Akagera National Park
Rwanda's Premier Big Five Safari Destination
Park Overview
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah park, covering 1,122 square kilometers of rolling hills, open grasslands, and wetlands. It's home to the Big Five and offers a classic African safari experience in the heart of Rwanda.
- Big Five Destination:Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos all call Akagera home
- Diverse Ecosystems:Savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, and papyrus swamps
- Conservation Success:Remarkable recovery story - lions and rhinos were reintroduced in recent years
Wildlife
What to See
Akagera is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, from the Big Five to hundreds of bird species and numerous antelope species.
- The Big Five:Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and black rhinos
- Large Herds:Zebras, giraffes, topi, eland, and waterbuck
- Birdlife:Over 500 bird species including the rare shoebill stork
- Aquatic Life:Hippos and crocodiles in Lake Ihema and other water bodies
Things to Do
Activities in Akagera National Park
From classic game drives to boat safaris, Akagera offers diverse safari experiences.
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives to spot the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat
Boat Safaris
Scenic boat trips on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife
Bird Watching
Excellent birding opportunities with over 500 species including the rare shoebill stork
Photography Tours
Specialized photography safaris for capturing stunning wildlife and landscape images
Night Game Drives
Experience the park after dark to see nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas
Camping
Camp under the stars in designated campsites for an authentic safari experience
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Akagera National Park offers good wildlife viewing year-round, but dry seasons provide the best game viewing opportunities.
Dry Seasons (June-September & December-February)
Best game viewing as animals gather around water sources. Clearer visibility and easier spotting of wildlife. Peak season for safaris.
Wet Seasons (March-May & October-November)
Lush green landscapes, excellent for bird watching, and fewer visitors. Some roads may be challenging, but wildlife viewing is still good.
Year-Round Wildlife
Akagera offers consistent wildlife viewing throughout the year. The Big Five can be seen in any season with experienced guides.
Travel Information
How to Get There
Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, approximately 2.5 hours from Kigali.
From Kigali
Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Kigali. Scenic route through Rwanda's beautiful countryside
Park Entrance
Main entrance at the northern end of the park. Well-maintained roads suitable for 4x4 vehicles
Combined Tours
Often combined with Volcanoes National Park for a complete Rwanda wildlife experience
Where to Stay
Accommodation Options
From luxury lodges to tented camps, Akagera offers various accommodation options within and near the park.
Luxury Lodges
Premium safari lodges with stunning views, excellent service, and all modern amenities
Tented Camps
Comfortable tented camps offering an authentic safari experience with modern conveniences
Camping
Designated campsites for those seeking a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience