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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Kigali to Akagera: Gateway to the East & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Your African Majestic Adventures guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the airport at sunrise. After a briefing, we begin the comfortable 2.5-hour drive eastward. The road takes us through the lush agricultural heartland of Rwanda, where you can see the famous terraced hills. We arrive at the southern gate of Akagera National Park by mid-morning. After completing park formalities, we enter the park and begin our first wildlife sightings as we head to the lodge for check-in and lunch. Morning: Early pickup from your Kigali hotel at 6:00 AM. Drive east through Rwanda's iconic terraced hills and agricultural heartland. Arrive at Akagera's southern gate by mid-morning. Begin your first game drive as you travel through the park to your lodge, spotting zebras, impalas, and giraffes along the way. Check in to Akagera Game Lodge overlooking Lake Ihema. Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at the lodge with panoramic views of the lake. At 3:30 PM, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Ihema - one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa. Observe enormous hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, elephants coming down to drink, and spectacular birdlife including African fish eagles, Goliath herons, malachite kingfishers, and the rare shoebill stork. Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the lake. Freshen up and enjoy sundowner drinks on the terrace. A gourmet dinner is served with views of the illuminated water. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow's full-day Big Five game drive. Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Tracking the Big Five: Full Day Comprehensive Game Drive
Today is dedicated to exploring the far reaches of Akagera. After an early breakfast, we head north toward the Kilala plains. This is the prime area for seeing lions and leopards moving in the cool of the morning. The northern sector is characterized by open grasslands where massive herds of buffalo, zebra, and topi congregate. Your guide will use their expert tracking skills to locate the recently reintroduced black and white rhinos, completing your Big Five checklist. Morning: Early wake-up call at 5:30 AM with tea and coffee. Depart at 6:00 AM for a full-day game drive heading north toward the Kilala plains in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof. The early morning hours offer prime predator viewing - search for lions on the move and leopards in acacia trees. The northern sector's open grasslands host massive herds of buffalo, zebra, topi, and eland. Photography tip: golden light between 6:30-8:30 AM provides perfect conditions for wildlife photography. Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Akagera River and the Tanzanian hills beyond. Continue the game drive through acacia woodlands where Maasai giraffes browse and elephants move toward the lakes. Search for the critically endangered black rhino in the southern thickets and white rhino on the open plains. Your guide will share expert knowledge about the park's ecology and the remarkable reintroduction programme. Evening: Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Option for a night game drive (extra cost) to spot nocturnal animals like hyenas, genets, and nightjars. Alternatively, enjoy a refreshing shower and sundowner drinks overlooking the lake. A celebratory dinner is served. Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Savannah Morning & Return to Kigali
On our final morning, we embark on a sunrise game drive. The early morning light is the most beautiful for photography and is when the park's predators are most active before the heat of the day sets in. We might catch a pride of lions on a fresh kill or a leopard disappearing into the woodland thicket. After a late breakfast at the lodge, we begin our exit from the park, enjoying a final game drive as we head to the gates. Morning: Early morning game drive at 6:00 AM - your final chance to explore Akagera's wilderness. The early hours are prime time for predator sightings as lions, leopards, and hyenas are often still active after the night. Watch the sunrise over Lake Ihema as wildlife emerges for the day. Photography tip: the soft morning light creates stunning reflections on the lake with giraffes and acacia trees silhouetted against the dawn sky. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a late breakfast. Check out and enjoy a final game drive as you exit the park toward the southern gate. Drive back to Kigali with a lunch stop in Rwamagana town. Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide can take you to the Caplaki craft market for souvenir shopping or to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. End of tour with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Evening: Arrive in Kigali with the rest of the evening free. We recommend booking onward flights departing after 6:00 PM from Kigali to allow ample time for the drive and any optional visits.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- All national park entrance fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
- Game drives per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
Wildlife viewing is good year-round. The dry season (June-October) concentrates animals around water sources for easier sightings, and the Great Migration's river crossings peak July-October. Calving season in the southern Serengeti runs December-March.
Tented camps and lodges
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at camps/lodges
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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