The 6 Days Discover Rwanda Wildlife and Lake Kivu safari is an exciting journey combining wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences and relaxation on the shores of one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Your adventure takes you from Kigali to the wildlife-rich plains of Akagera National Park, followed by a scenic journey to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. You will enjoy guided game drives, a boat experience, spectacular views, lakeside relaxation and opportunities to discover Rwanda’s vibrant culture. Akagera’s savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes support a diverse range of wildlife, while Lake Kivu offers beautiful scenery, islands and opportunities for boating and other outdoor activities.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Silverback Tour representative and introduced to your professional safari guide. After a short briefing, you will begin your journey towards Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda. The drive takes you through the beautiful countryside, where rolling hills, cultivated farmland and rural communities create impressive views along the way. As you approach Akagera, the landscape gradually changes from Rwanda’s densely settled highlands to open savannah, woodland and wetland environments. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an introductory game drive as you enter the park or relax at your lodge overlooking the surrounding wilderness. You will have dinner and spend the night preparing for a full day of wildlife exploration on the following day.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast, you will set out for a full-day Akagera National Park wildlife safari, exploring one of Rwanda’s most important protected areas. Your experienced guide will take you across different sections of the park in search of wildlife, with opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and other species. Lions and rhinoceroses are also among the wildlife that can be encountered in Akagera, which has undergone major conservation and reintroduction efforts. You will enjoy a packed lunch or lodge lunch depending on the day’s programme, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing. The afternoon game drive continues through the savannah plains and around the park’s lakes and wetlands, where birdlife is particularly abundant. You will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner, relaxation and another peaceful night in the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Lake Ihema Boat Safari and Transfer to Lake Kivu
You will begin the morning with breakfast before enjoying another memorable wildlife experience in Akagera, a boat safari on Lake Ihema. From the water, you can observe hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species around the lake’s shoreline and wetlands. Boat excursions on Akagera’s lakes provide a different perspective from a traditional game drive and are particularly rewarding for wildlife and bird enthusiasts. After the boat experience, you will depart Akagera and begin the scenic drive towards Lake Kivu, passing through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and rural communities. The journey allows you to appreciate the changing scenery as you travel towards the western part of the country. Upon reaching Lake Kivu, you will check into your accommodation and have time to relax beside the lake, enjoy the views and unwind after the journey.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Moriah Bay Resort
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Explore Lake Kivu and Lakeside Activities
After breakfast, you will dedicate the day to discovering the beauty of Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most popular scenic destinations. The lake forms part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is known for its islands, inlets, beaches and spectacular surrounding landscapes. You will enjoy a guided boat excursion across the lake, giving you opportunities to appreciate the shoreline, islands and surrounding hills from the water. Depending on your preferred activities and local conditions, you may also enjoy kayaking, a lakeside walk, cycling or simply relaxing at the resort. Lake Kivu is well suited to combining adventure with relaxation, making this a refreshing break after your wildlife safari. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the lake before returning to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Moriah Bay Resort
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Lake Kivu to Kigali and Kigali City Experience
After breakfast, you will leave the shores of Lake Kivu and begin your journey back towards Kigali. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, with numerous opportunities to appreciate the country’s characteristic hills, agricultural landscapes and rural communities. Upon reaching Kigali, you will enjoy a guided Kigali city tour introducing you to the capital’s modern character, cultural attractions and lively neighbourhoods. Depending on your schedule, you may visit a local craft centre, market or other cultural attraction before enjoying some free time in the city. Rwanda is known for its clean and green capital, while Kigali also provides opportunities to discover local art, cuisine and contemporary culture. In the evening, you will check into your hotel, enjoy dinner and relax before your departure the following day.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and prepare for your departure from Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax at the hotel or visit a local craft shop for last-minute souvenirs. Your Silverback Tour representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. The journey to the airport marks the conclusion of your 6 Days Discover Rwanda Wildlife and Lake Kivu Safari. During the safari, you will have experienced Rwanda’s diverse wildlife, explored the savannah landscapes of Akagera National Park and relaxed beside the scenic waters of Lake Kivu. You will depart with memorable experiences of Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife and welcoming communities. Silverback Tour hopes to welcome you again for another exciting Rwanda safari holiday.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Included in the Safari
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4WD safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Akagera National Park entrance fees
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Lake Kivu boat experience
- Kigali city tour
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Excluded from the Safari
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry and telephone charges
- Alcoholic beverages and other premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.