Akagera National Park

Explore Akagera National Park, where savannah, lakes, and papyrus swamps create a classic Big Five safari experience in Rwanda’s only savannah reserve.

Location and Geography of Akagera National Park

Eastern Rwanda’s 1,122 km² park borders Tanzania, with Lake Ihema and the Akagera River forming wetland mosaics. Dry seasons (June–September, January–February) bring wildlife to waterholes. Temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) in valleys.

Wildlife and Nature in Akagera National Park

Since 2010’s rewilding, lions, rhinos, and leopards have rejoined elephants, giraffes, and hippos. The lakes host crocodiles and 500+ bird species including rare shoebills and papyrus gonoleks.

 

Experiences and Activities in Akagera National Park

Game Drives spot the Big Five on northern plains. Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema reveal hippo pods. Night Drives (rare in Rwanda) track leopards, while Fishing excursions catch Nile perch.

Game Drives

Go on thrilling safaris to encounter Serengeti's iconic wildlife, led by experienced guides.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Soar above the Serengeti plains at sunrise, witnessing breathtaking views and wildlife from above.

Birdwatching

Discover the park's rich birdlife, with over 500 bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and migratory birds.

Sundowner Safaris

Enjoy sundowner cocktails at scenic viewpoints, witnessing stunning sunsets over the Serengeti landscape.

Photography Safaris

Capture the park's beauty and wildlife diversity with expert guidance on photography techniques and locations.

Bush Dinners

Indulge in a unique dining experience under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

Accommodation Options in Akagera National Park

Luxury Lodges

Magashi Camp’s six tents overlook Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Tented Camps

Ruzizi Tented Lodge sits lakeside

Campsites

Akagera Game Lodge offers family-friendly rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Akagera National Park

Q: What makes Akagera National Park unique in Rwanda?

A: Akagera is Rwanda's only Big Five safari destination, combining classic savannah landscapes with papyrus swamps and lakes. Its successful rewilding program has restored lions (2015) and rhinos (2017) after decades of absence.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see?

A: The park hosts lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, plus rare species like shoebill storks and sitatunga antelope. Lake Ihema has Africa's highest hippo density (1,200+).

Q: When is the best time for game viewing?

A: June-September (dry season) when animals congregate at water sources. January-February offers lush landscapes with fewer visitors. October-November is best for bird migrations.

Q: What activities are available?

A: Morning/evening game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, guided walking safaris (southern sector), and night drives (rare in Rwanda) to spot leopards and hyenas.

Q: How much are park fees?

A: $100 per adult/day (foreign non-residents), $50 (foreign residents), RWF 20,000 (East Africans). Boat safaris cost $35, night drives $40. Fees payable at park gates.

Q: Can I self-drive in Akagera?

A: Yes, with 4x4 vehicles recommended. Guided drives are better for wildlife spotting. Self-drivers must arrive by 3pm and stay on designated roads.

Q: What's special about the boat safaris?

A: The 1.5-hour Lake Ihema cruise gets within 10m of hippos and crocodiles, with excellent birding (African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers). Sunset cruises are particularly scenic.

Q: How successful has the rhino reintroduction been?

A: Extremely successful - from 18 introduced black rhinos in 2017, the population has grown to 30+ through natural breeding, with dedicated ranger protection.

Q: What should I pack?

A: Neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, sun protection, light jacket for mornings, and swimwear if staying at lodges with pools.

Q: Are there health precautions?

A: Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Yellow fever vaccination required. Avoid swimming in lakes (bilharzia risk). Drink only bottled water.

Q: What accommodation options exist?

A: Luxury: Magashi Camp (6 tents with lake views). Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Budget: Akagera Game Lodge. Camping available at Shakani and Muyumba.

Q: How does Akagera compare to East Africa's larger parks?

A: More intimate (fewer than 10 vehicles at sightings), excellent guiding standards, and combines savannah with unique wetland ecosystems unlike Tanzania/Kenya's dry parks.

Q: Can I visit as a day trip from Kigali?

A: Possible but rushed (2.5hr drive each way). Better to stay 1-2 nights. Helicopter transfers available (45 mins from Kigali) for luxury travelers.

Q: What are the birding highlights?

A: 500+ species including rare shoebills (best seen November-March), papyrus gonoleks, and Africa's largest concentration of wetland birds along the Akagera River.

Q: How does the northern sector differ from the south?

A: North has open savannah (best for lions/rhinos), while the south features dense woodland (leopards) and Lake Ihema (boat safaris). The park road connects both sectors.

Discover Tanzania’s Wild Beauty

Explore Tanzania’s wild beauty with expert guides. Witness the Great Migration, encounter the Big Five, and experience thrilling game drives across iconic landscapes.

11 day 10 night karibu safari

Discover Tanzania’s iconic parks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable 11-day Karibu Safari.

08 day 07 unforgettable tanzania

Explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti on a thrilling safari with epic landscapes and Big Five encounters.

6 day 5 night comfort safari

Journey through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, experiencing epic wildlife, iconic landscapes, expert guides, and lodges.

5 days 4 nights memorable safari

Experience Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, with unforgettable wildlife, scenic landscapes, and true adventure.

Discover Kenya's wild wonders

Roam golden savannahs, witness the Great Migration, and encounter Africa's iconic wildlife in breathtaking landscapes.

7 Day Magical Luxury Kenya Wildlife Safari

Embark on a 7-day luxury safari across Kenya’s iconic Amboseli and Masai Mara with unforgettable adventures.

6 Days Kenya Magical Wildlife Safari

Experience Kenya’s wonders on a 6-day safari through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara.”

5 Days Discovery Maasai Mara Bird life Adventure

Go on an extraordinary adventure to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, such as elephants and baobab trees.

5 Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Wildlife Safari

Discover Kenya’s finest on a 5-day safari through Amboseli’s landscapes and Masai Mara’s wildlife.

Ultimate Uganda Safari Experience

Explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, from Bwindi’s mountain gorillas to Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth’s lions, chimpanzees, and birdlife on unforgettable safaris.

15 Day Uganda Classic Safari

Explore Uganda’s wildlife, track chimpanzees and gorillas, visit scenic lakes, and experience the Batwa Trail.

13 Day Uganda Safari​

Discover Uganda’s highlights—wildlife in Murchison & Queen Elizabeth, gorilla trekking, Batwa culture, and Gorilla Highlands canoeing.

12 day best of Uganda 2025

Discover Uganda’s top highlights: wildlife safaris, primate trekking, Batwa Trail, and canoeing Gorilla Highlands lakes.

10 day - Uganda Primate Safari 2025

Discover Uganda’s beauty, culture, and wildlife with Great Lakes Safaris in a journey beyond the wild.

Discover Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills and Incredible Wildlife Encounters

Explore Rwanda’s lush landscapes, mountain gorillas, vibrant culture, and thrilling safaris. From Volcanoes to Nyungwe, experience Africa’s beauty with expert-guided adventure tours.

11 Days Exploring Rwanda Safari Adventure

Explore Rwanda’s breathtaking wildlife, rich culture, and iconic landscapes on this unforgettable 10-day safari journey.

13 Day Uganda Safari

Explore Rwanda's beauty, wildlife, and culture through this unforgettable 8-day guided safari adventure.

8 Days Rwanda Adventure Safari

Embark on a thrilling 8-day Rwanda adventure safari, exploring the country’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes.

8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Heli Safari Adventure

Experience Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage in this 8-day luxury safari adventure.

Zanzibar: Exotic Beach & Culture

Experience Zanzibar’s stunning beaches, rich culture, spice tours, snorkeling, historic Stone Town, and vibrant markets for an unforgettable island getaway.

Tropical Icon!

Zanzibar, a world-renowned island off Tanzania’s coast. Located in the warm Indian Ocean, it’s a paradise for beach lovers, history buffs, and spice explorers alike.

Things To Do

Tanzania Destinations

Experience Serengeti NP, renowned for the Great Migration and the Big Five, providing unparalleled wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Kenya Destinations

Discover Ngorongoro Conservation Authority, famous for stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Uganda Destinations

Uganda thrills with gorilla treks, lion safaris, and Nile adventures. From misty forests to golden savannahs, discover Africa’s wild soul in its most biodiverse landscapes.

Rwanda Destinations

Explore Lake Manyara NP, known for stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including flamingos and tree-climbing lions.

Why Choose Us for Your Tanzania Safari?

We are a Tanzania-based safari company dedicated to crafting unforgettable, safe, and expertly guided adventures across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and beyond.

This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two to complete

Help us plan your dream safari by providing us with a few details

Select your dates.

Where can we send your trip suggestions? .