Explore

EAT, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE

Only the best make the list.

GAME DRIVES IN AKAGERA

No matter which part of the park you visit, there is always something to see. From the Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino) to the smaller creatures that call Akagera home. The park has an abundance of animals including a range of antelopes such Topi, Eland, Roan and Impala. You can also view Zebra, Maasai Giraffe, Bush Buck and Baboon up close.

BIRDING

Akagera National Park is the best place in Rwanda for birding with more than 500 species calling the park home. Whilst on safari in the park, take advantage of every opportunity to spot species endemic to Rwanda and those visiting from abroad. Keep a close eye on the park's many lakes for species as varied at the Pied Kingfisher, Fish Eagle, Grey Crowned Cranes, Open Billed Stork, Cormorant, as well as the Egret. If you're especially lucky, you may even find the elusive Shoebill in the northern swamps of the park.

COMMUNITY FARMING WALK

Enjoy a glimpse into farming life in the beautiful Eastern Province of Rwanda that borders the park. Take a personal and guided tour, interact with the local communities and meet the friendly traditional long-horned cows. Be sure to bring your camera to take photos of this incredible experience. Cost: $35 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 2 hours

BOATING IN AKAGERA

The boat safari is one of the best ways to see the beauty of central Africa's largest protected wetland system. The hour long trip on Lake Ihema - Rwanda's second largest - will leave you in awe of the vast array of birdlife, hippos and crocodiles. Sighting of Leopard and Elephant are not uncommon on the journey, so be sure to take your binoculars or request a pair from the lodge reception before you set off. Please note that bookings are made directly with Akagera National Park Management.

NATURE WALK

Join our experienced staff for a journey by foot along the southern most edge of Akagera National Park. Learn about the history of the area, the native plants and animals and meet the community members engaged in bee keeping, making handicrafts and farming. This two hour walk is a great way to explore everyday life in Rwanda's Eastern Province, and the views will take your breath away. Cost: $30 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 2 hours

TRADITIONAL CANOEING

Join local fishermen for a canoeing on a nearby lake and learn the traditional techniques for catching fish. You'll get up close and personal with spectacular birdlife and enjoy the calm waters. The lake is just ten minutes drive from the lodge and the canoeing is offered as one and two hour options. Cost: $25 or $35 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 1 or 2 hours

WALK THE LINE

Hike along the electric fence that was erected to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and see how people and wildlife live side by side harmoniously. A word of caution though, avoid a small electric shock by not touching the wire mesh during your walk. Cost: $25 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 1 hr 30 mins

LOCAL MARKET & CUISINE

One of the best ways to spend your afternoon at Akagera Rhino Lodge is to meet the local community. We will introduce you to a family that will guide you on how to shop for the right ingredients and how to make a delicious local meal. You won’t forget savouring the local cuisine you made yourself. Cost: $40 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 3 hours

MAKE LOCAL BEER & HONEY

Learn how to make beer out of banana, locally known as “Urwagwa”. Hope it’s not a mouthful to you! After that, the community of beekeepers is waiting for you. You will be excited as they show you how bees skilfully enter a locally made beehive, and how honey is harvested without jeopardising the life of the rightful owners (the bees). You will also learn how honey is treated and preserved for safe consumption by humans. Cost: $35 per person (min, 2 people) Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins

GREATER NYAGAKONJI HALF-DAY TOUR

Climbing up and down the cliffs of Nyagakonji hills is a rewarding experience for adventure enthusiasts. The half-day tour is a chance to explore this beautiful part of the world, understand its history and meet the locals who call it home. Enjoy a packed lunch while watching or even dancing with the community. If that’s not enough for you to get reinvigorated, canoeing on a traditional fishing boat in Lake Gishanda, at a minimal fee can be arranged. To ensure the community directly benefits from your visit, half of the fee paid is given to the community and the dancers. Cost: $60 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: Half day

KARAMA’S HERITAGE TOUR

This private guided tour of the community living in the south of the park offers an in-depth account of life in the neighbourhoods. Meet Joseph Karama who, with more than 13 years of working experience in community and game reserves, will combine the knowledge of the past and current life to make your stay at Akagera Rhino Lodge the most distinctive in your life. Joseph is endowed with expert cultural and nature interpretation born out of a lifetime of working and living around parks and guiding groups of international guests. Note that these tours are booked in advance and only offered on weekends. Cost: $80 per person Duration: 4 hours Availability: Weekends with 7 day advance booking

MUNINI-NDEGO BIKE TRAIL

The lodge organizes riding tours using local bicycles that take you through the breathtaking scenery of the rocky ridges at the southern tip of Akagera National Park, along the plains of the lakes that make a trio in the east: Ihema, Nasho and Kibare. The Rhino Lodge provides the bicycles, helmets, water, and snacks. Guests are encouraged to bring their own suitable clothing, including jackets, sunscreens, sunglasses and camera. Cost: $40 per person (min. 2 people) Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins