Discover Rwanda's Big Five Wildlife Safari Destination

Akagera National Park is Rwanda's main savannah wildlife destination and one of the best places in the country to enjoy a traditional African safari. Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, the park is home to lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinoceroses, making it the only national park in Rwanda where visitors can search for the Big Five.

Covering approximately 1,122 square kilometres, Akagera is known for its open grasslands, rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands and beautiful lakes. These different habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, from giraffes and zebras to hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species.

The park takes its name from the Akagera River, which flows along the eastern boundary. Its network of lakes and wetlands creates an attractive landscape and provides important habitats for wildlife throughout the year.

Unlike Rwanda's mountain forests, where gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are the main attractions, Akagera offers traditional game drives, boat safaris, bird watching and cultural experiences.

At Kenzi Safaris, we organise Akagera National Park safaris for travellers interested in wildlife, nature and photography. Whether you are planning a short wildlife tour from Kigali or combining Akagera with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, we can help you create a safari that matches your travel plans.

About Akagera National Park

Rwanda's Savannah, Lakes and Wildlife

Established in 1934, Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda's oldest protected areas.

The park lies in the eastern part of the country and stretches along the border with Tanzania.

Its landscape is made up of open savannah, wooded hills, seasonal grasslands, lakes and extensive wetlands.

These habitats support a remarkable variety of animals and birds, making Akagera an important wildlife conservation area in Rwanda.

Akagera has also undergone significant conservation and wildlife restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of lions and rhinoceroses.

Today, the park offers visitors the opportunity to observe Rwanda's savannah wildlife while learning about the conservation work carried out to protect its animals and natural habitats.

Akagera is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine wildlife viewing with Rwanda's better-known primate experiences.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park

Discover the Big Five and Other Savannah Animals

Wildlife viewing is the main attraction in Akagera National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including large predators, herbivores and smaller wildlife species. Game drives provide opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats as they feed, rest and move across the savannah.

The Big Five in Akagera

Lions

Lions are among Akagera's most sought-after wildlife sightings. They were reintroduced to the park as part of its wildlife restoration programme. Visitors may encounter lions resting in the grasslands, moving through the savannah or searching for prey.

Leopards

Leopards are naturally secretive animals and can be difficult to find.

They are often associated with wooded areas and may be more active during the cooler hours of the day.

Spotting a leopard is a special moment on an Akagera safari.

African Elephants

Elephants are among the largest animals found in Akagera. They can sometimes be seen moving through the grasslands, feeding on vegetation or visiting water sources.

African Buffaloes

Buffaloes are commonly associated with the park's grasslands and areas near water. They may be seen individually or in groups during game drives.

Rhinoceroses

Akagera is home to rhinoceroses following conservation reintroduction efforts. Seeing a rhino in the wild is an important highlight for many visitors, although sightings depend on the animals' movements and location.

Other Wildlife in Akagera

Beyond the Big Five, Akagera supports many other species.

Giraffes

Giraffes are among the park's most recognisable animals. They can be seen feeding on trees and moving through the savannah and woodland areas.

Zebras

Zebras are found in Akagera's open grasslands, often grazing in groups.

Hippos

Hippos live in the park's lakes and waterways, particularly around Lake Ihema.

Crocodiles

Nile crocodiles inhabit the park's lakes and wetlands and can sometimes be observed resting near the water.

Antelopes

Akagera supports several antelope species, including impalas, waterbucks, topis and other grassland animals.

Other Mammals

The park is also home to hyenas, warthogs, monkeys and smaller carnivores. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season, weather, time of day and natural animal movements.

Bird Watching in Akagera National Park

Explore Rwanda's Savannah and Wetland Birdlife

Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda's rewarding destinations for bird watching.

Its combination of savannah, woodland, lakes and wetlands supports a wide range of bird species.

Birdwatchers can explore different habitats in search of water birds, raptors, grassland birds and woodland species.

The park's lakes and marshes are particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy wetland bird watching.

Birds to Look Out For

Bird species associated with Akagera include:

• African fish eagle
• Grey crowned crane
• African jacana
• Marabou stork
• Saddle-billed stork
• Papyrus gonolek
• Various kingfishers
• Herons and egrets
• Bee-eaters
• Raptors and other savannah birds

The shoebill is associated with the wider region's papyrus wetlands, but it is rare and should not be treated as a guaranteed sighting in Akagera.

For dedicated bird watchers, Kenzi Safaris can arrange an itinerary that allows more time to explore the park's different habitats.

Lakes and Wetlands of Akagera National Park

Discover the Waterways That Support the Park's Wildlife

One of Akagera's most distinctive features is its network of lakes, rivers and wetlands.

These water bodies provide important habitats for hippos, crocodiles, fish and numerous bird species.

They also attract other animals that visit the shoreline to drink.

Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema is one of the best-known lakes in Akagera National Park.

It is the main location for organised boat safaris.

During a boat trip, visitors may observe hippos, crocodiles, water birds and other wildlife around the shoreline.

Lake Shakani

Lake Shakani is another notable lake within Akagera.

Its surrounding habitats support birds and other wildlife.

Lake Rwanyakazinga

Lake Rwanyakazinga is part of the park's lake system and contributes to the wetland landscapes that make Akagera distinctive.

Other Lakes and Wetlands

Akagera also includes other lakes and marshy areas, such as Lake Gishanju and Lake Mihindi.

Together, these water bodies create important habitats for wildlife and provide beautiful scenery during game drives.

Things to Do in Akagera National Park

Game Drives in Akagera

Explore Rwanda's Savannah Wildlife

Game drives are the main activity in Akagera National Park.

They provide the opportunity to explore the park's grasslands, woodlands and lakeside habitats while searching for wildlife.

Depending on your route and the time of day, you may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other animals.

Your safari guide will help identify wildlife and explain more about the park's ecosystems.

Morning Game Drives

Morning game drives are popular because temperatures are generally cooler and many animals are active.

An early start provides opportunities to explore different habitats before the day becomes warmer.

Afternoon Game Drives

Afternoon game drives offer another opportunity to search for wildlife.

They are particularly enjoyable for travellers interested in landscape and wildlife photography.

Night Game Drives

Night game drives may be available through authorised park arrangements.

These guided activities offer a different wildlife experience, with opportunities to look for nocturnal animals.

Availability and operating conditions should be confirmed before your safari.

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Experience Akagera from the Water

A boat safari on Lake Ihema is one of the most enjoyable activities in Akagera National Park.

The experience allows visitors to explore the lakeshore while observing wildlife and birds from the water.

Hippos are among the main attractions, and crocodiles may also be seen resting along the shoreline.

Bird watchers can look for fish eagles, herons, kingfishers and other water birds.

The boat trip also provides beautiful views of the surrounding vegetation and lake scenery.

A Lake Ihema boat safari is an excellent addition to a game drive and can be included in both short and longer Akagera itineraries.

Bird Watching

Discover Akagera's Birdlife

Akagera is an excellent destination for visitors interested in birds.

Its different habitats support species associated with wetlands, open grasslands and woodland.

Bird watching can be enjoyed during game drives or through specially arranged birding activities.

For travellers with a strong interest in birds, spending additional time in the park provides more opportunities to explore different habitats.

Guided Nature Walks

Discover the Smaller Details of the Landscape

Guided nature walks, where authorised and available, offer an opportunity to explore selected areas on foot.

Walking activities focus on the natural environment and may introduce visitors to plants, insects, birds and other features that can be overlooked during a vehicle safari.

Because Akagera is home to dangerous wildlife, walking activities must only take place in approved areas with authorised guides.

Kenzi Safaris can help confirm suitable walking experiences during your visit.

Community and Cultural Experiences

Meet Communities Around Akagera

A visit to Akagera can be combined with cultural experiences in nearby communities.

These activities provide opportunities to learn about local traditions, farming, crafts and everyday life.

Depending on the available programmes, visitors may participate in cultural demonstrations, learn about traditional food preparation or visit community projects.

Community experiences are a good addition for travellers interested in understanding more about Rwanda beyond its wildlife.

Wildlife Photography

Capture Akagera's Animals and Landscapes

Akagera offers opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.

Its open grasslands, wooded hills, lakes and wetlands provide different settings throughout the day.

Early morning and late afternoon are particularly appealing for photography because of the softer light.

Travellers interested in photography may prefer a longer stay to allow more time for game drives and wildlife observation.

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park

When Should You Plan Your Wildlife Safari?

Akagera National Park can be visited throughout the year.

However, weather conditions and seasonal changes can influence wildlife viewing and road conditions.

June to September – Main Dry Season

This is a popular period for wildlife safaris.

Vegetation may be less dense in some areas, and animals can be easier to observe around suitable habitats and water sources.

The generally drier conditions can also make game drives more comfortable.

December to February – Shorter Dry Period

These months can also provide good conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Occasional rainfall remains possible.

March to May – Main Rainy Season

Rainfall is generally heavier during this period.

The landscape becomes greener, although some tracks may be muddy.

Bird watching and landscape photography can still be rewarding.

October to November – Short Rainy Season

Rainfall usually increases again during these months.

Wildlife viewing continues, although weather conditions may affect some activities.