For years, safari trips have been a staple activity for those looking to explore wildlife. Sarah, who works at an NGO in Lagos, decided she wanted to give it a try—but on her own terms. She wasn’t interested in an overly curated experience where a tour guide would dictate every step of her journey, from the airport pickup to the carefully selected sights. She wanted the freedom to explore at her own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and truly immerse herself in the adventure.
So, she went online, booked a hotel on Booking.com, packed her safari gear, and set off for Akagera National Park in Kigali, Rwanda. Without a tour guide to plan every detail, she relied on local advice, her instincts, and a bit of luck. The experience was both thrilling and unpredictable.
At one point, the tyre of her tour truck deflated in the middle of the park, leaving her momentarily stranded in the wilderness. But thanks to the kindness of fellow travellers, she was able to get back on track. Despite the challenges, she would wholeheartedly recommend this type of trip to anyone seeking a raw, unfiltered encounter with nature.
As-Told-To Dennis
I decided to visit Rwanda in 2022 as part of my holiday travels. Working for a NGO and being a passionate wildlife enthusiast, I saw Akagera National Park as the perfect destination. I was going to be there for less than a week.
In Nigeria, we only see wildlife in documentaries, so this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. Unlike most people, I decided to go on this safari without a travel guide. I wanted the raw, unfiltered experience of exploring nature on my own terms.
From the airport, I ordered an Uber to a hotel I had booked myself online. It was my driver who suggested Akagera National Park. He told me he could drive me there and I agreed.
This was my first time visiting Rwanda, and everything felt new and different. I got to meet people from various backgrounds and immerse myself in a completely different environment. One of the striking things about Rwanda was the respect for law and order—something that isn’t always common back home in Nigeria.
The entire experience was breathtaking. Seeing the Big Five—lion, cape buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard—was surreal. These animals were massive, nothing like what I had imagined from watching them on TV. I saw them up close. When the lion came close to my jeep, I burst into tears. I was both scared and enthralled all at once. Witnessing such majestic creatures in their natural habitat was something I will never forget.
However, not everything went smoothly. During our tour, our vehicle broke down, and though we had a spare tyre, it had no air in it. The terrain was rough—muddy and rocky—and we had no way to pump the tyre. There were zebras grazing nearby, and while we were assured it was safe, I still felt uneasy. Thankfully, another tour vehicle passed by and had an electric pump, which we used to inflate our tyres. That moment of uncertainty reminded me of the unpredictability of nature.
At one point, I was so shaken by the thought of encountering a lion up close that I told my group I was done with the trip. In the wild, you never know what you might come across next—lions, zebras, or even tigers roaming freely. It was both thrilling and terrifying.
Despite the challenges, I would absolutely recommend a safari trip to anyone who loves nature and wildlife. Exploring the wild comes with its own set of surprises, but it also offers the chance to support conservation efforts. There are so many endangered species in Nigeria, and it made me reflect on the importance of conservation projects.
The journey from Lagos to Kigali was a five-day adventure, though I did fall ill at some point. Still, it was a transformative experience—one that deepened my appreciation for wildlife and conservation. A safari trip is truly a gem, and I hope to return someday.
You can also go on your own Safari trip. Visa and Chipper Cash are offering an exclusive safari trip to Kenya for three lucky winners and three companions of their choice. To qualify, participants must spend at least $500 using their USD Chipper Card across a minimum of three transactions.
