Itinerary of 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari

Day 1: Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit & Transfer to Akagera National Park

Begin your journey with a relaxed morning and depart your hotel at 9:00 AM for a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and educational site that offers deep insight into the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. After this moving experience, continue your journey eastward toward Akagera National Park. Along the way, enjoy a pleasant stop at the Imigongo Art Centre and Café, where you can stretch your legs, admire unique traditional artworks, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious lunch. You may also sample a freshly brewed cup of local Rwandan coffee if you wish.

You are expected to arrive at Akagera National Park by around 2:00 PM, where you’ll complete park entry registration and then check in at Akagera Game Lodge. After settling in, embark on a short afternoon game drive, your first introduction to Rwanda’s savannah wildlife. Journey through the park’s open landscapes and make your way to Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park and second-largest in Rwanda. Here, you’ll enjoy a scenic sunset boat ride, observing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the shore. After the boat ride, return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation and your overnight stay.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Start your day with an early breakfast and be ready by 7:30 AM for pick-up by your Universal Ventures Rwanda driver-guide for a full-day wildlife adventure. With your picnic lunch packed, set off on a comprehensive game drive through Akagera National Park, exploring its diverse ecosystems and searching for the incredible wildlife that calls it home. This includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and countless other species that roam freely across the savannah.

You may also have the chance to spot lions and black rhinos, both of which have been successfully reintroduced after many years of absence. While their numbers are still relatively small and sightings are not guaranteed—especially with the elusive nature of black rhinos—your experienced guide will do their best to locate them. Enjoy spectacular views of Akagera’s numerous lakes, woodlands, and rolling hills as you traverse the park. After a full day of wildlife discovery, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu with Cultural Experience En Route

After breakfast, check out from the lodge and depart Akagera by 9:00 AM, heading west toward Lake Kivu. On the way, enjoy a stop in Musanze, where you’ll participate in an enriching Rwandan cultural tour. Learn about traditional Rwandan life, including ancient practices like herbal medicine, cultural dance, traditional weddings, and local crafts. After the cultural experience and lunch in Musanze, continue your journey to Gisenyi, a charming lakeside town along the shores of Lake Kivu. Spend your evening unwinding by the lake, enjoying the serene views and cool breeze before settling in for the night.

Day 4: Lake Kivu Exploration & Optional Coffee or Tea Tour

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Lake Kivu and enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding a boat ride to explore the lake’s islands. Enjoy fresh, locally prepared lunch—often featuring delicious fish straight from the lake—while soaking in the scenery. Afterward, visit the hot springs, where you can experience a traditional healing massage with mineral-rich water. Time permitting, you may also opt to take a coffee or tea plantation tour, where you’ll learn how Rwanda’s famous beans are grown, harvested, and transformed from farm to cup. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a visit to the Rwanda–DRC border, a symbolic and scenic stop. Return to your lodge in the evening for your final night by the lake.

Day 5: Return to Kigali with City Walk & Market Visit

Enjoy a relaxed morning and check out of the hotel by 10:00 AM. Begin your drive back to Kigali, with a mid-way stop for lunch. Upon arrival in the capital in the afternoon, check in at your hotel for a brief rest or refresh. Later in the day, enjoy a guided city walk through Kimironko Market, one of Kigali’s most vibrant local markets. Shop for souvenirs, handmade crafts, and locally made gifts while experiencing the lively local atmosphere. After your market visit, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the evening or to the airport, depending on your onward travel plans—concluding your unforgettable 5-day Akagera and Lake Kivu safari and culture tour.