Akagera National Park
Rwanda's Big Five Safari Destination
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savanna wildlife reserve and the country's best place to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Covering 1,122 km² of rolling hills, woodland, and the Akagera wetlands (the largest papyrus wetland in the world), the park has been dramatically revitalised since African Parks took over management in 2010, including the reintroduction of lions (2015) and black rhinos (2017). For travellers combining a Rwanda gorilla trek with a classic game drive, Akagera delivers outstanding value.
Best time to visit
Wildlife you may see
- African lion
- Leopard
- Black rhino
- African elephant
- Cape buffalo
- Hippo
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Topi
- Shoebill stork
- 500+ bird species
Activities in Akagera National Park
All activities are available as part of East Africa Bridge Tours packages or as add-ons.
Game Drive
Day and night game drives across savanna and woodland to track the Big Five and other wildlife.
Boat Safari
Guided boat trips on Lake Ihema for hippos, crocs, water birds, and the elusive shoebill stork — one of Africa's most sought-after birds.
Night Drive
After-dark vehicle safaris spotlighting leopards, genets, and civets in the woodland edge.
Sport Fishing
Catch-and-release fishing on Lake Ihema for Nile tilapia and Nile perch with licensed guides.
Getting to Akagera National Park
Akagera NP is 105 km east of Kigali — approximately 2.5 hours by road. East Africa Bridge Tours includes round-trip transfers from Kigali in all Akagera packages.
East Africa Bridge Tours packages visiting Akagera National Park
- 3 days3-Day Akagera Big Five SafariRwanda
- 11 days11-Day Five Countries of the East African Community from EntebbeUganda · Rwanda · Congo (DRC) · Burundi · Tanzania
- 3 days3-Day Bwindi Gorillas from Kigali (Uganda)Rwanda · Uganda
- 3 days3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National ParkRwanda
- 4 days4-Day Nyungwe Rainforest & Chimp TrekRwanda
Akagera National Park — Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there lions in Akagera National Park?
- Yes — African Parks reintroduced a pride of lions from South Africa in 2015. The lion population has since grown and regular sightings are reported, especially in the northern savanna zone.
- Can I see rhinos in Akagera?
- Yes — Eastern black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017. The population is carefully monitored and ranger-guided rhino tracking is available on request for a higher chance of sighting.
- Is a day trip to Akagera from Kigali possible?
- Yes — a day trip allows 4–5 hours of game driving and a lake boat trip, returning to Kigali by evening. East Africa Bridge Tours recommends 2 nights for a complete Akagera experience.
- What is the shoebill stork and can I see it in Akagera?
- The shoebill is one of Africa's most desired birds — a prehistoric-looking grey giant with a massive hooked bill. Akagera's Kamirarangwe wetland and Lake Shakani are the best spots; a boat trip here gives the best chance of a sighting.
- How do I combine Akagera with gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
- A classic 7-day Rwanda circuit: Day 1–2 Akagera game drives → Days 3–4 Nyungwe chimps → Days 5–6 Volcanoes gorillas → Day 7 Kigali departure. East Africa Bridge Tours handles all transfers and permits.
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