Akagera national park found in eastern Rwanda is a 2500 sq km of mainly Savannah land. The Akagera National Park is in eastern Rwanda and covers 2500 square kilometers of mainly Savannah land. Named after the Kagera River, which flows along Rwanda’s eastern boundary with Tanzania, the park is home to diverse wildlife. The Savannah landscape includes acacia and bush, with open grassland and several swampy lakes fed by the Kagera River.

The park is the only Savannah national park in Rwanda, making it the best place to see large mammals on safari. You can spot elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, and lions. Various antelopes like bushbucks, Topis, Oribis, waterbucks, roan antelope, duiker, klipspringer, impala, and the Cape eland, the world’s largest antelope, also inhabit the park.

Lake Ihema is a hotspot for watching hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. Common primates in the park include olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies seen during night drives.

With a wide variety of habitats, Akagera National Park is a haven for 500 bird species. Notable ones include the shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African Openbill Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee. Other bird species you might encounter are fish eagles, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Black-headed and Viellot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and Caruther’s Cisticola are also present.

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Embark on an exciting adventure with game drives in Akagera National Park. Start your day early in safari vehicles, seeking elusive predators such as leopards, hyenas, and the recently reintroduced lions. These creatures prefer hunting during the night or early morning, taking shelter as the sun’s heat intensifies. As you explore, marvel at the diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. The picturesque landscape and vibrant wildflowers provide ample opportunities for avid photographers. Additionally, experience the thrill of night game drives led by park officials, offering a chance to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and lions.

Bird Watching

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

For a delightful afternoon in Akagera National Park, take a boat ride on Lake Ihema. Witness animals seeking shade along the shores as others come to the water for cooling off and drinking. Encounter a variety of water birds, schools of hippos in the water, and crocodiles by the lake’s shores. Scheduled boat trips are available during the day, but for a more personalized experience, you can book a private unscheduled boat trip at your preferred time.

Sport Fishing 

For fishing enthusiasts, Akagera National Park offers sport fishing on Lake Shakani. Book a fishing session with the park, and while catch and release is encouraged, you have the option to keep one catch for a meal if interested.

Cultural Tours

Immerse yourself in rural Rwandan life with cultural tours around the cattle-keeping communities near Akagera National Park. Observe or participate in traditional activities such as cattle grazing, milking, and the traditional preservation of milk in calabashes. Learn the process of turning milk into various products like traditional yogurt and ghee, and participate in preparing a meal using these ingredients. This authentic cultural experience, shared by locals adjacent to the park, not only provides an income supplement but also contributes to the conservation culture and the well-being of wild animals in the park.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an eco-friendly accommodation option located within the park. Since opening in 2012, it has become a popular choice for visitors. The lodge’s proximity to the main gate allows easy access to explore the park’s diverse landscapes. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the lodge’s restaurant, known for its beautiful setting and excellent service.

Activities at Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Guests can participate in various activities, including game drives, where they might encounter nocturnal animals during night drives. While the lodge does not organise these drives, they can be arranged through the park’s office or a tour operator.

Getting to Ruzizi Tented Lodge: The lodge is about a 30-minute drive from the park entrance, making it a convenient option for guests.

Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera Game Lodge offers a more traditional hotel experience and is one of the few accommodation options within the park. Located near the Tanzanian border, this lodge boasts stunning views over Lake Ihema and features a large swimming pool overlooking the savannah. With 60 rooms, the lodge has been refurbished and upgraded under new management since 2018.

Activities at Akagera Game Lodge: Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, guided nature walks, and swimming in the pool, among other activities.

Seasonal Information: The lodge experiences peak, high, and low seasons. Peak season runs from June to August and December, while the high season lasts from January to March and September to November. The low season is from April to May, during which the lodge is less crowded.

Magashi Safari Camp

Magashi Safari Camp, located in the northern part of Akagera National Park, offers a luxurious camping experience with breathtaking views of Lake Rwanyakazinga. Opened in early 2019, this camp is a fantastic addition to Rwanda’s high-end safari options.

Activities at Magashi Safari Camp: Guests can enjoy guided game drives, boat cruises known for hippo and crocodile sightings, guided nature walks, and sport fishing in Lake Rwanyakazinga. The fishing here is catch-and-release, and the lake is home to species like catfish and tilapia.

Getting to Magashi Safari Camp: The camp can be reached by road, taking about 5 to 6 hours from Kigali, or by air, with helicopter transfers available. The scenic helicopter ride is a faster option and provides stunning views of the landscape.

Late June through early September is the optimal time to visit Akagera National Park. During this peak season, wildlife is easier to spot as the bush thins out, and animals concentrate around the lakes. The weather is ideal for photography and nature observation. On the other hand, the rainy (low) season from March to November offers a unique experience, with afternoon showers allowing for morning activities and discounted rates for budget-conscious travelers.

How to Get to Akagera National Park

Reach Akagera National Park by driving from Kigali through Rwamagana town to the southern gate (currently the only entrance). The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, for those preferring to fly, Akagera Aviation offers services to the park, eliminating the need for a 2-hour drive.