About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is one of Africa's great conservation success stories. After years of decline, the park has been dramatically restored under the management of Rwanda Development Board and African Parks. Today it supports self-sustaining populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras and — most excitingly — black rhinos, completing the Big Five.
Wildlife in Akagera
Akagera is home to over 8,000 large mammals. The park's diverse ecosystems — acacia savannah, papyrus swamps, woodland and lakes — support incredible biodiversity. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 and the population is growing. Rhinos were reintroduced in 2017 and 2021. Elephant herds of 100+ animals roam the northern section.
Game Drives
Game drives are the primary activity in Akagera. Early morning drives (6am) offer the best wildlife sightings as predators are active and the light is beautiful. Afternoon drives starting around 4pm are also excellent. Full-day drives cover more of the park and often yield the most diverse sightings.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema boat safaris are among the best in Africa. The lake supports the highest density of hippos in Rwanda and enormous crocodiles. Hundreds of water birds line the shores. Watching the sun set over the lake with hippos surfacing all around is unforgettable.
Bird Watching
Akagera is a world-class birding destination with over 500 recorded species. Shoebills — one of the world's most sought-after birds — are sometimes spotted in the papyrus swamps. The park's diverse habitats support everything from raptors to kingfishers to rare papyrus endemics.
