2-Day Akagera Safari from Kigali: Night Game Drive

A night game drive reveals nocturnal predators and wildlife most safaris never reach.

A 2-day safari from Kigali to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah park, with a night game drive, boat safari on Lake Ihema, and one night's accommodation at a lodge or camp. Day one includes the drive from Kigali, an optional stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and a night game drive after dark. Day two offers a choice between a southern route with a morning boat safari or a northern route with a pre-breakfast game drive, both ending with a return to Kigali by afternoon.

Options for this experience

4 options

From US$ 800 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Muyumbu Campsite, Southern Akagera 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 10:30 Guide in English or French Up to 15 per booking Stay at Muyumbu Campsite, perched high on a scenic ridge overlooking Lake Ihema with breathtaking views toward Tanzania. Includes an evening night game drive starting at 5:30 PM, a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema at 9:00 AM, and a full-day game drive. Budget option (excludes entry fees). Duration: 2 days. Meals are included. Route: Kigali – Kayonza – Akagera NP in a 4x4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

Karenge Bush in Northern Akagera 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00 Guide in English or French Up to 15 per booking Stay at Karenge Bush Camp, deep in the wilderness. Includes a night game drive in Kilala Plains, a morning savannah drive, and a 3:00 PM boat safari in southern Akagera NP. All-inclusive and world-class: park entry fee and accommodation are included. Duration: 2 days. Meals are included. Route: Kigali – Kayonza – Akagera NP in a 4x4 pop-up roof safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

Near-the-Park Lodge Escape 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00 Guide in English or French Up to 15 per booking Overnight stay at a comfortable lodge near Akagera National Park, offering a relaxing overnight experience outside the park while keeping… Includes an evening night game drive starting at 5:30 PM, a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema at 9:00 AM, and a full-day game drive. All-inclusive and world-class: park entry fee and accommodation are included. Duration: 2 days. Meals are included. Route: Kigali – Kayonza – Akagera NP in a 4WD pop-up roof safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

Game Lodge in Southern Akagera 6 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 20:30 Guide in English or French Up to 2 per booking Stay at Akagera Game Lodge, which overlooks Lake Ihema. Includes an evening night game drive starting at 5:30 PM, a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema at 9:00 AM, and a full-day game drive. All-inclusive and world-class: park entry fee and accommodation are included. Duration: 2 days. Meals are included. Route: Kigali – Kayonza – Akagera NP in a 4WD pop-up roof safari vehicle. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to Akagera with Night Drive

• Pick-up from Kigali hotel or airport
• Optional visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Drive to Akagera National Park
• Lunch and rest at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center
• Park formalities and lodge check-in
• Night game drive in Akagera
• Dinner and overnight at lodge or camp

Day 2: Boat Safari, Game Drive, Return

• Early breakfast with sunrise views
• Boat safari on Lake Ihema (southern option)
• Full-day game drive north (southern option)
• Lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area
• Return to Kigali

What’s included

Park entrance fees, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, night game drive experience, boat safari on Lake Ihema, Wi-Fi and charging ports in the vehicle, pickup and drop-off anywhere in Kigali or at the airport, one night's accommodation at a lodge or camp, private 4x4 safari vehicle, and professional driver-guide.

Times

• Every day 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 20:30

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Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English and French

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Cancellation and refunds No refund if you cancel.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Afri Safaris

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Two days and one night gives you time to reach Akagera's interior and stay long enough for a night game drive: the experience that sets this safari apart. The park sits about 2.5 to 3 hours from Kigali by private 4x4 vehicle. You leave in the morning from your hotel or the airport, with an optional stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial if you want a historical context before entering the park. A lunch break at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center lets you stretch and see local crafts before you arrive at the lodge or camp in the afternoon. After check-in and rest, you head out at 5:30 PM for the night game drive. The rare moment when lions hunt, leopards move through the dark, and nocturnal birds like nightjars and owls become visible under the guide's spotlight.

Day two splits into two routes, both starting with early breakfast and ending back in Kigali by mid-afternoon. The southern option puts you on Lake Ihema by 9:00 AM to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds from a boat, then a full-day game drive toward the north with lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area. The northern option reverses the order: a pre-breakfast game drive in the north, breakfast at camp, a scenic drive south with game viewing, lunch at Mihindi, and then the boat safari on Lake Ihema in the afternoon before the drive back. Both routes cover the same park and the same wildlife. You choose based on whether you prefer the boat first or the game drive first.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, along with bottled water and soft drinks. The vehicle has Wi-Fi and charging ports. Your guide speaks English or French and drives the entire safari. The park entrance fee is included when you book, and accommodation is at either Akagera Game Lodge or Karenge Bush Camp depending on which option you select.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What animals might I see on the night game drive in Akagera?

The night game drive reveals nocturnal predators and species you won't encounter during the day. Lions on the hunt, leopards, hyenas, and bush babies are active after dark, and you'll also spot night birds such as nightjars and owls using the guide's powerful spotlights.

How long is the drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park?

The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in the private 4x4 vehicle. You'll stop for lunch and local crafts at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center before arriving at the lodge or camp in the afternoon.

Can I choose which route to take on day two?

Yes, you choose between a southern option starting with a boat safari on Lake Ihema at 9:00 AM, or a northern option beginning with a pre-breakfast game drive. Both routes include the boat safari, a full-day game drive, lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area, and return to Kigali by 3:00–5:00 PM.

Is the Kigali Genocide Memorial included in the itinerary?

The memorial is an optional stop on the morning of day one before you leave Kigali for Akagera. You can choose to visit it for a meaningful historical experience or proceed directly to the park.

What is included in the meals during the safari?

All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Bottled water and soft drinks are complimentary throughout the safari. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at Akagera Game Lodge or Karenge Bush Camp depending on your booking option.