Akagera National Park

Rwanda’s Premier Savannah Escape with Big Five Wildlife Encounters

The beautiful lakes and wetlands in Akagera National Park make it a safe place for Rwanda’s Big Five animals. Here, you can go on game drives, boat safaris, and see a lot of birds. This is a genuinely varied and enjoyable place to go on a Rwanda Safari.

Area

1,122 sq km

Established

1934

Location

Eastern

Altitude

1,250 – 1,825 m

Climate

Warm Tropical

Terrain

Savannah Plains

Fauna

Lions

Flora

Acacia Woodland

A Thriving Wilderness of Resilience and Renewal

In recent decades, dedicated conservation efforts have transformed Akagera into a model of restoration. The reintroduction of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 marked a turning point for the park’s ecosystem.

Today, Akagera thrives with Big Five sightings, flourishing birdlife, and improved security measures. Visitors can enjoy scenic game drives, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, and guided nature walks, all while supporting one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest protected savannah, offering a remarkable blend of open plains, wetlands, and wooded hills. Its diverse habitats create a sanctuary for iconic African wildlife.

The park’s history tells a story of recovery. Once heavily impacted by human settlement and poaching after the 1994 genocide, vast portions of its wildlife and habitat were lost. Lions and rhinos disappeared for years.

Best Time to Visit Akagera

Akagera is open year-round, but wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from June to September and mid-December to mid-February, when animals gather near lakes and vegetation is thinner.

Best Time

Jun to Sep & Mid-Dec to Mid-Feb

High Season

June to September

Best Weather

Jun to Aug

Low Season

Mar to Apr & Oct to Nov

Best Time

June to Sep & Mid-Dec to Mid-Feb

High Season

June to September

Best Weather

June to Aug

Low Season

Mar to Apr & Oct to Nov

Explore East Africa’s Top Safari Packages

Discover an incredible collection of East Africa’s best safari packages. From thrilling game drives and breathtaking landscapes to rich cultures and abundant wildlife, find the perfect journey across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Akagera’s Hidden Charms Beyond Savannah Adventures

The lakes inside the park create quiet spaces for relaxation. You can take a boat ride, enjoy birdwatching, or try fishing on the gentle waters. Each activity brings a closer look at Akagera’s natural beauty.

Cultural visits nearby give insight into traditional Rwandan life. Guests can watch or take part in daily activities like tending cattle, preparing food, or making yogurt and ghee. These moments connect travelers with communities while adding to the park’s charm.

Akagera National Park is full of life and peaceful landscapes. It offers visitors many different experiences in nature.

Walking trails allow you to explore slowly and see details that are often missed on drives. You may notice colorful butterflies, unique plants, and small forest animals along the paths. These guided walks are calm and rewarding.

The scenery is equally captivating, with rolling hills, woodlands, and shimmering lakes that change color with the light. It’s a landscape that feels alive, peaceful, and endlessly photogenic.

Every day in Akagera offers something new: an early morning drive through golden grasslands, a sunset over Lake Ihema, or quiet moments listening to nature’s soft evening chorus.

Akagera is one of the best places in Rwanda to see large mammals in their natural environment. Lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo roam freely across the open plains, creating classic African safari scenes.

The park’s recent conservation success has brought back key species, including rhinos, restoring balance to its ecosystem. Every sighting here feels meaningful, a sign of Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its wildlife heritage.

FAQs about Travelling to Top Destinations in Rwanda

Rwanda is a welcoming destination known for mountain gorillas, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. These FAQs answer the most common traveler questions to help you plan with ease.

What makes Rwanda a special safari destination?

Rwanda is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, and beautiful volcanic scenery. It also offers vibrant culture, safe travel conditions, and excellent hospitality.

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are best for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing, with clear skies and easier hiking conditions.

Yes, Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa. Visitors can travel with confidence thanks to its stability, friendly people, and strict conservation policies.

Wear sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves. Neutral colors, rain jackets, and gaiters are also recommended for comfort in the forest.

Yes, gorilla permits are mandatory and should be booked in advance. Each permit allows one hour with a gorilla family and currently costs around $1,500 per person.

The Rwandan franc is the local currency. US dollars are also widely accepted, but notes must be from 2009 or newer. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels.

No, bottled or purified water is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth. Most lodges and hotels provide safe drinking water for guests.

You’ll find fresh local produce, grilled meats, and international cuisine. Traditional dishes include plantains, beans, and ugali, while Kigali offers a wide range of modern restaurants.

Yes, Rwanda is family-friendly with safe cities and guided tours. However, gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old.

Most visitors travel by road in 4×4 safari vehicles, often with a driver-guide. Kigali has an international airport with flights connecting to regional and global hubs.

Explore East Africa’s Timeless Safari Destinations

Journey across Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, where landscapes shift from endless savannahs to misty mountains. Witness lions roaming the Serengeti, gorillas in Rwanda’s volcanoes, and elephants crossing Kenya’s plains. Each destination offers its own beauty, culture, and rhythm, creating a safari experience that defines East Africa’s untamed soul.

Create your tailor-made trip

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text

Talk to Safari Expert

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text

Create your tailor-made trip

Plan your trip with us and enjoy safaris, sunsets, and stories you’ll love sharing again and again.

Talk to Safari Expert

Connect with our safari expert today for honest tips, smart planning, and insider travel recommendations.

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

Get Inspired Now

Find out how amazing East Africa's safaris are, with lions roaming, boundless plains, & vibrant civilizations. Visit Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, & Rwanda, where every sunrise feels fresh & every trip makes you want to go deeper into Africa's untamed heart.