One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kigali, Rwanda
- 13 to 15 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Optimize your chances of spotting black rhino, lions, giraffes, and more on this full-day, private tour to Akagera National Park. Benefit from your guide’s local knowledge as you explore the sprawling wetland by off-road vehicle, uploading your pictures in real time thanks to complimentary on-board WiFi. Lunch and round-trip hotel transfers come included, ensuring a seamless safari experience.
- Optimize chances of spotting Africa’s Big 5 on this full-day safari
- Enjoy the personalized service of a private tour
- Upload your photos in real time from your WiFi-equipped vehicle
- Avoid hidden costs with lunch and hotel transfers included
What's Included
- Opted transport: Pop-up roof safari vehicle, Non-Pop Up Roof SUV, Toyota Rav4 4WD or similar
- Boat ride in Ihema lake, in case opted
- A driver-guide by Countryside Tours-Rwanda
- LunchAkagera Transit Lodge picnic lunch
- Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali city and Kigali International Airport
- 220-240V electrical current for phones and portable devices
- Drinking water with reusable bottles required by park. Single-use plastic bottles no longer allowed.
- Admission Fee - Park admission, USD 100-Internationals, USD 50-Residents & Africans, USD 15-EAC & Rwandans$100.00 per person
- Optional: Akagera National Park guide, additional fee if opted$40.00 per booking
- Admission: Boat ride in Ihema lake, in case not opted
- Breakfast
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
In the notes, please provide the name of the hotel for pick-up or the street number of the house (place) of pick-up in Kigali City or along the way to Akagera National Park.
Itinerary
1
Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Akagera National Park
6 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Bridget_G
We had a wonderful safari! Our driver, Jean Paul, was friendly, informative, and made the long day everything we wanted it to be! He worked very hard to find our favorite animals and we saw all of the Big 5 except the leopard, which we knew was a long shot anyway. The drive was comfortable, the lunch was nice, and the views in AKAGERA National Park were extraordinary.
Reviews
5.0
based on 142 reviews
Bridget_G, Apr 2026
We had a wonderful safari! Our driver, Jean Paul, was friendly, informative, and made the long day everything we wanted it to be! He worked very hard to find our favorite animals and we saw all of the Big 5 except the leopard, which we knew was a long shot anyway. The drive was comfortable, the lunch was nice, and the views in AKAGERA National Park were extraordinary.
Heather_S, Jan 2026
Our guide, Kevin, with Countyside Tours is an animal whisperer! We were up close and personal with elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and more! He is a wonderful guide who knows how and where to spot the more elusive critters. Some of the highlights include lions approaching a mixed herd of prey, bull elephants sparring, and a big daddy bull elephant coming to the lake edge to hydrate!
Our group included three women from the USA. We loved the entire safari experience and service we received. Beyond the animals, Kevin stopped at a great coffee shop/pizzaria/souvenir shop on the way to and from the park; talked to us about some of the villages we passed through, and was all around knowledgeable and friendly.
Yes, it’s a bumpy road but you’re in a national park, it should be expected.
Highly recommend the hour boat tour add on.
The bagged lunch was meh. I recommend grabbing something from your hotel or the coffee shop on the way.
Heather_R, Dec 2025
Great national park! Our driver/guide Kevin was wonderful and knowledgeable. Vehicle had popped top and plenty of tech to keep you charged and photo ready. Saw 4 or the big 5 plus a plethora of other animals.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for this review. We are glad Kevin’s knowledge and guidance made the safari memorable, contributing to seeing four out of the big five. Thank you for appreciating the pop-up roof vehicle and accessories, which are meant for safari experience maximisation. We look forward to hosting you again.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Raul_G, Nov 2025
Excellent day tour of Akagera park. Possibly once-in-a-lifetime, completely worth it if you have the opportunity.
Our guide and driver Kevin was highly professional, informative, personalble and had a positive attitude, and just being "real". He had a skill for spotting animals even while driving the huge park.
We saw elephants, giraffes, nile crocs, hippo, warthogs, antelope, babbon, gazelles, bush babies(?) , many birds, white rhino, and an elusive black rhino. We also took the 1hr boat, very glad we did, also a good break from the SUV.
Park staff also were friendly.
Pickup from our Kigali hotel was right on time and easy. Pre-trip communications were easy and accurate via Whatsapp with Countryside Tours. Would do again, and highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for the appreciation of the services by Countryside Tours-Rwanda team and Driver-guide Kevin. Thank you also for the recommendation of our services. It was our pleasure to be at your service and wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Kelly_A, Nov 2025
I had a wonderful experience on this tour! My tour guide/driver was Kevin and he was very respectful, kind, a great driver, and amazing at spotting animals! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, monkeys, buffalo, beautiful birds, and more. I highly recommend booking this tour and going with Kevin!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for appreciating our services. Thanks to Driver-guide Kevin as well for making the safari a memorable one, with the enumerated sightings. We were happy to serve you and wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Karen_K, Aug 2025
Jean Bosco was a wonderful guide! We saw so many different animals and learned so much about the animals, Akagera National Park and Rwanda. Would definitely recommend Jean Bosco and the tour- must see while you’re in Kigali!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for appreciating Jean Bosco’s services towards the safari success. Thank you also for the recommendation of the trip. We are happy to have served you and wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Kavisha_M, Aug 2025
Jean Bosco was excellent!! He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we had phenomenal experience!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Good day dear Guest!
We are appreciative for this review and the appreciation of Jean Bosco. We will be happy to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Frank_G, Jul 2025
Absolutely amazing experience! Jean Paul was the best tour guide ever. On time, efficient driver and knew just where all the critters in the wild were! Made it a fun game to find them. Would go again.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for this feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience and the sightings with Jean Paul. It was a pleasure to host you, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Peter_B, Feb 2025
This was a fantastic day out. Our driver (Amor?) picked us up early in Kigali and drove us to Akagera. His knowledge of the park and animals helped us see just about everything we'd hoped for.
Going around the park he pointed out everything for us before a short break for the tasty lunch with a view.
Then we continued through the park taking loads of photos of all the animals encountered. Then the bonus just as we exited the park was a black rhino with her baby just by the exit.
It all made for an unforgettable day. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for the appreciation of the services received by Countryside Tours-Rwanda and Driver-guide Amour.
Thank you also for the recommendation of the trip. It was our pleasure to be at your service and wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Won_H, Oct 2024
We were a little disappointed in the vehicle but Jon Paul made the trip worth while. The ride was very bumpy but we did get some shots of a number of wild animals though no lions or elephants were spotted. Was worth the time and money.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for the appreciation of the safari. It was our pleasure to be at your service and the thanks also go to Driver-guide Jean Paul who managed to get the safari successful as well. For precaution, we inspect our vehicles before deploying them for trips and that one had been inspected as well. However, the road conditions and the unforeseen sometimes happen, leading to possible issues here and there. We thank you for your understanding during the trip.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Jacob_B, Oct 2024
This was among the best tours I have ever taken and the experience at the park was almost spiritual. My guide, Ben, was so knowledgeable, affable, and thorough that we managed to see four of "the big five"!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for the appreciation of the safari. It was our pleasure to be at your service. The thanks also go to Driver-guide Ben for his contribution to the safari success.
With Us, You Explore Better!
David_M, Jul 2024
Incredible trip! Our guide Jean Paul was highly knowledgeable, friendly, and helped us to have an amazing safari experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Good day dear Guest!
We are really pleased that we have served you and that you were happy of our service, especially with our guide Jean Paul. We equally appreciate for this positive review and are looking forward to welcoming you some time again..
With Us, You Explore Better!
Aelis_S, Jul 2024
Our tour guide, Ben, was so kind, knowledgeable, and reliable. We were comfortable for the entire day in and out of the vehicle. Opting for the boat ride was a good choice! We learned a lot about the history of the park and it's biodiversity.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Good day dear Guest!
We are happy to have served you and are pleased that you were happy of the Cool One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with Daily Departures, with Ben. We are equally grateful for this review.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Cecilia_P, Jun 2024
I had a great time in Akagera Park. I saw plenty of giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, deers, hippopotamus, buffaloes, crocodiles, different birds, some monkeys, and a lion and an elephant from afar. And it’s dry season and animals do hide from the sun. Jean Bosco was fantastic, he really went out of his way to find as many animals as possible. I really adore giraffes and Jean made it possible to get very close to one. It was MAGIC! 🥰
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for the review. We are pleased that you had a great time with interesting sightings including the adorable giraffes. Thanks go to Jean Bosco as well for his efforts.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Wendy_P, Jun 2024
John Paul was an excellent guide and the boat ride was well worth the extra money as we saw a lot of wildlife we might not have seen otherwise. Crocodiles and hippos, eagles and snake birds, and a couple of elephants at the edge of the water who had come to drink.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you so much for this feedback and the recommendation. You are right, the boat ride spices the safari for its success. We pass the thanks to Jean Paul as well for his service.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Wendy_J, Jun 2024
great time, great guide, very nice. saw a lot of the animals. food was good. it you don't have a lot of time to see things it is good
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you so much for this feedback. We are happy that you enjoyed the experience and wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Mark_M, Jun 2024
I had an amazing time with my guide, Ben. He was a fantastic companion -- highly knowledgeable and also amazing at finding animals. We saw lions, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, buffaloes, rhinos, baboons, and even an elephant, plus an amazing variety of birds. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you so much for this review and the recommendation. We are happy that you had interesting sightings with Driver-Guide Ben. We wish to host you again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Kelly_P, May 2024
Jean Paul was an excellent guide! He did his best to find as many animals as possible. We saw baboons, giraffe, zebra, hippo, lion, gazelle, topi, rhinos, and more! This tour isn’t for those with motion sickness as the drive there, in the park, and after are full of windy bumpy roads.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you so much for this review and the feedback. We are happy that you enjoyed the different sightings in Akagera National Park. We wish to host you some time again in the future.
With Us, You Explore Better!
lodie_P, May 2024
During this One Day trip in Akagera, I had the opportunity to discover some of the famous « big five ». The expérience was excellent, the Park is gorgeous and my driver and guide: JP did its best to find the animals (and it works, especially when he didn’t give up to find the elephants :))
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
We are appreciative for this review and the feedback. We are also happy that you sighted the big five, spicing more on the enjoyment of the experience.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Tom_M, Apr 2024
We had an absolutely wonderful time with a tremendous guide. He was so kind and thoughtful and was absolutely in no hurry as we enjoyed the travel through the park to see the many animals. He was also a very safe driver.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you for this valuable feedback. We are [pleased that you had an enjoyable safari as we always strive to offer the best and the most for our guests.
With Us, You Explore Better!
Annie_Q, Dec 2023
It was such a wonderful experience and we saw 4 out of The Big 5. Our guide Anaclet is very professional in his job. He provided a lot of information to us and is very patient too. He tried his best to show us as many animals as possible.
NURDANDULUSOY, Nov 2023
Jean Paul was amazing!! From the minute we entered the park until the very end he tried to spot the animals for us. And we saw them all except for the lion!!
Fernando_G, Oct 2023
An amazing excursion to Akagera, totally worth it, even if just to enjoy the incredible scenery. Our tour driver, Ben Alfa, was absolutely brilliant. He went above and beyond to make sure we got the best views, showed us his favourite spots, made it really personal, and even helped fellow travellers that got stuck. He is the absolute best.
PATRICIA_J, Sep 2023
Ben now a/k/a “Ben Miami Beach” is an awesome guide. He is vibrant and educated about Rwanda’s history, it’s people, the different animal species inside the park and their behaviors, not to mention Ben’s tenacious desire to please his clients. We told Ben we wanted to see the lions and Ben kept trying to find the lions in the park….until we found the lions. I highly recommend this Safari AND please ask for Ben Miami Beach. We are absolutely satisfied!!!
Kayle_S, Jul 2023
The team is great! My friend and I didn't realize we'd booked solo trips and they let us go together. Jean Pierre was a great guide Olivier was fabulous at answering all my questions beforehand.
Shlomit_B, Jul 2023
Anactel and Anita did everything in order for us to feel the real spirit of the safari. Fully recommend this tour.
Timothy_H, Apr 2023
Safari company was very helpful in making adjustments for our ever changing group. Also did an extensive search for some lost items and found them!! We had an energized driver who did all he could to help see as many exotic animals as possible.
Viator was helpful with real-life agents!
Limin J, Oct 2019
We got to see hippos and elephants among many other interesting animals in the park. Everybody was very nice and professional. We had a great time.
Response from Host, Oct 2019
Good day dear Limin J! We appreciate for this positive review. We are really pleased to have been with you and we are looking forward to welcoming you again to this #CountryofThousandHills, #Rwanda. With Us, You Explore Better!
Fabrice_D, Aug 2024
L'écoute et le professionnalisme du guide nous ont séduit plus que tout. Toutefois nous suggérons de trouver une procédure de paiement unique (à un seul point) quitte à procéder à des vérification à la réception du parc. Aujourd'hui on y perd beaucoup de temps.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Good day dear Guest!
Thank you so much for this review and the suggestion of improvement. We are sorry for the inconvenience. In the high season (Beginning June to end August), Akagera has the highest numbers of visitors, hence, long queues for different services. We have contacted them and the good thing is that it is now possible to pre-pay Akagera entry fee with their online credit card link, available upon request.
We wish you a nice time.
With Us, You Explore Better!
From $196.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4
142
15 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$196.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Extreme Sports
- Full-day Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Bus Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Day Trips
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Kigali
- Sporting Events - Ruhengeri
- Extreme Sports - Ruhengeri
- Full-day Tours - Ruhengeri
- 4WD Tours - Ruhengeri
- Bus Tours - Ruhengeri
- Sporting Events - Butare
- Extreme Sports - Butare
- 4WD Tours - Butare
- Bus Tours - Butare
- Sporting Events - Kabale
- Extreme Sports - Kabale
- 4WD Tours - Kabale
Attractions in Kigali, Rwanda
More attractions near Kigali, Rwanda