Rwanda Safari - 1 Day Akagera Big Five Safari from Kigali

4.83

4.8(6 reviews)

13 hours

English, French

Mobile ticket

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Overview

Available languages

English

French

13 hours

Mobile ticket

The perfect Rwanda safari if you have just one day. Just 2.5 hrs from Kigali with a 30-minute comfort stop, Akagera is one of the few parks in Africa where you can see all the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cape buffaloes in a single day. Most visitors see only four because the leopard hunts mostly at night and is rarely spotted during the day.

This full-day safari starts at 05:00 and you are back at your hotel by 19:00, or at the airport by 18:00 just in time for most international flights.

Akagera Safari is Rwanda's busiest safari company — and the only one that focuses exclusively on Akagera. We guide nearly half of all visitors in the park every day. Our guides know where the animals are. Constantly communicating over our proprietary Live Sightings Network, they put you in the right place at the right time — so you come home with a safari story worth telling.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Akagera National Park

Explore Akagera National Park, where you'll spot towering giraffes, bold zebras, and plenty of antelopes roaming the open plains. Drive along the Akagera River—one of the Nile’s most hidden sources—and catch sight of massive hippos lounging in the water. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, baboons, crocodiles, bushbucks, and the ever-graceful impalas. Stretching along Rwanda’s border with Tanzania, this mix of savannah, rolling hills, and wetlands is packed with wildlife. A safari here is an unforgettable way to experience the country’s incredible nature up close.

8 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Park Entrance Fee Excluded

Pickup included

Park Entrance Fee Included

Park Entrance Fees Pickup included

What‘s Included

Akagera national Park Certified guide

Luxury Toyota Lancruiser V8, perfect for both the offroad and long journey to and from the park

Lunch

$100 per person National Park Entry Fees

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.83

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Awestruck in Akagera
jennakT8863XI,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
In December, my husband and I had the incredible opportunity to go on safari with Akagera Safari, and it was truly the highlight of our trip to Rwanda. From the very beginning, we felt like we were in the best hands. Our guide was not only deeply knowledgeable about the park and the wildlife, but also passionate about sharing it with us in a way that felt personal and meaningful. He knew the terrain and the animals so well that each drive became both an adventure and a learning experience. What impressed us most was how he used every moment as an opportunity — whether it was pointing out subtle signs of wildlife, sharing history and culture of the area, or simply getting to know us so the experience felt tailored and special. The wildlife itself was breathtaking. Seeing animals in their natural habitat — from giraffes gracefully moving through the grasslands to elephants quietly making their way across the park — was something we’ll never forget. The pace of the days felt just right, with plenty of time to soak in the views, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of Akagera. What really stood out was how cared for we felt the entire time. It wasn’t just a tour; it felt like we were being welcomed into a story — one that celebrated both Rwanda’s natural treasures and our own experience as visitors. We left with hearts full, cameras full, and a deep appreciation for both the park and the team at Akagera Safari. I can’t recommend them enough — if you’re planning a trip to Rwanda, this is an experience you should not miss.
Amazing Safari
Sheila P,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful amazing experience! We saw 4 out of the big five, our driver was great and helpful and very knowledgeable about the animals and the park. The whole itinerary was great! Lunch was good and fresh and the view was very nice! We were picked up on time from our hotel.. the ride is bumpy due to the dirt roads so keep that in mind... but overallI we would definitely recommend!
My First Safari!
jackienZ4526FC,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The only reason I’m not giving a 5/5 is because we didn’t see some animals that I was excited about such as lions and leopards. But this was not the fault of the guide as he had no control over the animals’ movements. Now to what I loved: the real close views, the included-in-price lunch, prompt pick up and dropoff, friendly and flexible customer service. It was really a nice experience for my first safari! We just weren’t lucky with the weather which is probably part of why the big cats hid. I’d strongly advise planning the trip during Rwanda’s dry season.
Great One- Day Safari Trip!
haleydB6732TV,Jun 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This trip was really well organized and planned. The driver and guide was very knowledgeable about Akagera Park and the animals there. I really enjoyed my time, and my friends and I were able to see lots of wildlife!! I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting a one day safari trip.
Great few days exploring Rwanda
674isabeld,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Richard was great at explaining all the options including renting a tent at Akagera and planning a route that allowed me to see the gorillas afterwards before heading back to Kigali. The safari in Akagera was great - we were the first on the route in the morning and spotted many buffalo, some hippos, an elephant, giraffes and lions. On my first night of camping I was the only person on the site which was magical ✨️
The ultimate safari adventure
JatulTulja,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an out for f the world experience. Mr. Emilie our driver was very knowledgeable and had an eye of an eagle in spotting the game. He went out of his way and made every effort for us so that we can see maximum amount of animals. The cost was all inclusive. Although vegetarians, the company made sure that we got vegetarian food for lunch. The safari land-cruiser was comfortable and in very good condition. The open roof was the icing on the cake. Keep up the good work!