Join Destination Expert Isabel on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda! From the rolling hills of Kigali to the wildlife-rich savannas of Akagera National Park, this adventure is packed with culture, conservation, and close encounters with nature. Spot the Big Five on safari, cruise across Lake Ihema, and dive into the vibrant art, history, and markets of Rwanda’s capital. This journey offers a powerful glimpse into the heart and soul of one of Africa’s most inspiring destinations. 

Greetings from Rwanda! I’m Isabel, one of the Africa specialists at SA Expeditions – follow along as I take you through my recent trip across Rwanda, alongside fellow Destination Expert Megan! 

A Wild Welcome to Akagera 

After a night in Kigali — famously known as the capital of many hills — we set off in the morning to our first destination: Akagera National Park. Located just 2.5 hours from Kigali and bordering Tanzania, Akagera is Rwanda’s only big game park and the only place in the country where you can spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, Cape buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. It’s also central Africa’s largest protected wetland and serves as the last refuge for savanna-adapted species in Rwanda. 

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Our stay in Akagera National Park and our first elephant encounter! (Photo: Isabel Falls)

Once we arrived at the park entrance gate, our guide Anderson popped the roof of our safari vehicle, and we embarked on our first mini game drive of the trip! Within minutes, we spotted elephants and even hippos out of the water – which is quite rare during the day as they typically prefer to stay nice and cool in the water. We finally arrived at Ruzizi Tented Camp, a great base for exploring the camp over the next few days.  

One of the unique features of Akagera is the chance to enjoy a night game drive, which isn’t possible in many other parks. That evening, we were joined by a guide from the National Park who took us out in search of nocturnal wildlife. With a spotlight sweeping across the savanna, we caught glimpses of elephants, rhinos, and of course, a few impalas. At times, our guide would switch off the engine so we could fully soak in the sounds of the night — it was quite magical! 

Chasing the Big Five in Akagera 

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We got the opportunity to witness Rwanda’s wildlife up close! (Photo: Isabel Falls)

After a delicious breakfast overlooking Lake Ihema, one of Rwanda’s largest lakes, we ventured out for a full day of game viewing! Many lodges give you the option to choose a morning game drive and evening game drive or to go out for the full day. Choosing a morning and evening game drive allows you to see animals when they are most active, which tends to be early mornings and late evenings, when the heat of the day is not as prevalent. However, if you have limited time, a full day safari is a nice option to maximize your time! Our lodge packed us a picnic lunch to enjoy, so that we could really make the most of the day. 

Throughout the day, we traversed a variety of landscapes, from more lush areas to open plains, which meant encountering a wide range of wildlife. We spotted elephants roaming in herds, along with several of their young! Along with giraffes eating their way through the treetops, and many impalas, seeking shade under the trees. And to round out our day, we say a pack of lions, lying in the grass, digesting after a big meal.  

One of the major highlights of Akagera is the opportunity to see the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. While nothing is ever guaranteed in the wild, part of the thrill is in the search. And with far fewer vehicles than in many other African parks, the experience felt deeply personal, as though we had the entire wilderness to ourselves.  

Elephants, Hippos, and a Boat Safari to Remember 

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Spotting wildlife a different way this time: by boat! (Photo: Isabel Falls)

Today, we say goodbye to Akagera National Park—but not before enjoying a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema. The lake was a stunning shade of blue, and the colors were incredibly vibrant as the morning light reflected off the water. You can also opt for a sunset boat safari; both offer unique and equally breathtaking experiences. 

We drove about 15 minutes to the dock, where we boarded one of the park’s small motorboats and headed out onto the lake with our local guide. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos. As we cruised along, we saw several hippo heads peeking out of the water and a few crocodiles basking on the shore. 

The lake is also an excellent place to spot large game, as many animals come to drink from its waters. We were lucky enough to see zebras and elephants grazing and drinking at the water's edge. It was incredibly special to experience such a unique and peaceful view of the elephants. 

As we continued our cruise, our guide pointed out several bird species—some endemic to the park, others common across Africa. Whether you're an avid birder or just a curious traveler, the lake has so much to offer. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! 

Exploring Culture and Community in Kigali 

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Experiencing Kigali through its history and culture. (Photo: Isabel Falls)

After a few days in Akagera, we were welcomed back into the vibrant city of Kigali for a bit of sightseeing. We started our day by paying visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum - a must-see for anyone visiting Rwanda who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and resilience. The museum is incredibly impactful and full of information that really helps paint a picture of the struggles the country faced. 

After spending a few hours at the memorial, we stopped for lunch before heading to Kimironko Market, a bustling local hub where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs. We started at the front of the market, which is filled with food stalls and household items, and then weaved our way deeper inside—taking in the colorful chaos, rich smells, and vibrant atmosphere. Toward the back, we explored stalls offering traditional fabrics, hand-carved masks, jewelry, and clothing. 

Next, we made our way to the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a cooperative founded to support local women through craft and entrepreneurship. All profits from the goods sold go directly back to the women who create them. The shopping experience here was much calmer than the busy market, and we found beautifully crafted clothes, bags, and even handmade stuffed animals. 

Kigali also boasts a thriving and growing arts scene, so a stop at the Inema Art Center was a must. This gallery showcases the work of both Rwandan and pan-African artists, featuring everything from mixed media and sculptures to fashion, textiles, and bold, expressive paintings. There's even a cozy café on-site, perfect for a quick break between stops. 

Our day ended at The Retreat, our home for the night, where we had the chance to unwind and relax by the pool.