Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and one of the most beautiful in East Africa. It is located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Tanzania. The park covers about 1,122 square kilometers and is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern edge. Akagera is the best place in Rwanda to see the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—along with many other animals and birds.
Landscapes and Scenery
Akagera National Park has a mix of landscapes that make it unique and exciting to explore. The park features open savannahs, rolling hills, woodlands, swamps, and lakes. These different habitats support many types of animals and birds. The park is green and peaceful, with beautiful views of lakes, especially early in the morning or at sunset. It is also the largest protected wetland in central Africa.
The Big Five and Other Wildlife
Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can see all of the Big Five animals: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. These animals were once gone from the park but have been successfully reintroduced through conservation efforts. Now, the park has a healthy population of lions and black rhinos. In addition to the Big Five, you can also see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many species of antelope such as impalas and topis.
Bird Watching
Akagera is also a great place for bird watchers. The park has over 480 species of birds, including water birds, forest birds, and savannah birds. Some of the birds you might see include fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, bee-eaters, papyrus gonoleks, and the rare shoebill stork. The lakes and wetlands attract many birds, making birding in Akagera enjoyable and rewarding, especially for photographers and nature lovers.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
One of the best activities in Akagera is the boat safari on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. This boat trip allows you to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds up close in a peaceful setting. You may also spot elephants and other animals coming to the water’s edge to drink. The boat cruise is calm, safe, and ideal for relaxing while enjoying nature. Morning and evening cruises are available, with sunset cruises being especially beautiful.
Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing
Game drives are the main way to explore Akagera and see its animals. These drives take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles, with either self-drive or guided options. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to go, as animals are more active during these hours. A full-day game drive gives you the chance to travel deeper into the park and spot more wildlife. The guides are knowledgeable and help you track animals while sharing interesting facts.
Night Game Drives
Night game drives are also offered in Akagera and give a completely different experience. With the help of spotlights, visitors may see nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, civets, and owls. Night drives are exciting and give you a chance to see wildlife that is usually hidden during the day.
Community and Conservation
Akagera National Park is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. Since 2010, major efforts have been made to protect the park and bring back animals that had disappeared. These conservation efforts have been very successful, and wildlife numbers are growing each year. The park also works closely with local communities, offering jobs and education, which helps reduce human-wildlife conflict. Tourism plays an important role in supporting this conservation work.
Best Time to Visit
Akagera National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but the dry seasons—June to September and December to February—are best for game viewing. During these months, animals gather around water sources and are easier to see. The wet seasons—March to May and October to November—make the park green and fresh, with beautiful scenery, but some roads may be muddy. Bird watching is especially good during the rainy season.
How to Get There
Akagera is located about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The road is well maintained, and the drive offers scenic views of the countryside. Visitors can also choose to fly to the park using Akagera Aviation, which offers charter flights. Once inside the park, guided game drives, boat trips, and other activities can be arranged at the visitor center.
Where to Stay
There are several places to stay in and around Akagera National Park, suitable for all budgets. Inside the park, popular options include Magashi Camp (luxury), Karenge Bush Camp (seasonal), and Akagera Game Lodge (mid-range). Outside the park, visitors can find guesthouses and lodges near the park entrance. Camping sites are also available for travelers who want a closer connection to nature. It is a good idea to book accommodation in advance, especially during busy seasons.
Who Should Visit Akagera?
Akagera is perfect for anyone who wants a classic African safari experience in Rwanda. It’s great for families, couples, bird watchers, photographers, and wildlife lovers. Since it’s the only savannah park in Rwanda, it adds a nice contrast to visits to Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe Forest. A trip to Akagera can be a day tour or part of a longer safari in Rwanda.
Conclusion
Akagera National Park is a hidden gem in Rwanda. With its wide open spaces, lakes, rich wildlife, and successful conservation story, it offers one of the best safari experiences in East Africa. Whether you’re cruising along Lake Ihema, watching lions hunt in the grasslands, or spotting birds in the wetlands, Akagera is a peaceful and rewarding destination that should not be missed.
