National park · Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Savanna, lakes and the Big Five, reborn.

In shortAkagera National Park covers about 1,122 km² of savanna, woodland, lakes and papyrus swamp along Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania. Managed by African Parks with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010, it is now home to the Big Five after the return of lions in 2015 and rhinos in 2017. It is about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali.

Wildlife

Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, black and white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and many antelope species, including topi, eland and roan. Birders can find nearly 500 species, including the shoebill.

Activities

Game drives (self-drive or guided), boat safaris on Lake Ihema, night drives, sport fishing on Lake Shakani and behind-the-scenes conservation experiences.

Combine it

Akagera works perfectly as a 1–3 day add-on to a gorilla trip. See our Akagera safari.

Things to do in Akagera National Park

Herd of elephants in the savanna of Akagera National Park

Wildlife

Akagera Big Five Safari

A Big Five comeback story, 2.5 hours from Kigali.

Grey crowned crane, Rwanda's iconic wetland bird

Wildlife

Birdwatching in Rwanda

Over 700 species in a country smaller than Belgium.

Where to stay

Elephant bathing in a lake in Akagera National Park

Luxury

Magashi Camp

Six luxury tents on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga in a private concession in the north of the park.

Exclusive northern concession
Boating and fishing
Superb predator sightings

Akagera National ParkAsk for rates

Rolling savanna and lakes of Akagera National Park

Mid-range

Karenge Bush Camp

Seasonal tented bush camp run by African Parks, simple and immersive, in the heart of the park.

Authentic bush feel
Supports the park directly
Central location

Akagera National ParkAsk for rates

A pod of hippos resting at the water's edge

Mid-range

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Lakeside tents on Lake Ihema, run by the park, with hippos grunting outside at night.

Right on Lake Ihema
Close to the boat safari
Proceeds support conservation

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All places to stay

Tours visiting Akagera National Park

A silverback mountain gorilla sitting in dense green forest

7 days · Rwanda

7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Expedition

The adventure of a lifetime: from the golden savannahs of Akagera National Park, teeming with wildlife, to the mist-shrouded forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, with Rwanda's culture and conservation story woven throughout.

GorillasWildlifeBig Five

From US$9,405 ppView trip

Elephant walking down a dirt track in Akagera National Park, Rwanda

2 days · Rwanda

2-Day Akagera National Park Safari Adventure

A thrilling 2-day safari in Akagera National Park. Discover the Big Five amid rolling hills and lush wetlands, cruise Lake Ihema among hippos, and spend the night at a lodge inside the park, guided by experts throughout.

WildlifeBig FiveShort break

From US$1,195 ppView trip

A large elephant beside an open safari vehicle full of guests

1 day · Rwanda

1-Day Akagera National Park Safari

Set off at dawn from Kigali into Rwanda's untamed wilderness. This full-day safari in Akagera National Park brings stunning scenery and thrilling sightings, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo.

WildlifeBig FiveDay trip

From US$470 ppView trip

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