Akagera National Park Rwanda | Ultimate Big Five Safari Guide
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier wildlife safari destination where visitors can explore open savannah plains, rolling hills, woodlands, lakes and wetlands. Located in eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania is the country’s only savannah national park, a remarkable destination for wildlife lovers.
Africa’s Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes can be found in Akagera, which covers some 1,122 square kilometres. Visitors can also see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and hundreds of bird species. So whether you are planning a short wildlife excursion or a longer Rwanda safari, Akagera National Park is sure to give you an unforgettable African adventure.
Where Is Akagera National Park Located?
Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda around 110 kilometres from Kigali, usually a 2 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions. Its eastern boundary follows the Akagera River which feeds a network of lakes, papyrus swamps and wetlands.
The park is an excellent addition to a Rwanda itinerary especially for travellers combining a Big Five safari with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
Most visitors travel by road from Kigali to the park’s southern entrance. You can arrange a private safari vehicle with a driver guide or travel in a suitable self-drive vehicle. A 4×4 is particularly recommended during wet weather when some park tracks can become challenging.
Helicopter transfers may also be available for travellers seeking a faster, premium option. Pearl Nature Holidays can help arrange transport and plan a safari itinerary suited to your schedule.
Top Attractions in Akagera National Park
- The Big Five
Akagera is Rwanda’s destination for classic savannah wildlife viewing. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes roam the park, although sightings are never guaranteed. Guided game drives offer the best opportunity to look for these iconic animals.
- Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema is one of Akagera’s standout attractions. Its water and surrounding wetlands are home to hippopotami, crocodiles and many water birds, a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a different perspective than a traditional game drive.
- Savannah Plains and Wildlife
Open grasslands and woodland areas of the park support giraffe, zebra, topi, impala and other antelope species. These are great landscapes for wildlife photography, especially on the early morning and late afternoon drives.
- Birdwatching
The Akagera is a rewarding destination for bird lovers with more than 500 bird species recorded by tourism and conservation sources. Rare shoebill, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek and a host of wetland and savannah birds are among the highlights.
Best Things to Do in Akagera National Park
- Game drives: Go on savannah game drives to look for the Big Five and other wildlife.
- Boat safaris: Cruise on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
- Night game drives: View nocturnal wildlife with a licensed guide.
- Birdwatching: Discover more about the park’s diverse array of wetland and savannah birds.
- Wildlife photography: Photograph Rwanda’s landscapes and animals.
- Camping: Spend a night outdoors at designated campsites.
Two days on safari is a good start for many travellers, while three days or more allows extra time to explore different areas of the park.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park
Akagera has places to stay that suit all budgets and travel tastes, you have your choice of luxury tented camps, comfortable safari lodges or designated campsites.
Options include Magashi Camp near Lake Rwanyakazinga, Ruzizi Tented Lodge near Lake Ihema and Akagera Game Lodge. Rates, availability and facilities may vary by season and we suggest booking ahead.
Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park
Akagera can be visited year round but normally the dry season from June to September and December to February is best for game viewing as the vegetation may be thinner and some roads easier to navigate.
The rainiest months are generally March to May and around October to November so those times can be great for birdwatching and greener scenery but can make for difficult driving conditions. Wildlife sightings vary with season and animal movement.
Plan Your Akagera Safari with Pearl Nature Holidays
Discover Rwanda’s wild side with Pearl Nature Holidays. We can help plan your Akagera National Park safari including guided game drives, a boat trip on Lake Ihema, comfortable accommodation and transfers from Kigali. You can also combine Akagera with gorilla trekking or rainforest experiences for a broader adventure in Rwanda.
Contact Pearl Nature Holidays to plan your custom Rwanda safari.