Private • Rwanda
7 Days Rwanda Fishing Safari
Nile perch, tilapia, and tiger fish across Rwanda's lakes and rivers
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 7 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Experience the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife on this 7 Days Rwanda Fishing Safari. Discover some of Rwanda's most scenic lakes and national parks as you enjoy guided fishing excursions, exciting wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. Fish on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kivu and the tranquil Lake Muhazi, explore the savannahs of Akagera National Park, and trek through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the rare golden monkeys.
This safari is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a unique way to experience Rwanda's incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. From peaceful lakes and rolling hills to unforgettable wildlife encounters, every day offers a new adventure in the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Highlights
What you'll experience
Dawn sessions on Lake Kivu
Before the fishing boats from Gisenyi push out, you are already on the water in a wooden pirogue, the air cool enough to see your breath, watching a malachite kingfisher work the reed margin twenty metres ahead.
Tiger fish on the Akagera
The Akagera River — where it fans into papyrus-fringed channels along the Tanzania border — holds tiger fish that hit a lure like a collision. Your guide, Théoneste, fishes this stretch barefoot and reads the current by the way ibis land.
Crater lake fly-fishing at Burera
Lake Burera in the Virunga foothills is cold, clear, and rarely visited by anglers. Its trout respond to a dry fly at altitude with the same stubbornness as fish twice their latitude. The Musanze volcanoes smoke softly on the horizon.
Boat fishing for Nile perch on Ihema
Lake Ihema inside Akagera National Park is the largest lake in the park and holds Nile perch well over 20 kg. You fish from a flat-bottomed aluminium skiff while hippos grumble in the papyrus and African fish eagles call overhead.
Evening tilapia grilled over charcoal
Each evening your catch — or part of it — goes to the camp kitchen. The tilapia comes back charred, served with plantain and a cold Primus, eaten at a table set on the grass ten metres from the water.
Community fishing with Batwa guides
On day three, a Batwa fishing cooperative near Ruhondo shares traditional basket-trap techniques in the shallows. Half the catch goes back to the community kitchen; the lesson stays with you longer than any technique a charter boat can teach.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Rwanda's fishing circuits are almost entirely off the organised-tour map. We built this itinerary with guides who live alongside these waters year-round — people whose knowledge of current, season, and species runs generations deep.
Guides who know the water, not the brochure
Théoneste has fished Lake Burera since he was eight. Pacifique holds one of only a handful of licensed fishing permits inside Akagera. Neither of them learned their craft in a training room.
Private itinerary, six guests maximum
Every departure runs privately. Your pace, your preferred technique, your morning alarm. We do not combine groups and we do not hurry lunch.
Conservation-aware catch practice
We follow national park regulations on catch limits inside Akagera, encourage catch-and-release on the crater lakes, and direct a share of trip fees to the Ruhondo Batwa Fishing Cooperative.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Kigali to Lake Burera — The First Cast at Altitude
Experience an unforgettable 7-day fishing safari through Rwanda, where spectacular lakes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery come together to create an extraordinary adventure. Fish the pristine waters of Lake Kivu and Lake Muhazi, encounter the playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. This unique safari perfectly combines fishing, wildlife photography, nature, and relaxation, offering an authentic experience in the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey. If time permits, you may explore Kigali City, visit local craft markets, or enjoy a taste of Rwanda's vibrant culture and cuisine.
Accommodation: Kigali
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Lake Kivu – Fishing Adventure
After an early breakfast, depart for the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes and one of Rwanda's most scenic destinations. Surrounded by rolling green hills, Lake Kivu offers excellent fishing opportunities and stunning landscapes.
Join experienced local fishermen as you head out onto the calm waters in search of species such as tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, the peaceful atmosphere makes for a rewarding fishing experience. Along the way, capture breathtaking photographs of the lake, nearby islands, and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Trekking
After breakfast, travel to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey Trekking experience. These rare and endangered primates are known for their playful nature and striking golden-orange fur.
Follow experienced park guides through the bamboo forests as you observe and photograph the lively monkeys in their natural habitat. After the trek, relax while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Virunga Mountains, making this an ideal opportunity for nature photography.
Accommodation: Near Volcanoes National Park
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Akagera National Park – Fishing and Wildlife Photography
Following breakfast, journey to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah national park and home to the famous Big Five. Spend the day enjoying a unique combination of fishing and wildlife photography along the park's lakes and waterways. Cast your fishing line while keeping an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and numerous bird species that inhabit the wetlands. The beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife provide endless opportunities for memorable photographs.
Accommodation: Akagera National Park
Meals · Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Akagera National Park – Game Drive and Fishing Experience
Wake up early for a thrilling morning game drive across the park's diverse ecosystems. Search for lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, and many other wildlife species as the animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day.
In the afternoon, continue your fishing adventure on one of the park's lakes. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while trying your luck at catching a variety of freshwater fish. This combination of wildlife viewing and fishing makes for an unforgettable safari experience.
Accommodation: Akagera National Park
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Lake Muhazi – Fishing and Scenic Relaxation
Today, travel to the peaceful shores of Lake Muhazi, one of Rwanda's hidden gems. Surrounded by lush hills and picturesque countryside, the lake offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere ideal for fishing and nature lovers.
Spend the day fishing in its tranquil waters while taking in the beautiful scenery. As evening approaches, capture spectacular sunset photographs as the golden light reflects across the calm lake, creating one of Rwanda's most beautiful landscapes.
Accommodation: Lake Muhazi
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Departure – Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief city tour or some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable 7-day Rwanda Fishing Safari to a memorable close.
Meals · Breakfast
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- All accommodation as specified (6 nights)
- All meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Private ground transport throughout in a 4WD vehicle
- All fishing guiding fees and guide gratuities
- Fishing equipment — rods, reels, lures, fly lines — available on request or bring your own
- Akagera National Park entry fees and fishing permit fees
- Pirogue and skiff hire on Lakes Kivu and Ihema
- Community fishing session with Ruhondo Batwa Cooperative (contribution to cooperative included)
- All park and concession fees along the route
- Kigali airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
12 years (younger children on private departures by prior arrangement)
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags recommended for vehicle packing. Hard-shell cases can be stored at your Kigali hotel.
First Group Event
Welcome briefing and gear check at the Kigali pick-up point, Day 1 at 07:00
Last Group Event
Arrival at Kigali International Airport or city hotel, Day 7 by approximately 15:00
Guaranteed Departures
All departures are private and guaranteed from a party of two.
Alternate Sightseeing
Fishing is weather- and permit-dependent inside Akagera. In the rare event of park closure, an alternative wetland session outside the park will be arranged at no extra cost.