Rwanda
A peaceful lake between the hills, then a savannah safari with the full Big Five
Rwanda
An unexpected side of Rwanda, a country associated above all with volcanoes and gorillas: Lake Kivu, one of Africa's most peaceful great lakes, lined with coffee plantations and sandy beaches, then Akagera National Park, savannah in the east of the country where lions and black rhinos have been reintroduced, reuniting the full Big Five on Rwandan soil.
When
June to Sept
Price
From 4 000€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
6 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
The first chapter unfolds on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's great lakes safe for swimming — no crocodiles or hippos live there, due to high levels of dissolved carbon dioxide at depth. The surrounding hills, covered in coffee and tea plantations, are explored by kayak or on a sunset cruise to small islands inhabited by fishermen.
Day 1
Kayaking on Lake Kivu
A kayak outing along the shores of Lake Kivu, between terraced coffee plantations and small fishing villages, with water safe enough for a swim at the end of the route.
Day 2
Sunset cruise
A late-afternoon cruise on Lake Kivu to small inhabited islands, with a stop to watch fishermen preparing their nets for the night's fishing, a local tradition accompanied by singing.
Days 1-2
East to Akagera National Park, whose ecological restoration led by African Parks since 2010 is considered a model on the continent: lions reintroduced in 2015, black rhinos in 2017, once again reuniting the Big Five. The park also holds Rwanda's largest population of hippos and crocodiles along Lake Ihema.
Day 1
Big Five safari
A transfer to Akagera and a first 4x4 safari in search of the Big Five, reunited thanks to the reintroduction programme running since 2015.
Day 2
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
A boat safari on Lake Ihema, home to Rwanda's highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles, before a final 4x4 safari at the end of the day.
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