Akagera National Park
Explore Akagera National Park
Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a true gem for wildlife lovers and safari seekers. Spanning around 2,500 square kilometers, this incredible protected area is the country’s only savannah national park—offering a completely different landscape and wildlife experience compared to Rwanda’s lush, mountainous forests.
The park is named after the Kagera River, which winds along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. This river not only shapes the park’s ecosystem but also feeds a series of lakes and wetlands that bring life to the landscape. Akagera is a beautiful blend of rolling savannah, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and scenic papyrus swamps—creating rich habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
Akagera National Park Safaris
Explore our Akagera National Park safaris featuring game drives, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, and the chance to see the Big Five in Rwanda’s only savannah park. You can also choose packages where the Akagera experience is added to a wider Rwanda safari, offering a complete blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
If you dream of seeing big game in Rwanda, Akagera is the place to be. It’s the best destination in the country for spotting large mammals and experiencing classic African safaris.
You’ll find:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Lions
- Leopards
- Hyenas
Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of these majestic predators roaming the savannah.
Akagera is also rich in antelope species, including:
- Impalas
- Bushbucks
- Roan antelope
- Duiker
- Cape eland (the largest antelope in the world)
- Topis
- Oribis
- Waterbucks
- Klipspringer
Lakes, Hippos & Primates
One of Akagera’s most iconic features is Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake and a perfect place to spot hippos and Nile crocodiles lounging on the banks or gliding through the water.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer a peaceful way to observe these creatures up close while enjoying birdwatching along the shoreline.
Akagera is also home to several primates, including:
- Olive baboons
- Vervet monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Bush babies (often seen during night drives)
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With over 500 recorded bird species, Akagera is a top destination for birdwatching in Rwanda. The park’s diverse habitats—from lakes and wetlands to grasslands and woodlands—make it a haven for both resident and migratory birds.
Among the most sought-after species are:
- Shoebill stork
- Papyrus gonolek
- African wattled plover
- Giant kingfisher
- Senegal lapwing
- Squacco heron
- African openbill stork
- Grey crowned crane
- African darter
You may also see:
- African fish eagles
- Cattle egrets
- Hamerkops
- Sacred ibis
- Hadada ibis
- Augur buzzards
- Long-crested eagles
- Pied crows
Smaller species include:
- Black-headed weavers
- Viellot’s black weavers
- Grey-backed fiscals
- Fan-tailed widowbirds
- Caruthers’s cisticola
Why Visit Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park offers an experience that beautifully complements Rwanda’s more famous gorilla trekking adventures. Here, you can enjoy:
- Classic game drives
- Boat safaris
- Guided night drives
- Birdwatching
- Cultural experiences
Whether you’re a seasoned safari traveler or visiting Africa for the first time, Akagera offers an immersive wildlife experience with fewer crowds and stunning landscapes.
Game Drives in Akagera National Park
A visit to Akagera National Park isn’t complete without the thrill of a game drive. Early morning drives offer the best chance to see predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas as they hunt before the heat of the day.
During your drive you may see:
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Various antelope species
The park’s landscapes—rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and open savannah—make it a photographer’s paradise.
For an even more exciting experience, you can join a night game drive led by park rangers to spot nocturnal animals like bush babies and hunting predators.
Bird Watching & Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema
A boat safari on Lake Ihema is one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities in Akagera.
As you cruise along the calm waters you may see:
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Elephants along the shoreline
- Kingfishers
- African darters
- Various water birds
You can join a scheduled boat cruise or arrange a private safari for a more intimate wildlife experience.
Sport Fishing on Lake Shakani
Lake Shakani offers excellent sport fishing opportunities within the park.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided fishing sessions
- Peaceful lakeside scenery
- Catch-and-release fishing
Guests are allowed to keep one fish to cook if they wish, making it a unique outdoor experience.
Cultural Experiences Around Akagera
Akagera also provides opportunities to connect with local communities living near the park.
During guided cultural tours you can:
- Visit traditional cattle-keeping villages
- Learn about milk processing and local dairy traditions
- Participate in preparing traditional meals
- Experience daily life in rural Rwanda
These experiences help support local communities while strengthening conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during Rwanda’s long dry season:
- Late June to early September – best wildlife viewing conditions
During this period, vegetation becomes thinner and animals gather near water sources, making them easier to spot.
The rainy seasons also have advantages:
- March to May
- October to November
These months bring lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and often lower accommodation prices.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
By Road
The easiest way to reach Akagera is by road from Kigali. The drive takes about 2 hours via Rwamagana to the park’s southern gate.
The road is well maintained, and visitors can:
- Self-drive
- Join guided safari tours
By Air
Travelers looking for a faster and more scenic journey can take charter flights operated by Akagera Aviation.
Flights provide stunning aerial views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lakes, and savannah land