Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah park, and its transformation over the past decade is one of Africa's great conservation comeback stories. Once degraded by decades of conflict, it now protects lions, rhinos, elephants and vast lake systems teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
Game Drives
Search savannah plains for lion, elephant, buffalo and giraffe.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Cruise past hippo pods and Nile crocodiles at close range.
Rhino Tracking
Both black and white rhino were successfully reintroduced here.
Bird Watching
Over 480 species, including the elusive shoebill stork.
Quick Facts
Why Visit Akagera
Akagera completes Rwanda's Big Five, making it a natural add-on to a gorilla trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park. Its lake-and-savannah landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country.
Planning Your Visit
Most visitors combine a morning or afternoon game drive with a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Akagera is easily reached as a day trip from Kigali or a one-to-two-night stay.
- Best combined with Kigali city stays given the short drive
- Night game drives are available for an additional fee
- Dry season offers the best wildlife visibility
Good to Know Before You Go
Planning ahead makes all the difference at Akagera National Park. Most visitors coordinate Game Drives & Boat Safari with the wider Eastern Rwanda region, and timing your trip around Jun – Sep (dry season) generally offers the most rewarding experience.
- Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife activity
- Pack neutral-colored clothing, a hat, and binoculars for spotting distant game
- Confirm whether park fees and vehicle fees are included in your rate
- A camera with a zoom lens makes a big difference for wildlife photography
Most travelers pair a visit to Akagera National Park with nearby highlights such as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest — ask your safari consultant about combining sites into a single seamless itinerary rather than backtracking between stops.
