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Eastern Province, Rwanda

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

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Rwanda's Big Five Savannah of Lakes and Rolling Hills

In the warm lowlands of eastern Rwanda lies a different country altogether — golden savannah, papyrus swamps and a chain of shining lakes where elephant wade and hippo yawn. Reborn under African Parks, Akagera is now a Big Five reserve, with lions and rhinos returned to the plains and boat safaris on Lake Ihema. It is the perfect wild counterpoint to the misty gorilla forests of the west.

Size1,122 km² park
WildlifeBig Five & savannah game
Best TimeJun – Sep & Dec – Feb
Big FiveComplete ✓
Plan Your SafariExplore Experiences
Destination Overview

Why Visit Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Rwanda's only Big Five parkLions & rhinos successfully reintroducedBoat safaris on Lake IhemaA landmark African Parks success story

Akagera National Park, along Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania, is one of Africa's great conservation comeback stories. Named for the Kagera River that feeds its labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps, this is the country's only savannah park — a sweep of acacia woodland, grassy plains and shimmering water that could not feel more different from the volcanic forests of the west. Two decades ago poaching had emptied much of the park; since 2010, a partnership between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board has transformed its fortunes. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 and Eastern black rhinos in 2017, restoring the Big Five, while wildlife numbers have surged past 12,000 animals. Today you can track lion across the plains, watch elephant and buffalo at the water's edge, spot towering giraffe and zebra among the hills, and cruise Lake Ihema — home to some of Africa's densest concentrations of hippo and crocodile — as fish eagles cry overhead. Malaria-precautions aside, Akagera is easy, uncrowded and deeply rewarding, and it pairs beautifully with gorilla trekking for a complete Rwandan safari.

The Beyond Africa Difference

The savannah that Rwanda almost lost — and won back.

Akagera is a living conservation story. We take you into it with the guides and rangers who made the comeback happen, then pair it with the gorillas for a complete Rwanda.

Worth the Premium

Why It Justifies the Price

Akagera is compact, accessible and genuinely wild — here is what makes a luxury safari here so special.

The Big Five, reborn

Lions and Eastern black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, restoring the full Big Five to a park that had lost them — one of Africa's proudest conservation triumphs.

Safari by boat and by vehicle

Few parks let you cruise among hippo and crocodile on a lake in the morning and track lion across the plains in the afternoon. Akagera offers both.

A conservation model

Managed by African Parks with the Rwandan government, Akagera funds itself through tourism and has transformed relations with its neighbouring communities.

Easy and uncrowded

Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kigali, with far fewer vehicles than East Africa's famous parks — sightings feel private and unhurried.

The perfect pairing

Akagera's warm savannah is the ideal counterpoint to the cool gorilla forests, turning a single-experience trip into a complete Rwandan safari.

Curated Itineraries

Luxury Safari Packages

Hand-crafted private journeys through Akagera National Park, Rwanda — from our flagship ultra-luxury expedition to exceptional value escapes. Every package is fully tailor-made, privately guided and includes luxury lodges, expert rangers and smooth logistics.

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Hippos in Lake Ihema, Akagera National Park, Rwanda
The Akagera Signature

A Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

As the afternoon softens, you board a boat on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. Pods of hippo grunt and jostle in the shallows; enormous crocodiles bask on the banks; and along the papyrus fringe, African fish eagles throw back their heads and call. Elephant come down to drink, and the birdlife — from pelicans to the improbable shoebill — is extraordinary. It is a gentle, magical way to experience a savannah park, and utterly different from the classic game drive.

  • Cruise past hippo pods and basking crocodiles on Lake Ihema
  • Superb birding, including pelicans, fish eagles and the elusive shoebill
  • Elephant and buffalo drinking at the water's edge
  • A serene, golden-hour counterpoint to the morning game drive
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Safari Experiences

Unforgettable Akagera National Park, Rwanda Experiences

Lions in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Game Drive

Big Five Game Drives

Half to full dayIncluded on safari

Explore Akagera's mosaic of plains, woodland and wetland in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and the reintroduced black rhino. Morning and afternoon drives with expert guides reveal the park's remarkable recovery.

First-time safari-goersPhotographersFamilies
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Boat safari on Lake Ihema, Akagera
Water Safari

Lake Ihema Boat Safari

2–3 hoursFrom $45

Cruise the papyrus-lined shores of Lake Ihema among hippo, crocodile and a wealth of waterbirds. A tranquil, scenic way to experience the park and some of its best photography.

BirdersCouplesPhotographers
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Elephants in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Conservation

Behind-the-Scenes Conservation

Half dayFrom $60

Go behind the scenes with the African Parks team to learn how Akagera was brought back from the brink — from anti-poaching and community work to the tracking of lions and rhinos fitted with monitoring collars.

ConservationistsCurious travellersFamilies
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Sunset over Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Game Drive

Night Game Drive

2–3 hoursFrom $40

Head out after dark with a spotlight to find Akagera's nocturnal residents — bushbabies, genets, hyena, and if you are lucky, leopard or lion on the move. A thrilling, atmospheric way to see a different side of the park.

Adventurous travellersPhotographersCouples
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Giraffe in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Game Drive

Plains Game & Giraffe Country

Full dayIncluded on safari

Spend a full day among the rolling hills of the north, where giraffe browse the acacias and huge herds of zebra, topi, impala and eland graze the open plains beneath big skies.

PhotographersFamiliesWildlife lovers
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Luxury Accommodation

Premier Lodges & Retreats

Handpicked luxury lodges ranging from award-winning ultra-luxury suites to exceptional value properties — every lodge delivers a world-class safari experience.

Magashi Camp image 1
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$$$$$

Magashi Camp

Wilderness's exclusive tented camp in the wildlife-rich north of Akagera — six elegant suites on a peninsula, with some of the park's best lion, leopard and shoebill sightings on the doorstep.

  • 6 luxury tented suites
  • Overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga
  • Wilderness Safaris flagship
  • Big-cat and shoebill country

Relais & Châteaux · Wilderness Collection

From $1,600/nightEnquire Now
Ruzizi Tented Lodge image 1
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$$$$

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

An intimate, eco-conscious tented lodge tucked into lakeside forest on Lake Ihema, where hippo graze past the tents at night and the birding is superb.

  • 9 tented rooms on Lake Ihema
  • Eco-friendly design
  • Waterside dining
  • Hippo at the shoreline

Green Destinations recognised

From $350/nightEnquire Now
Akagera Game Lodge image 1
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$$$

Akagera Game Lodge

A comfortable, well-priced lodge on a rise above the lakes, with a pool, spa and sweeping views — a relaxed base for exploring the park.

  • Hilltop setting
  • Swimming pool & spa
  • Panoramic lake views
  • Family-friendly

Established park lodge

From $220/nightEnquire Now
Bush-and-Gorilla Romance

Savannah Nights After the Gorillas

Akagera is the wild, warm finale to a Rwandan honeymoon — sundowners over the lakes, private boat cruises and starlit dinners after days among the gorillas of the west.

Private boat sundowners

Cruise Lake Ihema at golden hour with a glass in hand as hippo grunt and eagles call.

Tented seclusion

Magashi's six suites offer barefoot luxury and total privacy in the game-rich north.

Big Five adventure

Track lion and rhino together, then return to camp for a candlelit dinner under the stars.

The perfect contrast

Pair the emotion of the gorillas with the romance of the savannah for a complete honeymoon.

After the gorillas, Akagera felt like a secret — just us, the lake and the lions. Magashi was pure magic.
Tom & PriyaHoneymoon · 3 nights, Magashi Camp
A boat safari at sunset with hippos all around us was the most romantic evening of our trip.
Léa & MarcHoneymoon · 2 nights, Ruzizi Tented Lodge
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Photo Gallery
Wildlife Highlights

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Lion in Akagera National Park

Lion

Reintroduced in 2015 after a long absence — prides are now thriving on the plains

Big Five
Elephant in Akagera

Elephant

Herds gather at the lakes and along the Kagera wetlands

Big Five
Black rhino, Akagera

Black Rhino

Eastern black rhinos returned in 2017, restoring the Big Five

Big Five
Giraffe in Akagera

Giraffe

Masai giraffe browse the acacia woodland of the northern hills

Hippos in Akagera

Hippopotamus

Some of Africa's densest hippo populations crowd Lake Ihema

Zebra in Akagera

Zebra & Antelope

Great herds of zebra, topi, impala, eland and roan roam the plains

Akagera vs the Volcanoes

Why Add Akagera to Your Rwanda Trip

Rwanda's two flagship parks offer utterly different experiences — here's how Akagera compares to the gorilla forests.

FeatureOkavango DeltaOther Safaris
LandscapeWarm savannah, lakes & swampsCool, misty mountain forest
Signature wildlifeBig Five, giraffe, hippoMountain gorillas & golden monkeys
Style of safariGame drives & boat cruisesForest trekking on foot
Access2.5 hours from Kigali2–3 hours from Kigali
EffortRelaxed, all fitness levelsStrenuous trekking at altitude
Best combinedAs the safari finaleAs the emotional centrepiece
Planning Your Visit

When to Visit Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Long Dry Season

Jun – Sep

The long dry season brings the finest game viewing, as thinning vegetation and shrinking water sources concentrate wildlife around the lakes.

Wildlife: Prime conditionsWeather: Warm days, cool nights, little rain

Short Dry Season

Dec – Feb

A second fine window between the rains, with warm, largely dry days and green surrounds.

Wildlife: ExcellentWeather: Warm & mostly dry

Green Seasons

Mar – May & Oct – Nov

The green seasons bring lush plains, superb birding and newborn animals, with fewer visitors and excellent value.

Wildlife: Good year-roundWeather: Lush and green, frequent afternoon rain

Month-by-Month Guide

Wildlife ViewingWeatherValue
Jan
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Mar
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May
Jun
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Sep
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Good to Know

Useful Akagera National Park, Rwanda Travel Tips

The practical details that make a real difference — gathered from years of sending travellers into this region.

Take malaria precautions

Unlike the cool gorilla parks, Akagera is a warm, low-lying malaria zone. Bring prophylaxis, repellent and long sleeves for dawn and dusk.

Don't miss the boat

A Lake Ihema boat safari is Akagera's signature — book the late-afternoon cruise for the best light and birdlife.

Combine with the gorillas

Akagera is the ideal savannah counterpoint to Volcanoes. Allow a half-day transfer between the two, or fly.

Bring binoculars

With 490+ bird species and wide plains, good binoculars transform the experience — especially on the lake.

Do a night drive

Akagera is one of the few Rwandan parks offering guided night drives — a great chance for leopard, hyena and bushbabies.

Pack a long lens

The plains game and big cats reward a 200–400mm lens; mornings and late afternoons give the softest light.

Location & Access

Getting to Akagera National Park, Rwanda

1.6833° S, 30.7167° E

Nearest Airports

  • Kigali International (KGL)Main gateway — 2.5-hour drive to the park

Driving Routes

  • Kigali110 km — 2.5-hour drive to the southern gate
  • Volcanoes NP230 km — 4–5-hour transfer
  • Kigali (by air)— — Helicopter transfers available

Akagera is the most easily reached savannah park in the region — a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive east from Kigali on good tarred roads brings you to the southern gate. Helicopter transfers are available for those short on time, and the park pairs seamlessly with Volcanoes National Park to combine gorillas and Big Five in a single trip.

Where To Go

Akagera National Park, Rwanda on the Map of Africa

See where this region sits and tap any glowing marker to open another destination our specialists know first-hand.

SerengetiMasai MaraAmboseliSamburuTsavoLaikipiaLake NakuruBwindiVolcanoesKrugerPanorama RouteSabi SandsCape TownGarden RouteEastern CapeDurban & KZNJohannesburgOkavango DeltaChobeVictoria FallsSouth LuangwaBazarutoEtoshaHwangeMana PoolsCape WinelandsSossusvleiSkeleton CoastMakgadikgadi PansLake KaribaMatobo HillsGreat ZimbabweKibale ForestQueen ElizabethMurchison FallsKidepo ValleyLower ZambeziKafueLiuwa PlainVictoria Falls (Zambia)Lake Manyara National ParkMoremi Game ReserveNgorongoro Conservation AreaNyerere National ParkRuaha National ParkTarangire National ParkThe Kalahari DesertThe Linyanti & Selinda ConcessionsDamaralandFish River CanyonSwakopmundThe Namib DesertQuirimbas ArchipelagoNiassa Special ReserveGorongosa National ParkMaputo & the South CoastAkagera National ParkGishwati-Mukura National ParkKigaliLake KivuNyungwe Forest National Park
East AfricaAkagera National ParkIn the warm lowlands of eastern Rwanda lies a different country altogether — golden savannah, papyrus swamps and a chain of shining lakes where elephant wade and hippo yawn.Discover Akagera National Park
Extend Your Journey

Destinations to Add to Your Akagera National Park, Rwanda Safari

A Akagera National Park, Rwanda safari pairs beautifully with the regions below. Our team stitches them into one unhurried journey — flights, transfers and timing handled end to end.

Volcanoes, RwandaRwanda

Volcanoes

Pair the Big Five savannah with the mountain gorillas for the definitive Rwanda safari.

Explore Volcanoes
Nyungwe Forest National Park, undefined

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Add the ancient rainforest and its chimpanzees for a three-park Rwandan journey.

Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park
Masai Mara, KenyaKenya

Masai Mara

Combine with the Mara's plains for a classic East African big-game finale.

Explore Masai Mara
Frequently Asked Questions

Akagera National Park, Rwanda Safari FAQ

Yes. With the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and Eastern black rhinos in 2017, Akagera is once again a Big Five park — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all present, alongside giraffe, zebra, hippo and abundant plains game.

The southern gate is about 110 km from Kigali — a scenic drive of roughly two and a half hours on good roads. This makes Akagera one of the most accessible savannah parks in Africa, ideal as an add-on to gorilla trekking.

The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best game viewing, when wildlife concentrates around the lakes. The green seasons bring lush scenery, wonderful birding and excellent value, with wildlife present year-round.

Absolutely — and we highly recommend it. Akagera's warm savannah is the perfect counterpoint to the cool gorilla forests of Volcanoes National Park. A classic Rwanda itinerary pairs two or three nights of gorilla trekking with two nights on safari in Akagera.

Yes, being a warm, low-lying savannah park, Akagera is a malaria zone, unlike the higher, cooler gorilla parks. We advise antimalarial prophylaxis, insect repellent and covering up at dawn and dusk — your doctor can advise on the best options.

Lake Ihema boat safaris pass large pods of hippo, basking crocodiles and superb birdlife, from African fish eagles and pelicans to, occasionally, the extraordinary shoebill. Elephant and buffalo are often seen drinking at the shore.

Two nights allow for a good mix of game drives and a boat safari; three nights let you explore the park more fully, including the wildlife-rich north around Magashi. Most guests combine Akagera with the gorillas for a four-to-seven-day Rwandan safari.

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Plan Your Akagera National Park, Rwanda Safari

Join 200,000+ travellers who have trusted us with their African safari dreams since 2008. Our expert team will craft a tailor-made Akagera National Park, Rwanda itinerary perfectly suited to your style, budget and dates.

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