1. What is included in the Rwanda Big Five safari experience?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, park entrance and game-drive fees, transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, an English-speaking driver-guide, picnic lunch, drinking water and local handling charges. Personal expenses, insurance, tips and extra food or drinks are excluded.

2. Can I see all the Big Five during a one-day Akagera safari?

Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo, but seeing all five in one day is not guaranteed. A full-day game drive with an early start gives visitors more time to explore different habitats and improves wildlife-viewing opportunities.

3. How long is the journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park?

The drive from Kigali to Akagera takes around two and a half hours. The tour usually starts at about 5:00 a.m. and runs as a full-day safari, with travel times depending on traffic, road conditions and pickup location.

4. What other animals might I see in Akagera National Park?

Besides the Big Five, visitors may see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, waterbucks, topis, warthogs, hyenas and many bird species. Sightings vary depending on season, weather and animal movement.

5. Can I add a boat safari to the Akagera Big Five experience?

Yes. A sunrise boat safari on Lake Ihema can be added to a day trip safari organized by Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel, to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. However, it is not included in the standard package, and should be requested in advance.

6. Can I join other travellers for a shared Big Five safari experience in Akagera National Park?

Yes. Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel offers a unique booking platform that allows travellers to join shared group safaris in Akagera National Park. Known as Ikaze SafariShare, this option is ideal for solo travellers, couples and anyone who wants to experience a Big Five safari while sharing costs and meeting new people. Visit the SafariShare platform at safarishare.ikazerwandatours.com.

7. How does Ikaze SafariShare work?

There are two ways to book an Akagera National Park safari through Ikaze SafariShare: Start a group: Travellers who are already in Rwanda or planning to visit can select their preferred travel date and start a SafariShare trip. Other interested travellers can then join the group. Join a group: Travellers can join an existing SafariShare group scheduled for their preferred date and travel once the required group size is reached.

8. What happens after I start or join an Ikaze SafariShare group?

After starting or joining a SafariShare group, each traveller must pay a US$50 deposit through Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel’s secure online payment gateway to reserve their seat. The remaining balance is charged automatically 48 hours before departure and is calculated according to the final group size.

Rwanda Big Five Safari | Akagera National Park Tour

Included/Excluded

Included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Park entry & Game Drive fees
4x4 Extended Land cruiser vehicle,with a pop-up roof for easy Game Viewing
English speaking driver guide
Picnic Lunch
Free drinking Mineral water
Local taxes & handling charges

Excluded

Items of personal nature
Other meals and drinks; not mentioned above
Tips and gratuities
Travel and health insurance fees.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Rwanda Big Five safari experience through the rolling savannahs, wetlands, lakes and woodlands of Akagera National Park. Travel with Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel from Kigali in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle and set out with an experienced driver-guide to search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and elusive leopards. Along the way, encounter giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes and colourful birdlife while enjoying one of Rwanda’s most exciting wildlife adventures.

Big Five Experience in Akagera: Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard

Enjoy a thrilling Big Five experience in Akagera as you explore wildlife-rich plains, woodland and lakeside habitats on morning and afternoon game drives. Search for the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard Rwanda is proud to protect, while your guide shares insights into animal behaviour and the park’s remarkable conservation story. Every safari is different, making each game drive a genuine journey of discovery rather than a guaranteed checklist of sightings.

Highlights

View diverse wildlife animals in their natural habitat
Possibility to encounter the Africa’s ‘Big Five’ animals
Possibility to view many resident birds species
Picnic lunch while sightseeing wildlife
En-route stopovers for scenic landscapes viewing

Rwanda Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park

Duration

Group Size

Tour Type

Rwanda Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park