Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination, located in the eastern part of the country near the Tanzanian border. Covering approximately 1,122 square kilometers, the park combines open grasslands, woodland, wetlands, lakes, and rolling hills to create one of Rwanda’s most diverse wildlife environments.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Akagera is home to a growing population of Big Five wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and both black and white rhinos. Leopards are also present, although sightings are less predictable.

Other wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous other species. The park’s extensive wetlands and lakes also support a rich variety of birdlife.

Unique Features

• Big Five Safari: One of Rwanda’s best destinations for classic savannah wildlife.
• Lake Ihema: One of the park’s largest lakes and an excellent location for boat wildlife viewing.
• Wetlands & Lakes: Extensive aquatic habitats support hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife.
• Savannah Plains: Open grasslands provide excellent game-viewing opportunities.
• Giraffes & Zebras: Frequently encountered across the park’s open landscapes.
• Birdlife: Akagera supports a remarkable variety of wetland and savannah birds.
• Conservation Success: The park has undergone significant conservation and wildlife restoration efforts.

Best Time to Visit

• June – September: Dry conditions generally make wildlife easier to locate around water sources.
• December – February: Another favorable period for game viewing.
• March – May: Long rains create lush green landscapes.
• October – November: Short rains bring fresh vegetation and excellent scenery.

Activities in Akagera National Park

• Game Drives
• Lake Ihema Boat Safari
• Big Five Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Fishing
• Photography
• Community & Conservation Experiences

Accommodation Options

Well-known accommodation options include Magashi Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Camp.

How to Get There

• By Road from Kigali: Akagera is approximately a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali.
• From Volcanoes National Park: The two parks can be combined in a longer Rwanda safari.
• From Tanzania: Its eastern location makes it suitable for travelers combining Rwanda with northern Tanzania.

Why Visit Akagera National Park?

• Rwanda’s leading savannah safari destination.
• Excellent opportunities to see Big Five wildlife.
• Beautiful lakes, wetlands, and open plains.
• Lake Ihema boat safaris.
• Excellent birdwatching.
• Important wildlife conservation success story.
• Easily combined with Kigali and Volcanoes National Park.

Akagera National Park provides a classic African safari experience within Rwanda, combining Big Five wildlife, lakes, wetlands, savannah landscapes, birdlife, and conservation.