5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari and Culture Tour – Rwanda
Tour Overview of 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari & Culture Tour
Experience Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural richness on this 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari and Culture Tour. This journey combines thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park — Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five — with cultural discovery and relaxation along the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and authentic Rwandan heritage.
The tour begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, where you’ll explore its history and resilience through a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before heading to Akagera. In Akagera, enjoy breathtaking game drives through open plains, woodlands, and lakes, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and a variety of antelopes and bird species. Later, journey west to Lake Kivu, where you’ll experience Rwanda’s culture firsthand — from traditional performances and coffee tours to serene boat rides. This 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking both wildlife encounters and a deep cultural connection to Rwanda.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, begin your 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari and Culture Tour with a guided Kigali City Tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and local craft shops to understand Rwanda’s history and transformation. Enjoy lunch in the city, then depart for Akagera National Park, a 2.5-hour drive through beautiful countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax with views of the rolling savannah.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Mantis Akagera Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Rise early for a thrilling full-day game drive across Akagera’s diverse landscapes. Explore the northern and southern circuits of the park, home to Rwanda’s Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. You’ll also spot giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park surrounded by scenic views of Lake Ihema and lush wetlands. Your guide will share insights about the park’s conservation success story and wildlife behavior. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Mantis Akagera Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Cultural Tour
After breakfast, check out and begin your drive west toward Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s most beautiful freshwater lake. The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and small villages offering stunning countryside views. Arrive in Gisenyi (Rubavu) in time for lunch at your lakeside lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural tour, visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or a nearby community to experience Rwandan traditions — from drumming and dancing to craft-making and storytelling. In the evening, relax by the lake as the sun sets over the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide / Inzu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Lake Kivu Adventure & Coffee or Tea Tour
Wake up to the tranquil sounds of Lake Kivu and enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the water. Embark on a boat ride across Lake Kivu, visiting Napoleon Island and nearby fishing villages. Meet local fishermen and learn about their unique singing traditions used at night on the lake. Later, head to a coffee or tea plantation tour, where you’ll discover the fascinating process from cultivation to tasting. In the afternoon, unwind with optional activities such as swimming, kayaking, or visiting hot springs before dinner at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide / Inzu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali – City Walks & Local Market Visit
After breakfast, check out and start your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short city walk, visit local markets for souvenirs, or stop at a café for Rwandan coffee. Reflect on your 5-day adventure filled with wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty before being dropped off at Kigali International Airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Included in 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari & Cultural Tour
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entry fees and permits
- Full-day game drive in Akagera National Park
- Kigali city tour and cultural visits
- Boat ride on Lake Kivu
- Coffee or tea plantation tour
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Excluded in 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari & Cultural Tour
- International flights and visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, souvenirs)
- Porter or guide gratuities
End of Tour
Your 5 Days Akagera Big 5 Safari and Culture Tour concludes with lifelong memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural charm. From the golden plains of Akagera to the calm waters of Lake Kivu, every moment captures the heart of Rwanda — a country of beauty, resilience, and endless adventure.
End of 5 Days Big 5 Safari & Cultural Tour.
Starting from US $ 2,420 per person
Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.
| No of People | Up To | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | $ 2420 |
| 2 | – | $ 1200 |
| 3 | – | $ 800 |
| 4 | – | $ 680 |
| 5 | – | $ 590 |
| 6 | – | $ 500 |
| 7 | 15 | $ 470 |
