Akagera National Park: Rwanda's Big Five Comeback
Akagera National Park in Rwanda has seen lions and rhinos return. Discover savanna game drives, Lake Ihema boat trips and how to pair it with gorillas.
Akagera is Rwanda's only savanna park, and a conservation success story. After decades of pressure, the park has been restored, with lions and rhinos returned to its plains. It is an ideal complement to gorilla trekking, bringing classic safari scenes to a country famous for its mountains.
Quick facts
- Where: Eastern Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania.
- Best time: The dry seasons, roughly June to September, for easy game viewing.
- Ideal stay: Two nights.
- Pairs well with: Volcanoes National Park gorillas and Nyungwe Forest.
What is Akagera like?
Rolling hills, open savanna, papyrus swamps and lakes. It is peaceful and uncrowded, and the scenery is a surprise to those who expect only mountains and forest.
What wildlife can you see?
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and many antelopes, with lions and rhinos in the reintroduced populations. Birdlife is outstanding, including water birds on the lakes. Read Rhino Encounters and Lions.
What activities are there?
Game drives, boat trips on Lake Ihema, and night drives with an experienced guide where available. Watching hippos and fish eagles at dusk is a highlight.
Why does Akagera matter?
Its recovery shows what committed conservation can achieve, and visitor fees support the park and local communities. See How Your Safari Protects Wildlife.
How do you get there?
It is a few hours by road from Kigali. Private vehicles and guides make the journey easy.
Plan your Rwanda journey
A classic Rwanda trip combines gorillas, Akagera and Nyungwe. Speak to a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the Big Five in Akagera?
Many of the species are present, though rhinos and lions can be hard to find.
How long should I stay in Akagera?
Two nights is a good length.
Is Akagera malaria-prone?
Check with your doctor, as risk varies.
Is it good with gorilla trekking?
Yes, it balances forest and savanna.
Can I go on a night drive?
Often, with an authorised guide.
Akagera is Rwanda's only savanna park, and a conservation success story. After decades of pressure, the park has been restored, with lions and rhinos returned to its plains. It is an ideal complement to gorilla trekking, bringing classic safari scenes to a country famous for its mountains.
Quick facts
- Where: Eastern Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania.
- Best time: The dry seasons, roughly June to September, for easy game viewing.
- Ideal stay: Two nights.
- Pairs well with: Volcanoes National Park gorillas and Nyungwe Forest.
What is Akagera like?
Rolling hills, open savanna, papyrus swamps and lakes. It is peaceful and uncrowded, and the scenery is a surprise to those who expect only mountains and forest.
What wildlife can you see?
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and many antelopes, with lions and rhinos in the reintroduced populations. Birdlife is outstanding, including water birds on the lakes. Read Rhino Encounters and Lions.
What activities are there?
Game drives, boat trips on Lake Ihema, and night drives with an experienced guide where available. Watching hippos and fish eagles at dusk is a highlight.
Why does Akagera matter?
Its recovery shows what committed conservation can achieve, and visitor fees support the park and local communities. See How Your Safari Protects Wildlife.
How do you get there?
It is a few hours by road from Kigali. Private vehicles and guides make the journey easy.
Plan your Rwanda journey
A classic Rwanda trip combines gorillas, Akagera and Nyungwe. Speak to a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the Big Five in Akagera?
Many of the species are present, though rhinos and lions can be hard to find.
How long should I stay in Akagera?
Two nights is a good length.
Is Akagera malaria-prone?
Check with your doctor, as risk varies.
Is it good with gorilla trekking?
Yes, it balances forest and savanna.
Can I go on a night drive?
Often, with an authorised guide.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Where will Africa take you next?
Where will Africa take you next?
Where will Africa take you next?
Every route is private and tailored to you. Choose one to explore, or let us design yours from scratch.