Akagera National Park
Rwanda's Wild Savannah — Where the Big Five Roam Free
Most visitors come to Rwanda for gorillas. But those in the know make time for Akagera. Tucked into the country's eastern corner along the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park is a completely different Rwanda — an open, sun-drenched savannah of grassy plains, wetlands, and glittering lakes where lions prowl and elephant herds wade through papyrus.
After a landmark rewilding programme restored lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, Akagera now holds all five of Africa's Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. It's one of the continent's great conservation comeback stories — and one of its most underrated safari destinations.
Quick Facts
- Location: Eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border
- Distance from Kigali: ~120 km (2.5–3 hours by road)
- Size: 1,122 km² (Rwanda's largest national park)
- Established: 1934
- Best time to visit: June – September and December – February (dry seasons)
- Managed by: Rwanda Development Board in partnership with African Parks
What Makes Akagera Unique?
- Big Five in one park: Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — all present
- Completely different ecosystem: Savannah, woodland, wetland, and lake — nothing like Rwanda's gorilla forests
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema: One of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa — hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species
- Night game drives: Spot elusive nocturnal predators including lions and leopards
- Conservation success story: A model for community-based rewilding in Africa
Wildlife You'll See
Akagera's diverse habitats support extraordinary biodiversity:
- Big Five: Lion, African elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo
- Other mammals: Hippo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, impala, topi, sitatunga, olive baboon, African wild dog
- Reptiles: Nile crocodile, monitor lizard
- Birds: 525+ species including shoebill stork, African fish eagle, grey crowned crane, saddle-billed stork, and papyrus gonolek
Top Things to Do
- 🦁 Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives across open savannah and woodland corridors — prime Big Five territory
- 🚤 Boat Safari on Lake Ihema: A 2–3 hour cruise through hippo pools, crocodile banks, and waterbird colonies
- 🌙 Night Game Drive: A rare opportunity to spot lions on the hunt, leopards, civets, and other nocturnal wildlife
- 🦅 Birdwatching: One of Rwanda's richest birding habitats, with the elusive shoebill among the prize sightings
- 🚶 Community Walks: Learn about conservation and the local communities that share the park's boundaries
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (inside the park, on Lake Ihema), Magashi Camp
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp
- Budget: Camping facilities within the park
How to Get There
🚗 By Road
Drive east from Kigali on the well-paved RN3 highway towards Kayonza, then north to the park's southern gate. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. All tours include private transport from Kigali.
Visitor Tips
- Book your safari in advance — accommodation inside the park is limited and fills fast
- Bring binoculars — the savannah landscape rewards patience and sharp eyes
- Pack neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and white on game drives)
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are essential on open-vehicle game drives
- The boat safari is suitable for all fitness levels — perfect for families
- Combine Akagera with Kigali for an ideal 3-day Rwanda extension or stand-alone trip
Akagera: Rwanda's Best-Kept Safari Secret
While the world rushes north to track gorillas, Akagera quietly rewards those who venture east. Lions stalking zebra at dawn, hippos bellowing across a papyrus lake, and a night sky uninterrupted by city light — this is Africa's big wildlife drama, played out in a country most people associate only with primates.
Come for the gorillas. Stay for Akagera. Leave having seen Rwanda whole.