6-Day Rwanda Akagera Safari and Cultural Tour

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the professional guide, who will assist you with meet-and-greet services and guide you through customs procedures. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you can settle in, enjoy the available amenities, and conclude the day with dinner before resting for the night.

After breakfast, you will set out on a journey toward the eastern region of Rwanda, heading to Akagera National Park, the country’s iconic home of the Big Five. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and the possibility of en-route game sightings adding excitement to the journey. As you make your way to the lodge, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffaloes roaming freely across the plains.

Upon arrival, you will check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge before taking some time to relax. In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, a highlight of Akagera. The calm waters reveal pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of bird species that thrive in the wetlands. After the cruise, you will return to the lodge to refresh, unwind with its amenities, and later enjoy dinner before settling in for a restful night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Renowned as one of the most scenic savannah landscapes in East Africa, Akagera National Park offers breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. After breakfast, you will collect your packed lunch boxes and set out to explore the park. The day’s route will take you through the giraffe plains in the south and along the lakeside road toward Birengero, where sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many other species are common. At midday, you will pause for a picnic-style lunch at a designated area, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.

In the afternoon, you will continue the drive back to Kigali, arriving in the city by evening. Upon reaching your hotel, you will check in, enjoy dinner, and unwind as you prepare for a restful night.

After breakfast, you will set out on a Kigali city tour, beginning with a meaningful visit to the Genocide Memorial Center, a place of remembrance and reflection. From there, the journey continues north to Musanze, a region nestled at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.

In Musanze, you will explore the expansive and eco-friendly Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an impressive conservation hub adjacent to the park. This multi-acre facility features the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center, and the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery, alongside accommodations for visiting researchers and students. Designed as a global gateway to conservation, the campus serves to inspire and nurture the next generation of conservationists while offering visitors deeper insight into Rwanda’s pioneering role in wildlife protection.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a selected restaurant in Musanze, after which you will proceed to your lodge. Upon arrival, you will check in, take time to relax, and enjoy the amenities of the property. The evening will be spent at leisure, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Volcanoes region.

After breakfast, you will check out from the lodge and continue your journey with an enriching cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians’ former Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. This vibrant center offers a lively introduction to Rwanda’s traditions, history, and ancestral stories. Visitors are invited to participate in various activities, with the highlight being the chance to join in the energetic rhythms of traditional Rwandan dance, creating an engaging and memorable cultural exchange.

From here, the tour proceeds to the Rubavu side of Lake Kivu, where the sparkling waters and serene beaches invite you to unwind. Upon arrival at your hotel, the afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation along the lake’s sandy shores, allowing you to enjoy the calm setting at your own pace.

As evening approaches, the experience deepens with a unique night fishing excursion on Lake Kivu. Accompanied by local fishermen, you will join them on the water as they sing traditional songs, paddling under the night sky in search of sambaza — the small, silvery fish that the lake is famous for. This authentic activity combines music, culture, and the magic of the lake at night, offering unforgettable memories in one of Rwanda’s most picturesque settings.

You will begin the day with breakfast by the lakeside, enjoying the tranquil views of Lake Kivu as the morning unfolds. Soon after, you will set out on a boat cruise across the lake, gliding over its calm waters while discovering some of its most scenic islands. The cruise provides sweeping views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and a chance to spot an array of birdlife, including pelicans, crowned cranes, and the striking malachite kingfisher. On average, this experience lasts around two hours, offering both relaxation and discovery in equal measure.

After the cruise, you will return for your transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, there will be an opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping at Kigali’s bustling craft shops, where local artisans display their handmade treasures. Finally, you will be driven to Kigali International Airport in time for your outbound flight, carrying with you lasting memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.