Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park Safari Experience – Beyond Africa Safaris
Overview:
Stretching along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is a hidden gem where savannah, lakes, and woodland merge to create one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations. Unlike Rwanda’s misty volcanoes, Akagera offers classic East African game drives with the rare chance to see the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
At Beyond Africa Safaris, we design luxury, private, and small group safaris in Akagera that immerse you in its natural beauty. From thrilling game drives across open plains to peaceful boat cruises on Lake Ihema, every moment is unforgettable. With over 500 bird species, Akagera is also a birder’s paradise, home to the rare shoebill stork.
Many travelers choose to combine Akagera with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, creating the ultimate Rwanda itinerary. With 17+ years’ expertise, luxury vehicles, and award-winning guides, we ensure your Akagera safari is seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.
Famous For
Akagera is famous for being Rwanda’s only Big 5 safari park, its stunning lakes, rich birdlife, and one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories — with lions and black rhinos successfully reintroduced.
Why Go With Beyond Africa Safaris
Award-Winning Expertise: With 17+ years’ experience and 11,000+ 5? reviews, we are trusted safari specialists across Southern & East Africa.
Luxury Fleet: Travel in comfort with our Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and luxury 4x4s — featuring reclining seats, Wi-Fi, USB ports, bottled water, and professional driver-guides.
Tailor-Made Itineraries: Whether you want a private safari, small-group adventure, or a luxury fly-in experience, we design your trip around you.
Local Specialists: As a Rwanda safari expert, we connect you to the best lodges, hidden gems, and exclusive conservation experiences.
Official Partnerships: From Volcanoes NP gorilla permits to Akagera park access, we handle all logistics, ensuring your journey is seamless.
Sustainability & Conservation: We support eco-lodges, local communities, and wildlife conservation — ensuring your safari benefits both nature and people.
Choosing Beyond Africa Safaris means choosing trust, luxury, and authenticity — with a team that treats every journey as if it were their own.
Sample Itinerary
2-Day Akagera Safari (from Kigali)
Day 1: Kigali Akagera afternoon game drive overnight at lodge.
Day 2: Sunrise game drive boat safari on Lake Ihema return to Kigali.
3-Day Akagera Safari
Add a full-day game drive to the northern savannah plains for greater Big 5 sightings.
Why Go
Rwanda’s only Big 5 safari destination.
Unique mix of savannah, wetlands, and woodlands.
Combine with gorilla trekking for the ultimate adventure.
Less crowded than Serengeti or Masai Mara.
Birdwatching paradise with over 500 species.
Luxury lodges with panoramic views.
Where to Stay
Magashi Lodge (Wilderness Safaris): Ultra-luxury tented camp overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Akagera Game Lodge: Mid-range comfort inside the park.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Eco-friendly and intimate, set on Lake Ihema.
Karenge Bush Camp: Seasonal rustic camp for wilderness lovers.
When to Go
Akagera National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to Septemberand December to February. Wildlife is easier to spot around rivers and lakes, and road conditions are excellent for game drives.
The green season (March–May & October–November) transforms the park into a lush paradise with vibrant landscapes, perfect for birdwatching and photography. Migratory birds arrive, and dramatic skies enhance sunset game drives.
For first-time safari travelers, the dry season offers the best Big 5 sightings, while photographers and birders often prefer the green season.
Best Time to Go: Best: Good:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
Big 5 safari game drives.
Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Rhino & lion conservation success stories.
Birdwatching — shoebill stork, fish eagle, papyrus gonolek.
Walking safaris with expert rangers.
Sunset photography over savannah plains.
What Other Ideas Can I Add To My Akagera National Park Itinerary?:
Below are our recommended destinations to add to your Akagera National Park Safari
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