Akagera National Park

Discover Akagera National Park — Rwanda’s Big Five safari destination offering classic game drives, boat safaris, and diverse wildlife set against scenic savannah and lake landscapes.

Rwanda’s Premier Safari Destination

Explore Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park, located in the country’s eastern region, along the border with Tanzania. This wildlife haven is home to a diverse array of animals, offering a unique contrast to Rwanda's mountainous landscapes. Known for its stunning landscapes of rolling savannah, swamps, and lakes, Akagera is a top safari destination in Rwanda, providing incredible opportunities for game drives, birdwatching, and boat safaris.

Why Visit Akagera National Park?

✔ Abundant Wildlife – A True Safari Experience
Akagera National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), which makes it an excellent location for traditional safari experiences. The park’s diverse landscapes, including savannah, wetlands, and lakes, support a wide range of species, both large and small. Some of the animals you can expect to see include:

Lions: The park’s lion population has been successfully reintroduced and offers an exciting game-viewing opportunity.
Elephants: Akagera is home to a growing population of elephants, which are frequently spotted around the park’s lakes and savannah.
Giraffes: The park has a notable population of Masai giraffes, who roam freely throughout the park.
Leopards: These elusive predators are spotted occasionally in the park’s more remote areas, adding a sense of adventure to any safari.
Buffaloes, zebras, and impalas: Large herds of herbivores are commonly seen grazing in the park’s expansive savannah.

The park also supports a variety of smaller animals, including hyenas, warthogs, jackals, and antelopes.

✔ Scenic Landscapes – Explore Akagera’s Natural Beauty
Akagera National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and savannah plains to wetlands, forests, and lakes. The park is centered around the Akagera River, which meanders through the park, creating lush habitats for wildlife and offering stunning views. The park’s lakes, such as Lake Ihema, Lake Rwanyakazinga, and Lake Shakani, are important ecological features and prime spots for birdwatching and boat safaris.

Savannah: The park’s open plains are perfect for spotting large herds of herbivores and predators alike.
Wetlands: The park’s swamps and marshes provide important habitats for aquatic life and are perfect for boat safaris.
Lake Ihema: This large lake is one of the most beautiful parts of the park, providing a serene setting for a boat trip and excellent wildlife viewing.

✔ Birdwatching – A Birder’s Paradise
Akagera National Park is an incredible destination for birdwatching, with over 525 bird species recorded in the park. It’s a top spot for birding enthusiasts, especially because of the park’s mix of habitats, which attract a wide variety of species.

Shoebill stork: One of the park's most iconic birds, the shoebill is a rare and fascinating species found in the wetland areas of the park.
African fish eagle: Often seen perched on tree branches or soaring over the lakes.
Pied kingfisher: Commonly found near the lakes and rivers, adding to the park’s aquatic charm.
Papyrus gonolek, hornbills, and eagles: Akagera is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s dream.

Top Activities in Akagera National Park
How to Get to Akagera National Park
Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park
Where to Stay – Lodges & Camps in Akagera National Park

Top Activities in Akagera National Park

Game Drives – The Classic Safari Experience

A game drive is the best way to explore Akagera’s diverse landscapes and spot the park’s wildlife. The park offers a variety of game drive routes, from open savannah plains to forested areas and wetlands. On a game drive, you’ll have the chance to see a wide range of animals, including the Big Five, as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more.

Morning drives: These are the best time to see predators like lions and leopards before they retreat for the day.

Afternoon drives: These offer great opportunities to see herbivores, as well as elephants drinking from the lakes.

Night drives: A thrilling way to spot nocturnal wildlife, such as hyenas, leopards, and civets.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

A boat safari on Lake Ihema provides a unique and peaceful way to see wildlife from a different perspective. Boat safaris offer the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. You’ll also enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and surrounding wetlands.

Best time for boat safaris: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for wildlife sightings and a peaceful experience.

Birdwatching

As mentioned earlier, Akagera is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species of birds. Whether you’re on a game drive or a boat safari, birding enthusiasts can spot a wide range of birds. The shoebill stork is one of the main attractions, and its rare sightings draw birding enthusiasts from around the world.

Guided birdwatching: For the best experience, book a guided birdwatching tour to ensure you don’t miss any of the park’s rare species.

Walking Safaris

Akagera National Park offers a walking safari experience for those who want to get closer to nature. Led by expert guides, walking safaris give you the chance to explore the park’s smaller creatures and learn about the ecosystems from a unique perspective. These safaris are typically shorter and allow for a more intimate experience of the park’s flora and fauna.

Safety: Walking safaris are conducted by armed park rangers, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

Cultural Experiences and Community Visits

For a deeper cultural experience, Akagera offers visits to nearby local communities. These visits provide insights into Rwanda’s culture and traditions, and offer opportunities to interact with locals. You can learn about local customs, traditions, and even purchase handmade crafts from local artisans.

How to Get to Akagera National Park

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park

Where to Stay – Lodges & Camps in Akagera National Park

Book Your Akagera Safari Today

If you’re seeking a true African safari experience, Akagera National Park offers everything you could dream of—wildlife, stunning landscapes, and thrilling adventures. Contact us today to book your Akagera safari and explore the wonders of Rwanda’s premier savannah park.

Combine Akagera National Park with Other Rwandan Destinations

Akagera is often paired with other destinations within Rwanda for an even richer experience:

Volcanoes National Park – For gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing in the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – For chimpanzee trekking and exploring one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
Lake Kivu – For relaxing by the lakeside, water activities, and cultural experiences.

Experience With us

Whether you are on a trip at this time or choose to travel with us in the future, with our flexible travel policy, thorough guidance, local expertise, and unwavering support, leave your worries behind – you will always be in safe hands. We care so that you can travel carefree.