Discover Rwanda Beyond the Gorillas – Where Untamed Wildlife Meets Lakeside Luxury
Experience the Rwanda few travelers ever discover.
While Rwanda is celebrated worldwide for its mountain gorillas, another extraordinary adventure awaits beyond the mist-covered volcanoes. Venture into the country’s only Big Five safari destination, where lions once lost to history now roam freely again, where black rhinos have returned to reclaim their homeland, and where elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and countless antelope thrive across breathtaking savannah landscapes.
Then leave the wilderness behind and journey to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, where emerald hills meet crystal-clear waters, fishing boats drift across golden sunsets, and every evening invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply admire nature’s beauty.
Our 7-Day Akagera Big Five & Lake Kivu Safari is carefully designed for travelers seeking an elegant blend of wildlife, relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, family holiday, or simply fulfilling a lifelong dream of exploring Africa, this unforgettable journey offers the perfect balance of adventure and luxury.
With Amethyst Wild Safaris handling every detail—from your airport welcome to expertly guided game drives—you can relax knowing your safari is in the hands of experienced professionals committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable memories.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
This carefully curated itinerary combines Rwanda’s finest wildlife experiences with peaceful lakeside relaxation, giving you the very best of the country’s remarkable diversity.
Safari Highlights
- Experience thrilling Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Discover one of Africa’s greatest wildlife conservation success stories
- Enjoy a scenic boat safari on beautiful Lake Ihema
- Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species
- Learn about Rwanda’s groundbreaking conservation initiatives
- Relax on the pristine shores of Lake Kivu
- Enjoy optional kayaking, coffee experiences, boat excursions, and cultural encounters
- Explore Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities
- Stay in carefully selected luxury safari lodges and lakeside accommodations
- Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced professional guide
Safari Overview
This remarkable seven-day safari showcases two completely different sides of Rwanda. Begin your adventure in vibrant Kigali before heading east to Akagera National Park, where vast savannah plains, wetlands, lakes, rolling hills, and woodlands create one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
Spend three unforgettable days exploring Rwanda’s only Big Five national park through expertly guided game drives and a spectacular boat safari on Lake Ihema. Then travel across the breathtaking “Land of a Thousand Hills” to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, where scenic landscapes, warm hospitality, and tranquil waters provide the perfect conclusion to your African adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda – Arrival in Kigali
Your unforgettable journey begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a professional Amethyst Wild Safaris guide will warmly welcome you. Known as one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most progressive cities, Kigali offers an inspiring introduction to Rwanda’s remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a private guided city tour featuring some of Kigali’s most significant attractions.
Visit the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial for a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, browse local artisan markets filled with handcrafted souvenirs, or stroll through stylish neighborhoods where contemporary cafés, art galleries, and cultural centers showcase modern Rwanda.As evening falls, enjoy dinner at one of Kigali’s outstanding restaurants before settling into your carefully selected hotel. Take this opportunity to relax after your international flight and prepare for the exciting safari ahead.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel | The Retreat by Heaven
- Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines | Lemigo Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Days 2–4: Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five Paradise
After breakfast, depart Kigali and journey east toward the spectacular landscapes of Akagera National Park. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, picturesque villages, and fertile farmland before arriving at the country’s premier wildlife destination. Akagera is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.
Once heavily affected by human settlement, the park has undergone an extraordinary transformation through dedicated conservation efforts that successfully reintroduced lions and black rhinos after decades of absence.Today, it proudly stands as one of Africa’s finest Big Five safari destinations. Over the next three days, immerse yourself in an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Your experienced safari guide will lead you across Akagera’s diverse habitats in search of remarkable wildlife.Expect opportunities to encounter:African lions,leopards,black rhinos,elephants,cape buffaloes,Masai giraffes,zebras,topis,elands,waterbucks,impalas,oribis,bushbucks,warthogs,hyenas,olive baboons,hippos,crocodiles and many more. Every game drive is unique, with changing landscapes and exciting wildlife encounters around every corner.
Whether watching elephants gather at a watering hole, observing a pride of lions resting beneath acacia trees, or photographing elegant giraffes silhouetted against the African sunrise, every moment becomes a treasured memory.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
One of the highlights of your stay is a relaxing boat safari along beautiful Lake Ihema.Drift quietly past enormous pods of hippos, basking Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking along the shoreline, and hundreds of colorful bird species.The calm waters provide exceptional photography opportunities while your guide shares fascinating insights into Akagera’s rich ecosystems.
Behind the Conservation Story
This safari offers more than incredible wildlife sightings.Learn how Rwanda has become an international conservation success through pioneering wildlife protection initiatives, anti-poaching programs, and successful lion and rhino reintroductions.Understanding these remarkable achievements makes every wildlife encounter even more meaningful.Each evening, return to your safari lodge where delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and spectacular sunset views await.
Relax around the campfire while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness beneath star-filled skies.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Magashi Camp | Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 5–6: Lake Kivu – Rwanda’s Hidden Paradise
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel across Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside toward the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience.Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda offers endless panoramas of emerald mountains, terraced farms, vibrant villages, and winding roads that reveal spectacular scenery around every bend. Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, you’ll immediately notice the peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike many of Africa’s busier tourist destinations, Lake Kivu remains wonderfully uncrowded, allowing visitors to experience authentic tranquility and genuine hospitality. Spend two leisurely days enjoying the lake at your own pace.
Optional Activities Include:
- Sunrise kayaking across calm waters
- Scenic boat cruises to nearby islands
- Coffee plantation visits
- Guided village walks
- Swimming in the lake’s clear waters
- Cycling through lakeside communities
- Relaxing on sandy beaches
- Birdwatching
- Photography excursions
As evening approaches, enjoy spectacular sunsets that paint the sky with shades of gold, crimson, and violet. Whether you’re sipping freshly brewed Rwandan coffee on your private terrace, dining beside the lake, or simply listening to gentle waves lap against the shore, Lake Kivu offers the perfect setting to unwind after your wildlife adventure.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
- Mid-range: Paradise Kivu Resort | Cormoran Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Farewell Rwanda
Wake up to your final morning overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before taking one last stroll along the lakeshore or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.Later, begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for some final shopping or a leisurely lunch before your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport.
As your journey comes to an end, you’ll leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, inspiring conservation stories, and warm African hospitality. More than just a safari, this is a journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
What’s Included
Your safari package includes:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Private luxury 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Six nights’ accommodation
- Full-board meals throughout the safari
- All park entrance fees
- Unlimited scheduled game drives
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Lake Kivu activities as specified
- Kigali city tour
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Rwanda visa (where applicable)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Why Book With Amethyst Wild Safaris?
At Amethyst Wild Safaris, we believe every safari should be personal, authentic, and unforgettable.Our experienced guides know Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture intimately, ensuring every journey is tailored to your interests while maintaining the highest standards of safety, comfort, and professionalism.
From the moment you arrive until your departure, our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, seamless logistics, and genuine East African hospitality.Whether it’s finding a pride of lions at sunrise, positioning your vehicle for the perfect wildlife photograph, or recommending the best place to watch the sunset over Lake Kivu, every detail is thoughtfully planned to exceed your expectations.
Begin Your Rwanda Adventure Today
Some destinations inspire admiration, Rwanda transforms you.
From the thrilling excitement of tracking Africa’s iconic Big Five to the peaceful beauty of Lake Kivu’s shimmering shores, this 7-day safari promises experiences that few travelers ever have the privilege to enjoy.
Availability for Akagera lodges is limited, especially during peak safari seasons, and early reservations are highly recommended.
Contact us today to customize your safari, secure your preferred travel dates, and discover why Rwanda is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations. Your unforgettable adventure starts here.