Akagera National Park: Wildlife Safari from Kigali

Embark on a thrilling one-day game drive through Akagera National Park, home to a wide range of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and more. Experience the beauty of the park’s lakes and landscapes.

Duration: 15 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center - Midway: Take a break at the Imigongo Art Center and café to stretch your legs, admire the Imigongo art, and use the restrooms. You also have the option, not included, to purchase a cup of coffee, a quick breakfast (takeaway is recommended for those with a boat ride or late departures), or any other items…
What's Included
  • Boat ride in Ihema lake (if opted)
  • Drinking water with reusable bottles
  • Driver-guide by Countryside Tours-Rwanda
  • 220-240V electrical current for devices
  • Lunch
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali city and Kigali International Airport
  • Transport: Pop-up roof safari vehicle, Toyota Rav4 4WD or similar (if opted)
What's Not Included
  • Admission fees
  • Optional: Akagera National Park guide, additional fee if opted
  • Admission: Boat ride in Ihema lake, in case not opted
  • Breakfast
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions
Additional Information

Leave Kigali as early as 05h00 and drive for an estimated 3.5 hours to reach Akagera National Park by 08h30. With our local and friendly tour guide, the transport is assured with a choice 4x4 car with WIFI onboard to keep you connected with your loved ones and the world (Some spots in the park do not have connectivity). Spend the entire day…

Location
Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(141 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Heather_s
Jan 31, 2026
Life experience unlocked! - Our guide, Kevin, with Countyside Tours is an animal whisperer! We were up close and personal with elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and more! He is a wonderful guide who knows how and where to spot the more elusive critters. Some of the highlights include lions approaching a mixed herd of prey, bull elephants sparring, and a big daddy bull elephant coming to the lake edge to hydrate! Our group included three women from the USA. We loved the entire safari experience and service we received. Beyond the animals, Kevin stopped at a great coffee shop/pizzaria/souvenir shop on the way to and from the park; talked to us about some of the villages we passed through, and was all around knowledgeable and friendly. Yes, it’s a bumpy road but you’re in a national park, it should be expected. Highly recommend the hour boat tour add on. The bagged lunch was meh. I recommend grabbing something from your hotel or the coffee shop on the way.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew
Jan 16, 2026
Great tour with more animals than I could count - What an incredible trek through the park! Isaac was a great guide; he could spot animals at a great distance and get us close to have a look. The boat tour was a great addition: crocodiles, hippos, and a huge variety of birds. Everyone at the park took the time to be friendly, as well as informative. The tour company did a great job keeping me informed and answering questions. Really a lot of fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_r
Dec 31, 2025
Animals galore - Great national park! Our driver/guide Kevin was wonderful and knowledgeable. Vehicle had popped top and plenty of tech to keep you charged and photo ready. Saw 4 or the big 5 plus a plethora of other animals.
Review provided by Viator
Arosenblatt1
Dec 20, 2025
The best day - Kevin was an exceptional safari guide. He was really good at spotting the animals and he was communicating with the other guides about where the animals were located. He went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible wildlife sightings, adjusting plans, timing, and routes. It was clear that he cared deeply about our experience and took great pride in sharing his knowledge and passion for the animals and landscape.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melat
Dec 11, 2025
First Solo trip - My trip to the park with Kevin the guide was very excellent and memorable. He is very attentive, polite, patient, professional and a gentleman he made me feel comfortable and relaxed all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennamq8463hg
Nov 10, 2025
Safari and Lake Kivu - We had an amazing two-day trip with Countryside Tours, including a safari and a visit to Lake Kivu. Everything was perfectly organized, and we felt very well taken care of throughout the journey. Our driver, Kevin, was absolutely outstanding – friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure we were comfortable and safe. Thanks to him, we learned a lot and truly enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raul_g
Nov 7, 2025
Excellent day tour of... - Excellent day tour of Akagera park. Possibly once-in-a-lifetime, completely worth it if you have the opportunity. Our guide and driver Kevin was highly professional, informative, personalble and had a positive attitude, and just being "real". He had a skill for spotting animals even while driving the huge park. We saw elephants, giraffes, nile crocs, hippo, warthogs, antelope, babbon, gazelles, bush babies(?) , many birds, white rhino, and an elusive black rhino. We also took the 1hr boat, very glad we did, also a good break from the SUV. Park staff also were friendly. Pickup from our Kigali hotel was right on time and easy. Pre-trip communications were easy and accurate via Whatsapp with Countryside Tours. Would do again, and highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_a
Nov 4, 2025
Wonderful experience! - I had a wonderful experience on this tour! My tour guide/driver was Kevin and he was very respectful, kind, a great driver, and amazing at spotting animals! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, monkeys, buffalo, beautiful birds, and more. I highly recommend booking this tour and going with Kevin!
Review provided by Viator
Emeka
Oct 14, 2025
Amazing - Had an amazing experience! The sights were incredible, and Kevin made the whole trip unforgettable. He was friendly, and made sure didn’t miss a thing. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy
Oct 13, 2025
Amazon tour, thank you Kevin! - The tour to Akagera was amazing, best day of my life. I can’t thank Kevin enough. He was super friendly, fun, and made sure we saw all the animals. Everything was super well organized and on time, which made the whole experience even better. I 100% recommend this tour, you won’t regret it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $147
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).