Akagera National Park
Nestled in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park is a remarkable conservation success story. Once devastated by human encroachment and poaching, the park has undergone a dramatic transformation, now home again to Africa’s iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
Spanning over 1,120 square kilometers, Akagera blends savannah plains, woodland hills, marshes, and lakes, creating a unique and scenic safari experience that contrasts beautifully with Rwanda’s mountainous interior. It’s the only traditional safari park in the country, offering classic game drives, boat safaris, and a rich diversity of birds and mammals.
Managed through a public-private partnership between African Parks and the Rwandan Government, Akagera is now one of the best-protected and most sustainable safari parks in East Africa.
Location
Just 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali, making it one of the easiest Big Five parks to reach in East Africa
No need for charter flights—perfect for weekend getaways or short add-ons
Best Time to Visit
June to September is dry and ideal for wildlife viewing
December to February also offers good conditions
March to May and October to November bring heavier rains, making some roads muddy, but the landscape lush
Top Wildlife & Safari Experiences
Game Drives
Explore the park on morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives
Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Masai giraffes, topi, eland, zebras, and impalas
Leopard sightings are rare but possible, especially around forested areas
Top Wildlife & Safari Experiences
Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema
Enjoy peaceful boat rides with views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
Great for birdwatching and sunset photography
Rhino Tracking
Eastern black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017, and white rhinos in 2021
Track them with expert guides for a unique conservation-focused experience
Birdwatching Paradise
Home to over 500 bird species, including shoebill storks, papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, and Jacanas
Best birding around the wetlands and lakeshores
Perfect For
Travelers seeking a classic safari in Rwanda
Visitors looking to combine gorilla trekking with a traditional game drive experience
Families and groups
Conservation-minded tourists supporting African Parks initiatives