Akagera National Park Explorer Safari
Rwanda's Big Five Savannah of Lakes and Rolling Hills
Overview
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.
Who It's For
Ideal for travellers who want to experience Akagera National Park in privacy and comfort, with expert guiding and the finest lodges the region offers.
Package Highlights
Big Five Game Drives
Explore Akagera's mosaic of plains, woodland and wetland in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and the reintroduced black rhino.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Cruise the papyrus-lined shores of Lake Ihema among hippo, crocodile and a wealth of waterbirds.
Behind-the-Scenes Conservation
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.
Night Game Drive
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.
Plains Game & Giraffe Country
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive via Kigali and transfer to your lodge in Akagera National Park, where a warm welcome and a first taste of the landscape await. After settling in, head out for an orientation drive as the light turns golden, before sundowners and dinner beneath a vast African sky.
🏨 Accommodation: Magashi Camp
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Magashi Camp
📍 Northern Akagera
Wilderness's flagship Rwandan camp, six tented suites overlooking a lake in the game-rich north of the park.
From $1,600 per person per night
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
📍 Lake Ihema, southern Akagera
An eco-friendly tented lodge on the shores of Lake Ihema, with hippo and birdlife on the doorstep.
From $350 per person per night
Akagera Game Lodge
📍 Southern Akagera
A relaxed hilltop lodge with a pool and panoramic views over the park's chain of lakes.
From $220 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$716/night)
Comfortable lodges and camps, guided activities, all meals and transfers
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$1,083/night)
Premium suites, enhanced guiding and privacy, curated experiences
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$1,550/night)
Private guide and vehicle, exclusive-use options and the finest lodges
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ Return road/air transfers from Kigali
- ✓ 3 nights luxury lodge and camp accommodation
- ✓ All meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Twice-daily guided activities and excursions
- ✓ Expert local guides throughout
- ✓ Park, reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ All in-destination transfers and logistics
- ✓ Bottled water and lodge soft drinks
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Rwanda
- ✗ Visa fees where applicable
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium and imported beverages
- ✗ Optional activities and spa treatments
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Akagera National Park is at its best in the dry season (June–September & December–February (dry seasons)), when wildlife and conditions peak. Green-season travel brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent value.
Why Choose This Package
Big Five Game Drives
Explore Akagera's mosaic of plains, woodland and wetland in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and the reintroduced black rhino.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Cruise the papyrus-lined shores of Lake Ihema among hippo, crocodile and a wealth of waterbirds.
Behind-the-Scenes Conservation
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.
Night Game Drive
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Akagera National Park Explorer Safari?
From $2,150 per person | 4 Days / 3 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates