Rwanda · Safari

2-Day Akagera National Park Big Five Safari with Balloon and Boat

2 Days Round trip from Rwanda Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the Big Five on exciting game drives across Akagera's savannah landscapes
  • 02 Soar above the park at sunrise on a spectacular hot air balloon safari
  • 03 Cruise on Lake Ihema at sunset to observe hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife
  • 04 Savour a luxurious bush breakfast surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild

Explore Rwanda's wild beauty on this 2-day Akagera National Park safari from Kigali. Enjoy thrilling Big Five game drives across scenic savannah plains and sparkling lakes, then cruise on Lake Ihema at sunset to spot hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birdlife. Soar above the park at sunrise on a hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and rolling landscapes. Savour a luxurious bush breakfast in the wild for an unforgettable safari experience.

Soar above the park at sunrise on a hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and rolling landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kigali, Akagera National Park
Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kigali to Akagera National Park and Lake Ihema Sunset Cruise

  • Begin with a personal welcome from your professional driver-guide in Kigali, then enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda's lush countryside towards Akagera National Park, the country's only savannah park.

  • Embark on a thrilling game drive across rolling plains dotted with acacia trees and sparkling lakes, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos alongside giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and countless bird species.

  • Unwind in the late afternoon on a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, watching hippos surface, elephants and buffaloes come to drink, crocodiles rest along the banks, and vibrant water birds fill the sky.

  • End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Rutete Lodge or a similar midrange lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

2
Day 02

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari and Northern Akagera Game Drive

  • Begin before sunrise with a hot air balloon safari, floating above the savannah for breathtaking aerial views of wildlife, lakes, and rolling landscapes.

  • Savour a luxurious bush breakfast in the wild after landing, combining adventure with comfort.

  • Continue with a game drive in Akagera's northern sector, the most wildlife-rich area and ideal for Big Five sightings.

  • Exit the park in the afternoon and return to Kigali, stopping for lunch along the way before drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

Lake Ihema at sunset, Akagera National Park savannah, Kigali countryside

Where this trip takes you

Lake Ihema at sunset, Akagera National Park savannah, Kigali countryside

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Rwanda 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking tour/safari guide

  • Private 4WD safari vehicle and fuel

  • Akagera National Park entry fees

  • Hot air balloon safari experience

  • Sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema

  • 1 night accommodation

  • Bottled drinking water

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali (hotel or airport)

What's Not Included

  • International or domestic flights

  • Visa fees (if applicable)

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals, alcoholic drinks, or extra beverages outside included meals

  • Tips and gratuities (guide, driver, lodge staff)

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Any extra nights of accommodation beyond the package

What to bring

  • Clothing: Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothes

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

  • Outerwear: Light jacket or fleece for early mornings (the balloon safari can be chilly)

  • Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Gear: Binoculars, camera, extra batteries, power bank

  • Personal items: Travel documents, passport, medications, reusable water bottle

Know before you go

  • Flexible pick-up and drop-off are available at your hotel in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport to ensure a smooth start and end to your safari.

  • The itinerary can be customised and extended to include gorilla trekking, adventures in Nyungwe Forest National Park, relaxing escapes to Lake Kivu, and other experiences across Rwanda.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kigali, Rwanda
Tour start
Rwanda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Rwanda.

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Starting from

USD 1,680 /person
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