Discover Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s sole savanna park. It offers a well-rounded safari experience featuring an impressive array of wildlife, including the Big Five.
From heart-pounding game drives to serene boat cruises on the fascinating Lake Ihema, every moment spent in Akagera National Park is a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature and the vibrant wilderness’s remarkable comeback into a world-class safari destination.
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania. It is the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species spanning 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles). The park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes.
Established in 1934, Akagera National Park was almost lost to poachers and settlers following the 1994 genocide, which saw a diversity of wildlife species either hunted or wiped out by disease. However, its recovery under the guardianship of African Parks is arguably one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.
It has become one of Eastern-Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands (over a third of the park is covered by lakes and papyrus swamps), a true testament to Rwanda’s innovative conservation efforts.
The revival of major species and a thriving animal population have significantly contributed to the restoration of Akagera’s status as a prime wildlife viewing destination—thanks to its diverse mosaic of savannah, extensive wetlands, forests, acacia woodlands, hills and lakes.
Although Akagera National Park can’t compete with the more celebrated Masai Mara and Serengeti, it is incredibly scenic and offers particularly rewarding wildlife viewing without the crowds. It makes a perfect addition to your gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe.
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (elephants, rhinos, Cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards), giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, servals, black-masked civets, side-striped jackals, and various antelope species.
Hippos and Nile crocodiles can be found in the lake and swampy areas. Primate species like olive baboons and vervet monkeys are common across the park, while the elusive blue monkeys can be seen near the lakeshores and the nocturnal bushbabies can be spotted on night drives.
Akagera boasts over 520 bird species, making it a dream birder’s paradise. Notable species to look out for include the rare Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Grey Crowned Cranes, African Fish Eagles, Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Lesser Kestrel, Great Snipe, Marabou Stork, and Open-billed Stork.
Things to do in Akagera National Park
1. Game drives
Led by expert guides, your epic morning, afternoon or full-day game drive takes you through the savannahs to experience close encounters with the best of Akagera’s wildlife. You’re sure to have the park to yourself most of the day. Look out for the Big Five, the eland, the elusive roan antelope and the rare, swamp-dwelling sitatunga.
2. Night game drives
The park comes alive with nocturnal creatures under the darkened sky. Guided night drives provide the opportunity to discover them. Keep your eyes peeled and ears alert for bat-eared foxes, civets, genets, mongoose, and the glowing eyes of a bush baby, or predators like leopards, lions, and hyenas on the hunt.
3. Boat trips
Boat-based safaris are primarily conducted on Lake Ihema, and are excellent for spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous waterbird species. There are four daily departures, at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Visitors on a short safari can have a different schedule.
4. Birding
Over 520 bird species have been recorded in Akagera’s relatively small area, making it an impressive birders destination. Avid birders can look out for the two most iconic feathered residents i.e., the papyrus gonolek and the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, both found in the park’s papyrus swamps.
5. Sport Fishing
Visitors can participate in the catch-and-release sport fishing, particularly on Lake Shakani, where catfish and tilapia are the main species. The lake is also known for its gentle slopes, easy accessibility and scenic backdrop of the surrounding landscapes.
Best time to visit Akagera National Park
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season from June to September (Peak Season) and December to February. At these times of the year, vegetation is scarce due to little or no rainfall, and animals are drawn to the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot.
Most roads and trails are dry and passable, making it easier to navigate throughout the park without interruptions from rain.
Beware: daytime temperature can get as high as 30°C, which can be unbearable for some travelers but the visit is worth the patience. Nights cool to as low as 14°C.
Accommodations in Akagera National Park
- Magashi Camp: The property sits on 6,000 exclusive-use hectares of wild land tucked away on the banks of Akagera’s picturesque Lake Rwanyakazinga. It comprises six luxury safari tents and a swimming pool, providing an intimate setting for discerning travelers from which they can explore the game-rich plains of Akagera.
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an intimate retreat tucked away on the shores of Lake Ihema. It features nine eco-friendly tents connected by wooden walkways leading to a spacious circular deck with a fire pit overhanging the lake.
- Akagera Game Lodge: Akagera Game Lodge is a reliable and cost-effective retreat set on a hilltop in the far south of Akagera National Park. It features 60 air-conditioned en-suite rooms, a delightful swimming pool, a restaurant, and a tennis court, making it an excellent base for exploring the park.
Trips to Akagera National Park
