Primate Tours
About This Tour
The 2-day Akagera National Park safari gives you the full Akagera experience by staying overnight near the park and doing both dawn and dusk game drives — the two most productive wildlife viewing periods.
Lions, leopards and other predators are most active at dawn and dusk. Staying overnight means you can be at the park gate the moment it opens (6 AM) for the magical golden hour game drive, and stay until sunset when Akagera's lakes turn spectacular shades of orange and pink.
Day 1 includes an afternoon game drive and sunset boat safari. Day 2 starts with the early morning game drive covering the northern savannah and rhino territory, before a final morning circuit and departure to Kigali. Two days in Akagera typically produces an excellent wildlife hit rate including lion, elephant, rhino and hippo.
Tour Highlights
Two full game drives — dawn and dusk for maximum wildlife sightings
Sunrise game drive — lions most active at dawn
Sunset boat safari on Lake Shakani (hippos and crocodiles)
Overnight accommodation near Akagera NP
Best chance to spot all Big Five including rhino and lion
Private 4×4 with pop-up roof throughout
Professional RDB-certified guide (both days)
Spectacular sunset photography over Akagera's lakes
What's Included
Included
Akagera NP entrance fee (both days)
Two full game drives (afternoon Day 1 + morning Day 2)
Sunset boat safari on Lake Shakani
1 night accommodation (lodge near park)
Breakfast at lodge
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser
RDB-certified professional guide (both days)
Kigali hotel pick-up and drop-off
Bottled water
Not Included
Meals except breakfast (lunch and dinner own expense)
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Personal spending
International flights
Tour Itinerary
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1Day 1 — 7:00 AMKigali to Akagera — Afternoon Game DrivePick-up from Kigali and drive east to Akagera (2.5 hours). Arrive midday, check in at your lodge. After lunch, enter the park for an afternoon game drive — 3–4 hours covering the southern lake circuit and papyrus wetlands.
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2Day 1 — 4:30 PMSunset Boat SafariJoin the boat safari on Lake Shakani as the sun sets. Outstanding hippo and crocodile sightings, plus spectacular birdwatching and sunset photography over the lake. Return to lodge for dinner.
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3Day 2 — 5:45 AMDawn Game Drive — Northern SavannahRise before dawn for the highlight: the sunrise game drive. Enter the park at 6 AM and head north into rhino and lion territory. The first 2 hours of daylight are the best for big cat sightings. Giraffes, zebras and large elephant herds in the golden morning light.
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4Day 2 — 10:00 AMFinal Circuit & Park ExitFinal drive through the central and southern sections of the park. Exit mid-morning and drive back to Kigali, arriving approximately 1:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Akagera National Park?
Two days is ideal for Akagera. With a 1-day visit you get a single afternoon game drive; with 2 days you get a sunset boat safari, a dawn game drive (best for lions) and a morning game drive. Your chance of seeing all Big Five roughly doubles with the extra day. We recommend 2 days for serious wildlife photographers.
What accommodation is available near Akagera National Park?
Options range from the luxury Magashi Camp (inside the park, ultra-premium) and Ruzizi Tented Lodge to comfortable mid-range options like Akagera Game Lodge (inside the park) and various lodges in Kayonza. We match accommodation to your budget.
What is the boat safari on Lake Shakani like?
The Lake Shakani boat safari is a 1.5-hour guided motorboat trip on one of Akagera's large lakes. You get close to hippo pods, large Nile crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds at eye-level. The sunset light is spectacular for photography. This is optional but highly recommended.
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