1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari in Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda

1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari

Outty Ranking 71 4.9 · 42 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $350
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari worth booking?

1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari is a 5-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $350 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (42)
Duration
5 hours
From
$350 per person

Akagera National Park, “where nature thrives”, a tour to Rwanda’s wild heart gives you a glimpse into the spectacular natural beauty and wonders, including scenic views, unique landscapes, wildlife species, and cultural encounters. Akagera National Park is a haven to witness the Big 5 and Beyond, namely, Elephants, buffalo, leopards, and lions, as well as other animals like hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, and warthogs, as well as a variety of indigenous and migratory bird species. The short and exciting tour shall let you discover the hidden gems you’ve been yawning to get

What you get

    About this experience

    Akagera National Park, “where nature thrives”, a tour to Rwanda’s wild heart gives you a glimpse into the spectacular natural beauty and wonders, including scenic views, unique landscapes, wildlife species, and cultural encounters. Akagera National Park is a haven to witness the Big 5 and Beyond, namely, Elephants, buffalo, leopards, and lions, as well as other animals like hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, and warthogs, as well as a variety of indigenous and migratory bird species. The short and exciting tour shall let you discover the hidden gems you’ve been yawning to get

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Park entry fees
    • Bottled water
    • Lunch
    • Guiding fee

    Not included

    • Tips to the driver or guide
    • Breakfast (We recommend you to order early breakfast from your hotel then pack for you)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Akagera National Park

      At 5:00 am – Pick up & drive to Akagera NP. Your English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Akagera, passing through picturesque landscapes, vibrant farmlands, bustling local markets, and charming communities. At 7:30 AM – you will proceed to the park headquarters for registration. Then set out on a game drive across the savanna grasslands, where you'll encounter the African Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. At 2:00 PM – Boat cruise on Lake Ihema. You will embark on a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Ihema, that is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagles. Later Continue exploring Akagera's diverse landscapes, characterized by a mix of acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and wetland areas. At 5:00 PM –Exit the Park. After a day filled with remarkable wildlife experiences, Drive back to Kigali.

      480 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kigali

    Meeting point

    Kigali

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Internationals

      Duration: 13 hours Packed Lunch Pop-up Roof Safari Car, Jeep, Rav4, Landcruiser Pickup included

    • African residents

      Duration: 13 hours snacks and water jeep 4X4, RAV4, LAND CRUSER, Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Silverbird Tours Agency

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Travel tips to Rwanda; for Akagera national park; Long sleeves shirt with a safari hat A short if you don't mind after all you will be seated in the car full time Sunscreen and insect repellent Sunglasses (shades) Considering June, July & August- In the east of the country which is where Akagera national park lies, afternoon temperatures are usually around 27°C/81°F. While in the mountain parks, it is a lot colder. Volcanoes NP is even colder with temperatures around 16°C/61°F. Extra tips on safari. We strongly advise you not to wear strong fragrances as animals have an astute sense of smell and may retreat from unfamiliar scents in the jungle Be advised to dress in colors of nature i.e., browns and greens. Animals are aware of contrast, shouting and bright colors, white and strong patterns create the highest contrast against the forest background. Also, remember not to wear black or blue as these colors seem to attract tsetse flies and other bugs. Also, Keep a distance while making the game.

    Photos

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    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    42 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    39
    4 star
    3
    3 star
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    2 star
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    Sort
    U2777YAdarrylw · August 2026

    Excellent safari in Akagera!

    Absolutely loved my experience with Silverbird Tours in Rwanda! From start to finish everything was incredibly well organised and the service was outstanding. A special mention has to go to my guide Justin who went above and beyond to make sure I had the best possible experience. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail really made the trip special. Thanks to his expertise I was lucky enough to see 4 of the Big 5 in Akagera National Park as well as an amazing variety of other wildlife. Justin was fantastic at spotting animals and making sure I had the best opportunities to see and photograph them. You could really tell how passionate he is about Rwanda and its wildlife. I would highly recommend Silverbird Tours and especially Justin to anyone planning a safari or exploring Rwanda. An unforgettable experience from an excellent team! 🇷🇼🦁🐘🦒 Darryl

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Darryl, for your wonderful review and for choosing SilverBird Tours for your Akagera National Park Big Five Safari! 🇷🇼🦁 We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience and were able to see 4 of the Big 5 in just one day. Your kind words about Justin mean a lot to us. His passion, knowledge, and dedication to creating exceptional wildlife experiences are truly appreciated. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we are thrilled that SilverBird Tours could make your visit to Rwanda special and unforgettable. Thank you again for recommending us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Rwanda in the future for another extraordinary safari adventure! Warm regards,

    via Tripadvisor

    pamelaaQ3077KN · August 2026

    An unforgettable experience

    Simply fantastic!! It is worth the effort and long drive to get to Akagera.

    Response from the operator: Dearest Pamela, Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your experience and for your kind words. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your journey with us. It was truly our pleasure to have you travel with SilverBird Tours, and we greatly appreciate the trust you placed in us to make your time in Rwanda special and memorable. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back to Rwanda in the future and have the opportunity to create another truly exceptional experience for you, perhaps with new destinations, adventures, and unforgettable moments to discover. Until then, we wish you safe travels and many wonderful adventures ahead. We sincerely hope to see you again in Rwanda! Warmest regards,

    via Tripadvisor

    MegJessEck · August 2025

    Silverbird Tours did an amazing job of making the most of our day. We got to see so many animals. What a day! A must see

    Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, eagles, mongoose, zebras, warthogs and so many birds. What a great little park!

    Response from the operator: Dear Megan Great, Thanks for choosing our tour services, and we are excited to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your safari with us. Your feedback is deeply appreciated.

    via Tripadvisor

    mjulietk · July 2025

    Quite a day of non-stop sight seeing

    Peter, our guide, was determined and we saw all the big five during our tour. The last leg of the tour was memorable as we saw the Savannah fill with a herd of giraffes.

    Response from the operator: Hi Juliet Thank you for choosing our tour services. We are excited to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your safari with us. Your feedback is deeply appreciated. We will be excited to host you again in the future

    via Tripadvisor

    michaelsX9222JK · July 2025

    Unique

    Great trip, we saw plenty of animals. except for leopards and cheetahs. Our guides were skilled with good knowledge of Akagera.

    Response from the operator: Hi Micheal We are astonished to hear that you so many animals during you safari to Akagera and so grateful that your guide helpful, and knowledgeable about the park. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back for another safari to Rwanda. Many Thanks again

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $350 to $680
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Silverbird Tours Agency, who run 18 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.6.

    See everything Silverbird Tours Agency runs

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)71
    Booking momentum (14% weight)65
    Value for money (12% weight)12
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kigali.

    How much does 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari cost?

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    Prices start at $350 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kigali usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kigali is not rushed.

    Is 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kigali, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kigali can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kigali and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kigali within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Kigali?

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    On Outty we rank every Kigali experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4, One Day Akagera Wildlife Safari, Kigali City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Kigali?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Kigali?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    Included: Private transportation; Park entry fees; Bottled water; Lunch; and Guiding fee. Not included: Tips to the driver or guide; and Breakfast (We recommend you to order early breakfast from your hotel then pack for you). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari offered in?

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    It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kigali. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    Across 42 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Internationals, African residents. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 1 Day Safari to Akagera national park-Big5 Safari.

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