Akagera National Park Safari and Sunrise Boat Cruise

Two safari experiences in one day: the game drive and the lake at dawn.

A full-day safari and sunrise boat cruise in Akagera National Park from Kigali combines a game drive hunting Africa's Big Five with a guided boat tour on Lake Ihema. You travel from the southern gate to the northern gate by vehicle, stop for a picnic lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area, then take to the water to view aquatic wildlife and water birds. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari and boat cruise in Akagera Park

• Drive from southern to northern gate
• Game drive spotting Big Five animals
• Lunch at Mihindi Picnic Area
• Guided boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Return drive to Kigali
• Drop-off at chosen location

The experience

Akagera National Park's two main activities (the game drive and the lake cruise) usually require separate days or separate bookings. This tour stacks both into one outing, so travelers on a tight schedule see the savannah and the water without sacrificing either. The game drive covers the park from south to north, moving through open grassland and acacia woodland in search of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. The route is timed to catch the light and the animal movement patterns the guides know.

Midway through, you break at Mihindi Picnic Area for a home-made lunch: sandwiches, chips, salad and a soft drink, with the menu sent to you at least a day ahead so you can request changes. The second half of the day shifts to Lake Ihema, Akagera's largest lake, where a guided boat cruise lets you spot aquatic wildlife and water birds from the water itself: a different vantage than the vehicle offers, and a chance to cool off after hours of driving. The full outing runs 14 to 17 hours from pickup to drop-off at your hotel in Kigali.

Private transportation is included throughout, along with all park fees and taxes. Your guide speaks English or French and leads both the drive and the boat. Mineral water is provided during the day. The minimum age is 13.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in Kigali and back.
• all national park fees and taxes.
• a picnic lunch of sandwiches, chips, salad and a soft drink.
• mineral drinking water throughout the day.
• a guide in English or French for both the game drive and the boat cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?At 14 to 17 hours door-to-door, this tour fills most of a day and leaves the rest of your schedule in Kigali for other activities. If you have only one day to see both the savannah and the water, the two-activity format fits. If you prefer to spend a full day on one experience, a single-activity safari or boat tour may suit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What animals might I see on the game drive through Akagera?

The game drive targets Africa's Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros) plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. The route moves from the southern gate to the northern gate, covering open savannah and woodland where these animals are most active.

How does the boat cruise on Lake Ihema work?

Lake Ihema is Akagera's biggest lake, and the guided boat tour lets you view aquatic wildlife and water birds from the water. It happens in the afternoon after the game drive and the picnic break, giving you a different perspective on the park's ecosystems.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

Lunch is a variety of health sandwiches served with chips, salad and a soft drink, eaten at Mihindi Picnic Area. The menu is provided at least one day before departure so you can make requests or changes.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali?

Yes. Private transportation covers pickup from your hotel, the full route through Akagera, and drop-off at your hotel or another point of your choice in Kigali.