Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s greatest savanna wildlife story — a park that was devastated by conflict and poaching in the 1990s and has been spectacularly reborn over the past decade. Today, Akagera holds all of Africa’s Big Five and is one of the best-managed national parks on the continent.
For travellers visiting Rwanda, Akagera is an essential add-on to any gorilla trekking itinerary.
Essential Facts
- Location: Eastern Rwanda, on the Tanzania border (2.5 hrs from Kigali)
- Size: 1,122 km² — a mix of savanna, woodland, swamp, and lakes
- Established: 1934 (one of Africa’s oldest parks)
- Entry fee: USD $40/person/day
Wildlife: What You Can See
The Big Five
| Animal | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Reintroduced 2015 | ~50 individuals, growing population |
| Black Rhino | Reintroduced 2017 | ~30 individuals — significant conservation success |
| African Elephant | Resident | ~100+ elephants — frequently seen near south shore |
| Buffalo | Abundant | Large herds; easy to spot year-round |
| Leopard | Resident | Shy; spotted mainly at dawn and dusk |
Other Notable Wildlife
- Hippo — Akagera has the largest hippo population in Rwanda (abundant in lakes)
- Zebra — large herds throughout the central savanna
- Giraffe — reintroduced 2019; frequently seen near Kilala plains
- Topi, eland, oribi — antelopes throughout
- Shoebill stork — Akagera is one of the best places in East Africa to spot this prehistoric-looking bird (Lake Shakani wetlands)
Park Zones and Game Drive Routes
Northern Sector (Nyungwe Game Drive)
The northern end of the park is less visited and offers a more remote feeling. Giraffe and zebra are commonly seen. Good morning light for photography driving north towards the Tanzania border.
Central Savanna (Kilala Plains)
The classic game drive zone. Open savanna grasslands with excellent big-game visibility. Lions and rhinos are tracked here with ranger assistance. Bring binoculars.
Southern Lakes (Lake Ihema)
The southern part of the park includes a series of interconnected lakes — Lake Ihema being the largest. Boat trips on Lake Ihema offer exceptional hippo and crocodile viewing at water level. This is also where most lodges are located.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Don’t skip the boat trip. Lake Ihema boat safaris offer some of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the park:
- Hippos at very close range (they congregate in dozens in the shallows)
- Crocodiles sunning on the banks
- African fish eagle calling overhead
- Shoebill stork and hundreds of other water birds
The standard boat trip runs 2 hours and departs from Akagera Game Lodge.
Birding in Akagera
With 500+ bird species, Akagera is a serious birding destination. Highlights include:
- Shoebill stork (Lake Shakani is the most reliable site)
- Grey crowned crane (Rwanda’s national bird)
- Papyrus gonolek (endemic around papyrus swamps)
- African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, open-billed stork
Accommodation Options
| Property | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akagera Game Lodge | Mid-range | Inside the park, lakeside, reliable |
| Ruzizi Tented Lodge | Glamping | Riverside, mobile-style, excellent atmosphere |
| Mantis Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury | New, high-end, panoramic views |
Staying inside the park allows for early morning and evening drives within park gates — significantly increasing wildlife sightings.
Recommended Itineraries
2-Day Akagera Add-On (from Kigali)
- Day 1: Kigali → Akagera (2.5 hrs) → afternoon game drive → lodge overnight
- Day 2: Morning game drive + boat trip on Lake Ihema → return to Kigali by afternoon
3-Day Full Safari
- Day 1: Kigali → Akagera → afternoon drive
- Day 2: Full-day game drive (central + northern sectors) + boat trip
- Day 3: Dawn drive (lion/rhino tracking) → depart Kigali
East Africa Bridge Tours offers all-inclusive Akagera packages including park fees, accommodation, and guided game drives.
