Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included worth booking?
Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included is a 10-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $259 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $259 per person
Experience Rwanda’s only savanna park on an unforgettable Akagera safari with wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a Lake Ihema boat safari. Choose your option based on nationality or residency, with park fees and boat safari included. Please select the correct category as fees vary by visitor status. Akagera is home to the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Enjoy an early morning game drive with an experienced driver guide sharing insights about the park’s wildlife and conservation. Vehicles are selected based on group size: SUVs for 1–3 guests and pop-up roof safari vehicles for larger groups of 4–15 guests. A perfect safari experience for travelers seeking Rwanda’s wild side with comfort and all essential fees included.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Rwanda’s only savanna park on an unforgettable Akagera safari with wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a Lake Ihema boat safari. Choose your option based on nationality or residency, with park fees and boat safari included. Please select the correct category as fees vary by visitor status. Akagera is home to the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Enjoy an early morning game drive with an experienced driver guide sharing insights about the park’s wildlife and conservation. Vehicles are selected based on group size: SUVs for 1–3 guests and pop-up roof safari vehicles for larger groups of 4–15 guests. A perfect safari experience for travelers seeking Rwanda’s wild side with comfort and all essential fees included.
What's included
Included
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Bottled drinking water
- Freshly prepared hot lunch with your choice of meal and soda
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Guided Lake Ihema boat safari included
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Akagera National Park’s entry fees
Not included
- Tips are optional but appreciated.
- Breakfast, Alcoholic Beverages and Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Kigali
From your pick-up point in Kigali to Akagera National Park, enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful eastern landscapes, with rolling hills, lush valleys, terraced fields, and traditional villages along the way. As you travel, you will experience the charm of the countryside and may see local farmers tending their fields, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Rwanda’s East Province. Upon arrival at Akagera National Park, you will proceed to the park reception where the entry fee is paid directly. The fee varies depending on nationality and residency status. Please share your nationality with us in advance, and we will be happy to provide the applicable entry fee information before your visit. After completing the entry process, begin your safari adventure through Akagera National Park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
180 minutes here
Akagera National Park
As you arrive at Akagera National Park, our experienced guide-driver warmly welcomes you and escorts you through the park reception. Here, you're provided with a comprehensive briefing about the park's unique ecosystem, its inhabitants, and the rules for a safe and enjoyable visit. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the park and its wildlife. Once briefed, the exhilarating journey of the game drive begins. As you venture deeper into the park, the excitement builds with every turn, as the landscape unfolds before you, revealing an array of remarkable wildlife. From the moment you enter, the enchantment of Akagera becomes palpable as sightings of animals begin almost immediately, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.
180 minutes here
Akagera National Park
After immersing yourselves in the wonders of half the park, encountering captivating wildlife along the way, you pause your adventure for a delightful lunch and refreshing break. Energized and rejuvenated, you eagerly venture northward, where the sprawling savannah unveils a plethora of majestic animals awaiting our discovery.
60 minutes here
Akagera National Park
After a satisfying lunch break ,the excitement of your game drive continues as you journey further north into Akagera National Park. With each passing moment, anticipation mounts as you delve deeper into the park's wilderness, eager to discover the hidden treasures that await. As the landscape unfolds before you, with its sprawling plains and meandering rivers, the possibility of encountering majestic wildlife fills the air with anticipation. With every turn of the road, you're one step closer to uncovering the natural wonders that make Akagera a haven for safari enthusiasts.
120 minutes here
Kigali
As your exhilarating game drive in Akagera National Park comes to a close, you're filled with a sense of fulfillment and awe at the remarkable wildlife and natural beauty you've experienced. With memories of giraffes grazing on acacia trees and hippos lazing in the water, you bid farewell to the wilderness and begin the journey back to Kigali. As you're dropped off at the starting point in Kigali, you reflect on the day's adventures with gratitude and wonder. The sights and sounds of the park linger in your mind, a testament to the power of nature to inspire and uplift. Though your safari may be over, the memories you've made will stay with you forever, reminding you of the magic that awaits in Rwanda's wild places.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kigali
Go to Norrsken Kigali house you will meet our guide-driver waiting for you in our Iriza Tours uniform
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Go to Norrsken Kigali house you will meet our guide-driver waiting for you in our Iriza Tours uniform
Options you can book
Rwandan /EAC Citizens
Boat safari Duration: 12 hours Lunch : Lunch served at a scenic picnic area inside Akagera National Park overlooking Lake Mihindi. 4WD: Vehicles are selected based on group size. SUVs are used for 1–3 guests, while groups of 4–15guests travel in safari vehicle Soft Drinks: Chilled soft drinks and bottled water available onboard throughout the safari experience. Pickup included
Foreign Resident in Rwanda/EAC
Boat Safari Duration: 12 hours Lunch : Lunch served at a scenic picnic area inside Akagera National Park overlooking Lake Mihindi. 4WD: Vehicles are selected based on group size. SUVs are used for 1–3 guests, while groups of 4–15guests travel in safari vehicle Pickup included
African Citizens
Boat safari Duration: 12 hours Lunch : Lunch served at a scenic picnic area inside Akagera National Park overlooking Lake Mihindi. 4WD: Vehicles are selected based on group size. SUVs are used for 1–3 guests, while groups of 4–15guests travel in safari vehicle Pickup included
International Visitors
Boat safari Duration: 12 hours Lunch: Lunch served at a scenic picnic area inside Akagera National Park overlooking Lake Mihindi. 4WD: Vehicles are selected based on group size. SUVs are used for 1–3 guests, while groups of 4–15guests travel in safari vehicle Charging Ports and cooler Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Iriza Tours & Safaris
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful 1 day Akagera tour from Kigali
Booked a one day Akagera tour including the boat ride with Iriza tours, and truly had the best time. Elvis was my guide, and the tour ended up being private just for me! Despite it being dry season, we were able to see a good number of animals, including elephants which I was hoping most to see. Elvis knew a lot about the animals and the land and was teaching me so much throughout the whole game drive. If you are thinking about booking an Akagera tour would definitely recommend Iriza tours, and so grateful I got to have Elvis as a guide for the day! The only thing I may have done differently was turned it into an overnight stay so I could have seen more (it’s a very long 14 hour door to door day)
Response from the operator: Thank you, Anna, for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your Akagera safari with Elvis and got to see the elephants you were hoping for. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for an overnight safari next time!
via Tripadvisor
Adventure day in Akagera
We had a wonderful day exploring Akagera National Park. It was a great addition to our Rwanda trip and a completely different experience from the other places we visited. The game drive was full of excitement because you never knew what would appear next. My husband was hoping to spot a leopard, and our son was really hoping to see lions (unfortunately, we didn’t get lucky with those two), but we still managed to see so many other animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, rhinos and many more. I was happy just seeing as much as possible , even spotting a crocodile from a distance was a special moment for me. The boat ride on Lake Ihema was another highlight, giving us the chance to see the park from a different perspective and enjoy the wildlife around the water. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting information about the animals and the park throughout the day. It was a memorable experience and we were very happy we included Akagera in our Rwanda adventure.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Emily C, for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you and your family enjoyed exploring Akagera and experienced so much wildlife, especially the elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos. We’re glad the Lake Ihema boat ride was another highlight. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Rwanda again!
via Tripadvisor
A great full day experience seeing Africa's animals in the wild
It's a long ride from Kigali, but we stopped halfway for a coffee and a bite. It was a great day in the park. It's fun to look for the animals. We saw 16 animal species and so many different birds. I recommend the boat ride, especially for bird watchers. if you're prone to motion sickness, take something for that. It's a bouncy ride all day. It was the end of the rainy season, so not the best time of year for spotting, but we saw everything except hyenas and leopards, which are rare to see anyway since they are nocturnal. Kevin was amazing at spotting animals while driving!
Response from the operator: Thank you, Rich, for your detailed review. We are glad to hear you had a great full-day experience in Akagera National Park and enjoyed spotting so many animals and birds along the way. We are also pleased that Kevin made the experience even better with his excellent eye for wildlife. We appreciate your helpful notes about the journey and timing, and we are happy you still had such a memorable safari.
via Tripadvisor
A few well spent days in Rwanda
I have done a few safaris in my time, and I must say this one in Akagera was truly memorable. My wife and I spent three days in Rwanda, all arranged by Iriza, including our airport pick up and drop off. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled properly. After a long journey, it is reassuring to see someone waiting for you and to know the rest of your stay has been carefully planned. Sam was our driver guide, particularly for our day in Akagera. He arrived early for pick up, right on time, and everything was handled properly from the start. No confusion, no rushing, just smooth and straightforward. In the park, he drove with patience and care. He knows the roads well and understands where to look for wildlife. We saw a good number of animals, and he positioned the vehicle thoughtfully so we could enjoy the views without disturbance. It was a long day, but a very good one. Comfortable vehicle, steady driving, and a guide who takes his work seriously. Over the course of the three days, the entire experience ran seamlessly. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone considering a safari in Akagera, or to anyone planning a visit to Rwanda.
Response from the operator: Hi Timm, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to us. We are very happy to hear that your three days in Rwanda were well spent and that everything, from airport pick up to your Akagera safari, felt smooth and well organized. Sam will be especially glad to read your kind words. He takes great pride in making sure every guest feels comfortable and well looked after. It was a pleasure hosting you and your wife in Rwanda. We hope to welcome you back again someday.
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience
We were lucky to see so many lions, my favorite animals, and it was truly the highlight of the day. Thanks to our amazing guide J Paul and the company Operating manager for organizing our thrip well.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Steven. We are happy to hear seeing the lions was a highlight of your day. J Paul and our operations team will be glad to know their efforts made the trip special. We truly appreciate your feedback.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $259 to $659
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Iriza Tours & Safaris, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.9.
See everything Iriza Tours & Safaris runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kigali.
How much does Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included cost?
+
Prices start at $259 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included take?
+
Plan for about 10 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
Around 8 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?
+
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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
Included: Binoculars for wildlife viewing; Bottled drinking water; Freshly prepared hot lunch with your choice of meal and soda; Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali; and Guided Lake Ihema boat safari included. Not included: Tips are optional but appreciated; and Breakfast, Alcoholic Beverages and Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included offered in?
+
It runs in English. 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
Across 22 reviews averaging 5.0 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included?
+
There are 4 options to choose from, including Rwandan /EAC Citizens, Foreign Resident in Rwanda/EAC, African Citizens, International Visitors. 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 Akagera 1-Day Safari, Lake Ihema Boat Ride & Park Fees Included.
Pick your date
