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Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Although founded in 1934, much of the park was re-allocated as farms and in 1997 the park was reduced in size from more than 2,500 sq km (nearly 10% of the surface area of Rwanda) to its current extent of 1,122 sq km. Since 2010, a joint venture with African Parks has seen Akagera return to its former glories.
It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa.
Akagera combines well with Nyungwe and the Volcanoes NP to offer a great safari element as it is home to many large plains game species as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork. Notable plains game include elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelope are duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala. Of the primates, olive baboons, vervets and the secretive blue monkey are seen during the day, with bushbabies often seen on night drives.
Of the larger predators leopard, hyena, side-striped jackal and lion, which was re-introduced last year are present. Plans are underway for the reintroduction of the black rhino too, and this will restore Akagera’s ‘Big 5’ status. Due to its wide variety of habitats, Akagera National Park is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species. The rare and elusive shoebill shares the papyrus with other rarities such as the exquisite papyrus gonolek and countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands in large numbers.
Akagera National Park offers a mix of classic game viewing, water-based safari activities, and birding experiences that make it one of Rwanda’s most varied wildlife destinations. Whether you want to explore the plains on a game drive, cruise along Lake Ihema, or enjoy a self-drive safari through the park’s northern sector, Akagera has enough activities to build a rewarding multi-day itinerary.
Game drives are the main activity in Akagera National Park and the best way to explore its open plains, rolling hills, and wildlife-rich northern sector. Morning and late afternoon drives give visitors the best chance of spotting elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and predators such as lions and leopards.
A boat safari on Lake Ihema is one of Akagera’s standout experiences and adds a different side to the usual game drive. It offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and the scenic wetland landscapes that make the park so unique.
Akagera is one of Rwanda’s top birding destinations, with hundreds of species found across its lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah, and woodland habitats. Birdwatching here is especially rewarding for travelers hoping to spot wetland species and enjoy a quieter side of the safari.
Night drives give visitors the chance to experience Akagera after dark and look for animals that are rarely seen during the day. It is one of the best ways to spot nocturnal wildlife and adds a more adventurous side to the safari experience.
Sport fishing is available in Akagera and is mainly associated with Lake Shakani. It is a more relaxed activity that works well for travelers who want to slow down their safari and enjoy time in one of the park’s quieter lakeside areas.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five safari park and one of the country’s most important wildlife conservation areas. The park is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, topis, impalas, waterbucks, elands, and many other species that thrive across its savannah, woodland, and wetland habitats. Recent years have seen major wildlife recovery in the park, helping Akagera become one of the most exciting safari destinations in Rwanda.
The variety of habitats is one of the reasons wildlife viewing here feels so rich. Open plains support grazing animals and predators, lakes draw hippos and crocodiles, and the wetland areas attract both resident and migratory birdlife. Depending on the season and which part of the park you explore, the safari experience can shift from classic savannah game viewing to water-focused wildlife observation in a matter of hours.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires a Rwanda gorilla permit, which allows one trek and one hour with the gorillas once they are found. Because permits are limited and Rwanda is one of the most popular gorilla destinations in the region, it is best to book early.
Yes, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five park and is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. In addition to the Big Five, visitors may also see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, warthogs, and a wide variety of birdlife across the park’s different habitats.
Akagera National Park is the closest national park to Kigali and is generally about a two and a half to three hour drive by road, depending on traffic and where you are staying in the city. Its easy access makes it one of the best parks in Rwanda for a short safari, weekend trip, or wildlife stop before heading to other destinations.
The main activities in Akagera National Park include game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, night game drives, birdwatching, guided nature walks, and cultural or community visits around the park. This mix of activities makes Akagera one of the most varied safari parks in Rwanda, especially for travelers who want more than just a standard game drive.
Accommodation in and around Akagera ranges from luxury safari lodges and tented camps to mid-range and budget-friendly options. Where you stay depends on the kind of experience you want, whether that is a scenic lakeside lodge, a more classic safari base close to the southern entrance, or a remote bush camp deeper inside the park.
Yes, Akagera is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Rwanda because of its lakes, papyrus swamps, wetlands, woodland, and savannah habitats. The park supports a large variety of waterbirds, raptors, wetland species, and savannah birds, making it rewarding for both casual birdwatchers and more dedicated birding travelers.
