Home to Rwanda's

Big Five, including recently reintroduced rhinos and lions.

Akagera National Park Wildlife

Only park in Rwanda, where boat safaris complement traditional game drives.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier savannah destination, located along the country’s eastern border with Tanzania. This restored wilderness blends open plains, lakes, papyrus swamps, and woodland in a unique African setting.

Once heavily poached, the park has seen a dramatic revival, with lions and rhinos reintroduced and thriving. Akagera is now home to all members of the Big Five, along with giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife.

The park’s landscape is diverse, offering scenic drives along ridgelines and lake shores. A boat cruise on Lake Ihema reveals hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds at close range.

Easily accessible from Kigali, Akagera is ideal for first-time visitors and safari enthusiasts seeking a quiet yet rewarding experience away from the crowds.

Map

Highlights

Rolling savannah, shimmering lakes, and diverse wildlife stand out through highlights revealing Akagera’s transformation into a remarkable Big Five destination.

  • Only the savannah park in Rwanda, featuring open grasslands, scenic lakes, and diverse habitats ideal for classic East African game drives.
  • Now home to the Big Five after reintroductions of lions, black rhinos, and white rhinos in recent conservation efforts.
  • Lake Ihema boat safaris offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds against a peaceful, picturesque backdrop.
  • Exceptional birdwatching across wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs—home to over 500 recorded species including the rare shoebill stork.
  • Well-suited for both short and extended trips, conveniently located just 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali International Airport.
  • Community tourism activities allow cultural immersion, including local farm visits, craft demonstrations, and cattle-keeping traditions near park borders.

Activities to do in Akagera National Park

Akagera combines classic game drives with boat rides, birding, and night safaris for full savannah immersion.

Best Time to Visit

June to September’s Dry season provides excellent wildlife viewing in Akagera, with thinned bush making animals easier to find near lakeshores.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
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  • Excellent
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Akagera National Park Dry Seasons

Dry Months Preferred

Akagera National Park is open year-round, but drier months from June to September are best for wildlife viewing. During this period, the vegetation thins, waterholes attract animals, and roads remain passable. Mid-December to mid-February also sees a short dry spell, offering good visibility and comfortable game drive conditions.

Rainy seasons fall between March–May and October–early December, with April usually receiving the heaviest rain. While the scenery becomes lush and vibrant, trails can be muddy and wildlife harder to spot in thick bush.

However, birdwatching improves with the arrival of migratory species. Overall, the best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the long dry season, when animal sightings are easier and movement within the park is smooth.

Akagera National Park Wet Seasons

Best Lodges

Akagera has a mix of luxury lodges, eco-camps, and tented sites with views over lakes and plains.

Rwanda

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Rwanda

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Rwanda

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife

  • Akagera National Park Lion

    Lion

  • Akagera National Park Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

  • Akagera National Park Elephant

    Elephant

  • Akagera National Park Hippo

    Hippo

  • Akagera National Park Masai Giraffe

    Masai Giraffe

Get To
Akagera National Park

Most visitors arrive via Kigali International Airport. Akagera lies about 110 km east of Kigali, with a drive time of approximately 2.5 hours. Roads are well-maintained and suitable for standard 4x4 vehicles. Guided tours or private transfers are common. Charter helicopter services are also available through Akagera Aviation for faster access.

 Akagera National Park Attraction

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