Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda

Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari

Outty Ranking 66 4.4 · 28 traveler reviews10.2 hoursFrom $251
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari worth booking?

Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari is a 10.2-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $251 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (28)
Duration
10.2 hours
From
$251 per person

This tour takes you to Akagera National Park, a Big Five destination that is emerging as one of the best off-the-beaten-path Safari Parks. It lacks of tourist hordes sets it apart from other destinations in East Africa and the fact that you can enjoy an optional boat Safari at lake Ihema (offered by the Government) makes it a unique experience. The tour will be led by an experience guide, who is not only at home in the park but also knowledgeable on all-things-Rwanda

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour takes you to Akagera National Park, a Big Five destination that is emerging as one of the best off-the-beaten-path Safari Parks. It lacks of tourist hordes sets it apart from other destinations in East Africa and the fact that you can enjoy an optional boat Safari at lake Ihema (offered by the Government) makes it a unique experience. The tour will be led by an experience guide, who is not only at home in the park but also knowledgeable on all-things-Rwanda

    What's included

    Included

    • All Transportation in a Customized Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing
    • Pick up and Drop off in Kigali
    • 1 Bottled Water Per Person

    Not included

    • Akagera Park Entrance Fee 100 USD Per Person (Offered by the Government)
    • Optional Lake Ihema 1 Hour Boat Safari 35 USD Per Person
    • Lunch 5 - 20 USD - Kindly Discuss/Request guide for Options
    • Items and Services of Personal Nature

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kigali

      Pick up from your hotel at 5:00 AM and drive through the dramatic, cultivated hills define Rwanda arriving at Akagera National Park 8:00AM.

      180 minutes here

    2. Enjoy an optional Boat Safari at Lake Ihema as you drift along the forest fringed body of water on the midst of hippos resting and Nile crocodiles patrolling for breakfast. The lake is also rich in birdlife with over 450 different species.

      60 minutes here

    3. Akagera National Park

      Spend an entire day in Akagera a spectacular chain of low grassy mountains that slope down to a tract of undulating savannah, hemmed in by an extensive wetland comprising a dozen lakes, extensive papyrus swamps. Search for Lions, Rhino, buffalos, elephants, Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet, antelopes and other animals to your heart's content

      240 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    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
    Expedition Happy Hour

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, photo 2Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, photo 3Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, photo 4Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, photo 5Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari in Kigali, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    28 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    22
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Billy · December 2025

    Enjoyable trip across rural rwanda and park.

    Quite enjoyable trip across rural rwanda with family. We spotted 4 out of the Big 5.. the driver guide shadadi (dadi) was friendly and quite knowledgeable.

    via Viator

    Relax24143956232 · January 2025

    5 strikes and you're out

    I am glad that I took this safari. I only had one day and this fit the bill and I got some good pictures. The guide I had was an outstanding driver and and very good guide. There were a number of issues that would not make use this organization again: Here they are: 1. I had some time limitation on my trip and needed to be back in Kigali by ~ 5pm. I was not told that the normal day safari would have me back in Kigali at 8-9 pm, so missing 4-5 hr of what they normally would provide, which meant that I would not have time to go to a particular part of the park to see more animals 2. I asked about an earlier pickup but no response from the company and yet the driver (who was not informed about my time limit) suggested that we should have arranged an earlier pickup! 3. I was told that I would be going on safari with a modern vehicle. The vehicle was not very up to date and most annoyingly, the popup roof was defective so I had to take all my pictures from the passenger side window. Because I could not take any pictures straight in front of the vehicle, I missed several great opportunities to get some great shots of animals right in front of us. 4. The car made some high pitched squeals intermittently which would have scared off any animals near by. 5. Akagara park is beautiful and lush, but 50% of the roads that we were on had no visibility past 10 ft on either side of the vehicle because of trees and thick underbrush. If there were animals there, you wouldn't see them.

    via Tripadvisor

    gracerX3165KD · December 2024

    Great Experience!

    The tour was great! Our guide clearly knew the park well and mentioned that he mentally takes notes on animal locations so that he knows where to take tours the next day. The boat tour was great! The boat tour was run by the national park itself and not this tour vendor, so you should ignore the weird review complaining about the boat. I thought it was very professional and, like I said, it was run by the park so any tour group you pick will have the same boat experience at this national park.

    via Tripadvisor

    n0vexa · May 2024

    Spectacular Sunset Cruise

    The boat trip was throughly enjoyable. We had a great guide with Mr Emmanuel who took us around and showed us the wildlife. From baby crocodiles, to lurking hippos, bush bucks and all sorts of birds, we indeed got a taste of the Lake’s wildlife. Taking the sunset cruise was also a good idea, only if you are staying over.

    via Tripadvisor

    632yaeln · March 2024

    Worst experience in the boat ride!

    The boat was over loaded with people, we had 20 people on our boat. The ride is moving very fast, you barely have a chance to take pictures. We left w 2 boats ( overloaded with people one guided) and when we got to the island with wild animals like crocodiles the other boat stuck underground. We tried to rescued them but it was impossible to move the boat specially when it overloaded with people and only one guide un knowledge in the boat. All the passengers tried to help and even Ofer to get out and push the boat, but it was too risky. My husband is license’s captain and suggested to bring back the passengers safely to shore and go back to rescued the other boat. My suggestion are: 1. Don’t overload the boat with passengers, instead provide 2 guides in the boat. 2. Provide more often the boat ride 3. Make sure you have the proper robe or line in the boat. I didn’t feel safe in the boat, and I set in the first row in the front and my camera got wet, in the first 10 minutes of the ride. Make sure to have water proof to your camera. I know everybody recommended Sunrise ride But I’m my opinion it’s more darker for the pictures and in tropical weather, most likely it will rain.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10.2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $251 to $496
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    10
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Expedition Happy Hour, who run 21 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.

    See everything Expedition Happy Hour runs

    Why this scores 66

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)56
    Value for money (12% weight)72
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)14
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari cost?

    +

    Prices start at $251 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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari take?

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    Plan for about 10.2 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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 28 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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari?

    +

    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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari?

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    Around 10 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 10.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat 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?

    +

    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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari?

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    Included: All Transportation in a Customized Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing; Pick up and Drop off in Kigali; and 1 Bottled Water Per Person. Not included: Akagera Park Entrance Fee 100 USD Per Person (Offered by the Government); Optional Lake Ihema 1 Hour Boat Safari 35 USD Per Person; Lunch 5 - 20 USD - Kindly Discuss/Request guide for Options; and Items and Services of Personal Nature. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat 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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat 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.

    What happens to Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat 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 Day Trip Safari - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari?

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    Across 28 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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