2 Days Akagera Big five Safari

Two days Akagera safari leads you to Rwanda’s sole Savannah national park for an incredible experience with Africa’s majestic big five mammals. Akagera National Park spans an impressive 1112 square kilometers. In 1934, the Belgium government took a bold step to safeguard the park’s animals and the entire Eco-system.  The park bears the name of the River Akagera, which meanders through its landscape. The river nourishes Lake Ihema, Lake Victoria, and a variety of smaller water bodies.

Akagera National Park was a two-day Rwanda safari that was once larger than it is now. It boasted one of the largest populations of wild dogs in Africa. They turned into a troublesome presence for the local communities and were believed to be spreading the feared rabies. The Belgian colonial government eliminated the majority of them. By the early 90s, wild dogs had vanished from the park completely, coinciding with a notable decline in the population of other park animals.

The ultimate devastation faced by numerous park animals occurred amidst the turmoil of the 1994 genocide. Countless refugees traversed or made their home in the park, seeking out the majestic big cats to safeguard their livestock or pursue antelopes for sustenance. A significant portion of the lush greenery in the park was cleared away to make room for farms, timber production, firewood, and charcoal. The park witnessed the disappearance of lions and rhinos.

2 Days of exploration in Akagera: The newly formed government of Rwanda embarked on bold measures to protect the park. The management of the park has transitioned to African Parks. African Parks manages various wildlife conservation areas across Africa through unique partnerships with governments. Changes occurred, and the encroachment into the park was halted with the installation of extensive fences. Venturing into the park unlawfully brings consequences, and those who are discovered must confront the legal repercussions. Lions and rhinos have made a triumphant return and are flourishing in the park. African Parks, in partnership with the government, is on an exciting journey to enhance tourism in the country and draw in substantial funding for projects within the park. As I write this, the park now attracts over $2.5 million from visitors eager for exploration.

Embark on a thrilling 2 Days Akagera wildlife safari that begins in Kigali city and leads you to explore a revitalized national park.  The safari includes thrilling game drives and an exciting boat cruise along Lake Ihema. After two exhilarating days, you will have encountered an array of magnificent wildlife including zebras, lions, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, elephants, spotted hyenas, warthogs, crocodiles, eland, topis, reedbuck, impalas, baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, black-tailed mongoose, bush pigs, and buffaloes, along with many other fascinating mammals. If you are looking for a quick escape, consider our 1 day Akagera safari package. For an extended journey, explore our 3 Days Rwanda safari in Akagera.

Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Akagera – Morning Game drive – Afternoon boat ride

2 Days Akagera National Park Wildlife ExpeditionRise with the sun at your hotel or residence in Kigali and enjoy a hearty breakfast as you anticipate the arrival of your driver from Mission Africa Safaris. The driver will share exciting details about the tour and prepare you for the journey ahead. Following the briefing, the driver will embark on a thrilling 2-hour journey to Akagera National Park. Prepare to journey through stunning landscapes adorned with breathtaking hills. As you reach the southern gate of the park, your driver will whisk you away for hotel check-in and registration at the park offices. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating morning game drive alongside a knowledgeable park guide. Prepare to encounter Zebras, Masai Giraffe, leopards, elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and antelopes. The game drive will be brief, as you will need to return to your hotel for lunch before gearing up for the exciting afternoon boat cruise.

The boat cruise on Lake Ihema offers an exhilarating experience for spotting birds, crocodiles, hippos, and land animals quenching their thirst along the shores. Be on the lookout for fascinating bird species like the Shoebill Stork, kingfishers, fish eagles, and cormorants. The boat cruise spans 2 to 3 exhilarating hours, after which you will return to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation, refreshment, and dinner. Consider exploring additional information regarding the cost of a trip to Akagera National Park.

Dinner and overnight will be at Ruzizi tented camp (Luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-range), Devera Hotel (Budget), or Akagezi Lodge (Budget).

Day 2: Exciting second game drive – Journey to Kigali

Rise with the sun, freshen up, and enjoy a hearty breakfast. The Driver will arrive early to collect the park Guide from the offices. The park Guide will once more assist in uncovering the finest spots to discover the mammals. The game drive on day 2 promises to be an exhilarating experience, as it will be extended with ample time and no afternoon activities to hold us back. It begins at the southern entrance of the park and stretches all the way to the northern area of the park. This journey could unfold over 6 hours, with much of the time immersed in the Kilala plains, the Mutumba hills, the “hippo beach,” the expansive swamps, and the shores of Lake Ihema. This area is bursting with an incredible variety of wildlife. If you happened to overlook any of the animals on the first day, now is your chance to encounter them. Prepare to encounter lions, buffaloes, Kobs, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and a variety of antelopes with the assistance of the park guide.

Akagera National Park stands out as a premier spot for birdwatching in Rwanda. More than 500 species have been documented in the park, featuring the lesser kestrel, papyrus gonoleks, and the shoebill stork. The scenery in the park is fantastic, and we are certain you will relish the African wilderness, the expansive savannah grasslands, enchanting woodlands, vibrant bushes, and the intriguing acacia thickets. After encountering a variety of park animals, you will make your way back to the hotel for checkout. As you journey back to Kigali, the driver might take brief pauses at the Imigongo traditional handcraft makers and the stunning Rusumo waterfall. Anticipate arriving in Kigali by late afternoon or evening, depending on your flight schedule.

End of tour 

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