Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah national park and the country's premier destination for traditional wildlife safaris. Covering more than 1,100 square kilometres in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, the park is named after the Akagera River, which feeds a network of lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and open grasslands.

The park has undergone one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories. Through successful wildlife restoration programs, Akagera has become home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Visitors can also spot giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, baboons, monkeys, and over 500 bird species, making it one of East Africa's finest wildlife destinations.

The Big Five Game Drive offers visitors the opportunity to search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards while exploring beautiful savannah landscapes filled with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and countless bird species. Morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best chances for wildlife viewing.

Akagera National Park

Best SafariActivities

  • Game Drives
  • Boat Cruises on Lake Ihema
  • Big Five Safaris
  • Bird Watching
  • Night Game Drives
  • Photography
  • Nature Walks
  • Camping


When is the best time to go?

Akagera National Park is an excellent year-round destination, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best wildlife viewing.

During these months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Roads are also in better condition for game drives.

The wet seasons provide greener scenery, excellent bird watching, and fewer tourists.


How to get there

Akagera National Park is approximately 110 kilometres from Kigali and can be reached within 2½ hours by road.

Most visitors travel by private safari vehicle, although self-drive safaris are also popular due to the park’s excellent road network.

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