Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the country’s only savannah park and the best place to enjoy a classic African safari experience. Covering over 1,120 square kilometers, Akagera is a striking contrast to Rwanda’s mountainous rainforests, offering vast open plains, woodlands, lakes, and rolling hills teeming with wildlife. It is the only park in Rwanda where visitors can see the Big Five namely lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Once nearly depleted by decades of human pressure and poaching, Akagera has undergone one of Africa’s most successful conservation turnarounds, fully revitalized with restored ecosystems, reintroduced predators, and improved community involvement. Today, it stands as a shining example of what long-term conservation can achieve.
Visitors to Akagera can enjoy guided game drives, both during the day and at night. Day drives offer the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and hippos grazing across the savannah or gathering near lakes like Lake Ihema. Predators such as lions and hyenas are more elusive during daylight hours but are sometimes seen on early morning or late afternoon safaris. Night game drives provide a rare opportunity to encounter nocturnal species such as bush babies, civets, and even leopards.
Akagera is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 500 recorded bird species, including the iconic African fish eagle, shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and the rare grey-crowned crane. Whether you’re exploring by vehicle, boat, or on foot, the park offers rich birdlife around every corner, especially near wetlands and lakeshores.
One of the park’s standout experiences is the boat safari on Lake Ihema, which offers a peaceful and picturesque way to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds up close. This is a popular activity for photographers and those who want a relaxed but wildlife-rich perspective on the park’s ecosystem.
Akagera is accessible by road, located about 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali, making it a convenient addition to a Rwanda itinerary that includesgorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe.The park offers a range of accommodations, from self-catering campsites to luxury lodges like Magashi Camp and Ruzizi Tented Lodge, all of which provide excellent access to key wildlife areas.
For travelers looking to experience Rwanda’s wild side beyond the mountains, Akagera National Park delivers an unforgettable safari adventure, combining scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and a powerful conservation success story. Whether you’re seeking game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, or cultural visits to surrounding communities, Akagera offers something for every type of explorer. Reach out to Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts to help you design a package that best fits with your time, budget and preference.