Rwanda's mountain gorillas are a common symbol of the country, but they are only one part of its history. Along this six-day tour, you'll see a different side of Rwanda. From Kigali's clean streets and rolling hills, you'll reach Akagera's wetland, grasslands, and lakes. Despite being a short safari, the trip will feel surprisingly varied, thanks to the different surroundings.

The safari will center around the wildlife in Akagera. The park is Rwanda's only savanna national park. It has become a real "Big Five" destination, with elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinos living there. Wide open spaces, dense forests, lakes, and wetland areas make for a safari scenery that is very different from Rwanda's more famous forested areas.

The experience has a calmer side as well. What you'll hear on Lake Ihema instead of the safari vehicle's beat is the water, birds singing, and hippos that are close by. For a thoughtful balance between wildlife and culture, Kigali will then bring the journey back to people, history, art, and everyday life in Rwanda.
Comfort will also be a big part of the trip. It will be simple to handle the driving days, and the accommodations are comfy. The schedule will also leave time for meals, photos, rest, and quiet moments. Instead of planning something for every hour, the schedule will let Rwanda show itself freely.

Difficulty Level

This safari will be easy to moderate and is suitable for travellers who are comfortable with normal walking and several hours of driving. There won't be any hard mountain trekking to do, and most of the sightseeing will be done from a comfortable safari car, on short walks, or during guided tours.

The longest drive will be from Kigali to Akagera, taking 2 to 4 hours depending on the hotel, traffic, and park entrance. Most of Rwanda's roads are in good shape, but some final approaches and park roads inside the country can be slower and uneven. According to official Rwanda tourism information, the trip from Kigali to Akagera can take anywhere from four to five hours, though shorter routes are possible based on where you start and the route you take.

As the game drives will require passengers to sit for long periods of time, sometimes on uneven ground, travellers with back or mobility issues should let the tour team know before making a reservation. By going on a Lake Ihema boat tour, you can watch wildlife from the water while sitting in a boat.

The safari is ideal for adults, couples, families with older kids, solo travelers, and private groups who would rather see wildlife and learn about other cultures than go on a hard trek.