Have 4 days spent in Akagera National Park enjoying the wildlife and the community and take part in different experiences such as boat cruises on Lake Ihema, game drives and hot air ballooning in the savannahs as you watch over the big five animals (rhino, leopard, elephant, buffalos and Lions). Other wildlife to spot include Masai giraffes, zebras, warthogs, kudu, ibis, hippos, crocodiles, kingfishers, eagles, vultures and more.
During the community tour, indulge yourself in traditional cooking classes, milking, music and dances and more. Behind-the-scenes experience is another highlight of the tour as you learn about conservation policies used in Akagera National Park such as the use of an anti-poachers squad composed of park rangers and trained dogs to track poachers.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera NP. Boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Pick up from Kigali the capital of Rwanda and transfer to Akagera National Park a journey that takes about 4 hours’ drive. Akagera is the only savannah-protected area in Rwanda with a great view connecting to Tanzania. Arrive and be served with lunch followed by a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in this park.
There is a lot to spot such as hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, king kingfishers as other wild animals will be on the banks quenching their thirst such as elephants, antelopes, buffalos, warthogs and more. After a 2 hour’s cruise, head to the lodge for leisure and dinner.
Day 2: Morning and afternoon game drive.
Wake up, have breakfast and then embark on a game drive in the savannah plains where you will be able to spot animals like Masai giraffes, rhinos, elephants, zebras, leopards, buffalos, lions, warthogs, bushbucks, kudu, topi and more others. Have a break during lunchtime and in the evening embark on the evening game drive to spot the missed wildlife.
Day 3: Behind-the-scenes experience and community tour
Have breakfast in the morning and then head to the park offices to enjoy the behind-the-scenes. This is where you acquire a park guide, tour through the park offices as you are told about the conservation initiative in this park and also learn about how the team monitors the animal behavior and health. During the tour, meet the anti-poachers team with their dogs trained to track poachers in the park.
In the evening after lunch, encounter a community experience where you will have entertainment from cultural music and dances, traditional food preparation, imigongo painting, milking and more. This is the way to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals neighboring the park.
Day 4: Hot air balloon safari and drive back to Kigali.
Have a game drive as you head to enjoy a hot air balloon tour in the Savannah plains and this will include having the experience of watching animals at an aerial view also known as the eagle eye view. The basket will take you into the air spotting animals like elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, different antelopes, giraffes and more.
Afterwards, drive back to Kigali and be dropped at the agreed point to mark the end of the 4-Days Akagera Wildlife & Balloon Safari.
