the land area was depleted, however, thanks to the Rwandan government there has been a continued effort to save the conservation area, the reintroduction of Lions in the park makes it an ideal destination to see the so-called big five of the wilderness (Lions, leopards, African elephants, buffaloes, and the Rhinoceros. Our 3 Days Akagera National Park Tour will take you to explore the best of the national park.

Introduction

Start	Accommodation	Type	Destination	Basis	Duration
Day 1	Wilderness Magashi		Akagera National Park	FB	2 Nights
	→ Ruzizi Tented Lodge	alternate

Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser.
• All activities as highlighted in the itinerary as per Magashi Camp arrangement.
• 2 Nights at Accommodation at Magashi Camp includes: – All meals, All local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne), Laundry, Complimentary in-room welcome massage (**additional massages would be for guest’s own account), Wireless internet connection in room only, Local Government taxes. In the event of a change in local taxes
• Game drives.
• Boat Safari.
• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.
•Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
•Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
•Our assistance.

Excluded

International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
All extra activities, visits, entrances, and extra meals/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Entry visa fees,
Optional extras whilst in Kigali
Drinks throughout the trip,
Tips and gratuities,
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

Day 1: Wilderness Magashi, Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country. Stretching across a vast expanse of low-lying mountains and savannah plains, the park takes in the rolling highlands woodlands, swamp-fringed lakes, and wetlands of the Kagera River along the way. Crocodiles and hippos wallow in the park’s watery basins, predators prowl through its acacia groves, and elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and other animals roam across its grassy plains. Bursting with a rich biodiversity, the park features a variety of rare species, as well as a plentitude of mammals and hundreds of bird species.

Day Itinerary

0700: Pick up from Kigali City.
0730: Transfer to Akagera National Park.
1000: Pick up from the North Gate and transfer to Magashi Camp.
1230: Lunch at the lodge.
1400: Embark on the Lodge’s activities by Magashi- Game drive in Kilala Plains.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Expert Tips

Guests heading to Ruzizi Lodge will use the south gate.

Overnight: Wilderness Magashi

Wilderness Magashi is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp and grassy low mountains – and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, as well as the rare sitatunga and boasting an impressive 520 species of birds. Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion which were introduced by African Parks in 2015 after a 20-year absence; black rhino were reintroduced in 2017, and white rhino in 2021. Wilderness Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard.

INSIDER’S TIP: Our core Purpose in Akagera is to help conserve Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem, and species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill; furthermore, our presence here will contribute towards enabling it to become economically self-sufficient for the first time.

Alternate: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge located on Lake Ihema. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. With a 20-guest maximum, the lodge is an intimate retreat. Each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area, and a cosy queen bed. Guests will also have access to a thatched reception and dining area and wooden walkways leading to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake. It contains a central fire pit and is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or post-dinner digestif. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.

Activities

Akagera National Park Game Drive

Lead by a guide, Akagera National Park Game Drive occurs early in the mornings and late in the afternoons. While driving along the park tracks in a 4WD Safari vehicle, passengers will have the chance to spot animals such as hyenas, elephants, various buffalo and lions.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2: Wilderness Magashi, Akagera National Park

Day Itinerary

0630: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0700: Morning game drive in Akagera National Park and other days activities by the lodge.
1400: Boat safari in Akagera on Lake Rwanyakizinga.
1800: Dinner and overnight stay at Magashi Camp.

Activities

Magashi Game Drives

Magashi Boating

Magashi Game Drives

Explore the area in an open 4×4 vehicle with each vehicle able to accommodate a maximum of seven guests, allowing each individual an outside seat.

Magashi Boating

Magashi offers boating in eight-seater swamp cruisers. This is an excellent way to view the water birds and many other aquatic animals seen around Lake Rwanyakizinga.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0900: Morning activities per Magashi Camp arrangement.
1100: Exit the park and return to Kigali.
1330: Lunch in Kigali.
1500: Visit Kigali Genocode Memorial Centre
1630: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departing flight.
1800: End of service.

Activities

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The centre is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realise that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Transport

Transfers

Date	Company	Pick Up	Drop Off	Time	Vehicle
		Kigali City	Wilderness Magashi		Transfer
		Wilderness Magashi	Kigali International Airport [KGL]		Transfer