Akagera Safari: 2-Day Wildlife Tour with Lake Ihema Boat & Game Drives

Summary

Akagera wildlife safari with lake cruise and overnight stay

You’ll feel the wild heart of Akagera right away—from hippos splashing during your Lake Ihema boat ride to lions resting under acacias on your full-day game drive. With all meals and an overnight stay included, plus stories from your local guide along the way, this two-day safari lets you live inside Rwanda’s landscapes for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the van just as the red dust settled around our shoes—Kigali already felt far behind. Our guide, Jean-Paul, grinned and handed us bottles of cold water before we even asked. The drive to Akagera was quiet at first, but then the landscape changed—suddenly there were papyrus swamps and sun-bleached grasslands. I caught a whiff of eucalyptus somewhere along the road. You know that feeling when you realize you’re really out there? That was it.

The boat cruise on Lake Ihema was honestly not what I expected. Hippos snorted nearby (louder than you’d think), and there were these crazy bright kingfishers darting low over the water. Jean-Paul pointed out a crocodile half-submerged—he called it “the old man” in Kinyarwanda, which made Li laugh. The evening game drive after that felt like we were eavesdropping on another world: giraffes moving slow-motion through golden light, buffalo clustered near muddy pools. Dinner back at the lodge tasted smoky—maybe from the grill or maybe just my hands after touching everything all day.

Next morning was early—like, before-coffee early—but worth it for that first glimpse of elephants moving in the mist. There was this silence broken only by birds calling (and someone’s camera beeping). We saw lions lounging under acacia trees and antelopes that looked almost painted against the hills. I tried to count how many animals we spotted but gave up halfway through—too many, really. Lunch was simple but good; I remember fresh pineapple and something spicy I never quite figured out.

The drive back to Kigali felt slower somehow. Jean-Paul told stories about growing up near Akagera—how he used to sneak into the park as a kid just to watch giraffes. I still think about that view over Lake Ihema at sunset, honestly. It’s one of those places that settles into your memory quietly, without asking permission.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer and boat cruise with game drive

• Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Evening game drive in the park
• Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge

Day 2 — Full day game drive and return

• Breakfast and safari briefing
• Full day game drive in Akagera National Park
• Drive back to Kigali

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Kigali to Akagera?

The drive from Kigali to Akagera usually takes about 2–3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Is lunch included during the Akagera safari?

Yes, lunch is included both days during the 2-day Akagera wildlife safari.

Will we see lions or rhinos on this tour?

You may see lions and rhinos during the game drives in Akagera, though sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Are boat rides on Lake Ihema part of this tour?

Yes, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema is included on the first day of your safari.

Is accommodation provided during the safari?

Yes, one night’s accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge is included.

Is hotel pickup available in Kigali?

Your tour includes transportation from Kigali to Akagera and back; pickup details are arranged after booking.

Do I need a Covid-19 test for this safari?

No Covid-19 test is required for this tour at present (not recommended).

What’s included

Your two-day adventure includes transportation from Kigali, all entrance fees to Akagera Park, mineral water throughout, breakfast, lunch and dinner both days, plus guiding by a local expert and an overnight stay at either Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge with lake views and Wi-Fi for winding down after sunset.