SAFARI GUIDE TO RWANDA
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is a breathtaking gem that showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Covering over 1,120 square kilometers, this park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including savannah, wetland, and mountainous terrains. Renowned for its incredible wildlife, Akagera is one of the few places in Rwanda where visitors can spot the “Big Five” — elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros — alongside an impressive array of other species.
Established in 1934, Akagera has undergone significant conservation efforts in recent years, making it a remarkable success story in wildlife preservation. As you embark on a safari through this picturesque park, you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of habitats that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. With its serene lakes, rolling hills, and expansive grasslands, Akagera provides a classic savanna park experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re interested in game drives, birdwatching, or exploring the stunning landscapes, Akagera National Park offers something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Akagera National Park
Discover these featured accommodations for a stay in Akagera National Park.
MAGASHI TENTED CAMP
RUZIZI TENTED LODGE
AKAGERA GAME LODGE
IN DETAIL
Akagera National Park
Game Drives
Explore Akagera’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife on guided game drives, with opportunities to spot the Big Five, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Boat Safaris
Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, offering a unique way to experience the park’s wildlife.
Night Drives
Experience Akagera after dark on a night game drive, where nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies come to life under the cover of darkness.
Birdwatching
With over 500 species of birds, from the iconic African fish eagle to rare species like the shoebill stork, birdwatching tours provide an unforgettable experience.
Behind the Scenes with African Parks Get an exclusive insider’s look at conservation efforts in Akagera with a behind-the-scenes tour guided by rangers. Learn about wildlife monitoring, park management, and ongoing conservation initiatives that have transformed Akagera into a thriving ecosystem.
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer optimal conditions for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them on game drives. The sparse vegetation during the dry season also improves visibility.
While the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush, green landscapes and are ideal for birdwatching, wildlife can be more challenging to see as animals spread out across the park. Roads may also become muddy and difficult to navigate. However, the park remains open year-round, and each season offers unique experiences for visitors.
Akagera National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in Rwanda. The park boasts all of Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards—thanks to successful conservation and reintroduction programs. In addition to these iconic species, visitors can also spot giraffes roaming the savannah, herds of zebras grazing alongside impalas and elands, and hippos wallowing in the waters of Lake Ihema.
The park’s wetlands are a sanctuary for crocodiles, while its woodlands and grasslands support antelope species such as topis, waterbucks, and bushbucks. Akagera is also renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 500 species, including rare and endangered birds like the shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek.
This thriving diversity of wildlife makes Akagera a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty and dynamic ecosystems.
Akagera National Park is a top birding destination, with over 500 recorded species that thrive in its diverse habitats. The park’s lakes, wetlands, savannas, and woodlands create a range of environments for birdlife, from the iconic African fish eagle to the elusive shoebill stork. Along the shores of Lake Ihema and Rwanyakazinga, you can spot water birds like herons, pelicans, and cormorants, while the open plains are home to species like the lilac-breasted roller and various raptors. For avid birders, Akagera offers an impressive array of sightings in an uncrowded setting.
Every second of the trip was AMAZING! Elizabeth really curated the perfect experience...Gorilla trekking was unbelievable and something if you have the chance to do, you absolutely should.