Akagera National Park Safari: Rwanda's Big Five Wildlife Guide 2026
Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah wilderness and one of the most remarkable conservation success stories in Africa. Located in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera is home to the Big Five — lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo — along with hippos, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Just two decades ago, Akagera was heavily poached and its wildlife populations were devastated. Today, thanks to a transformative partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, Akagera has been completely restored. Lions were reintroduced in 2015. Black rhinos returned in 2017 and 2021. Akagera is now one of the most exciting Big Five safari destinations in East Africa — and almost nobody knows about it yet.
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Lions
Lions were reintroduced to Akagera in 2015 after an absence of two decades. The pride has grown steadily and now includes multiple prides spread across the park. Lions in Akagera are most active early morning and late afternoon — our expert guides know the territories of each pride and maximize your chances of a lion sighting.
Black Rhinoceros
Akagera is home to one of the few wild black rhino populations in East Africa. Rhinos were translocated from South Africa and the Lowveld in 2017 and again in 2021, and the population is growing. Black rhino sightings in Akagera are not guaranteed — they are notoriously elusive — but our experienced guides know their preferred habitats and will give you the best possible chance.
Elephants
Akagera has a large and healthy elephant population that has grown significantly since African Parks took management in 2010. Elephants are frequently seen on game drives near the lake system and in the musamba woodland in the north of the park. Large bulls and family herds with young calves are a regular sight.
Hippos and Crocodiles
Akagera's extensive lake system — including Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, and Lake Rwanyakizinga — is home to one of the largest hippo populations in East Africa. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema are one of Akagera's highlights, bringing you within metres of hippo pods and massive Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.
Giraffes and Zebras
Masai giraffes and Burchell's zebras roam the open grasslands of Akagera in large numbers. Watching a giraffe move across the savannah against a backdrop of the Rift Valley hills is one of the most iconic safari images Rwanda has to offer.
Birdwatching in Akagera
With over 500 bird species recorded, Akagera is a world-class birdwatching destination. Shoebill storks — one of the most sought-after birds in Africa — are sometimes spotted in the papyrus swamps around Lake Hago. Other notable species include the African fish eagle, martial eagle, grey crowned crane (Rwanda's national bird), and numerous kingfisher, heron, and stork species along the lakes.
Akagera National Park Game Drives
The best way to explore Akagera is by game drive in a private 4x4 safari vehicle. Akagera has an excellent network of game drive tracks covering the park's diverse habitats — open savannah, woodland, wetland, and lakeside. Our Akagera safari vehicles are all Toyota Land Cruisers with pop-top roofs for standing game viewing and photography.
We offer two main game drive options in Akagera:
Full-Day Akagera Game Drive
Our full-day Akagera game drive departs Kigali at 5:30 AM, arrives at the park gate by 8:30 AM, and spends a full day in the park. You will cover the northern (lion and rhino territory) and southern (elephant and hippo country) sections of the park. A packed lunch is taken in the park at a scenic picnic site. Return to Kigali by 7:00 PM. This is the best option for maximising wildlife sightings in a single day.
Akagera Overnight Safari
For the ultimate Akagera experience, we recommend at least one overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, or Magashi Camp (luxury). Staying inside the park allows for the most productive game drives at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. An overnight Akagera safari can be perfectly combined with a Rwanda gorilla trekking trip into a brilliant 4–5 day Rwanda itinerary.
Akagera National Park Boat Safari
The Lake Ihema boat safari is one of Akagera's signature experiences and should not be missed. A 2-hour morning boat excursion on Lake Ihema brings you face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and an incredible variety of waterbirds. The boat safari departs from Akagera's southern boat launch and costs USD 35 per person.
Akagera National Park Entry Fees 2025
- Park entry fee: USD 50 per person per day (non-resident)
- Vehicle entry fee: USD 20 per vehicle per day
- Boat safari (Lake Ihema): USD 35 per person
- Night game drive: USD 40 per person
- Sport fishing license: USD 50 per rod per day
Best Accommodation in Akagera National Park
Magashi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) — Luxury
Magashi is Akagera's premier luxury safari camp, set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakizinga in the most exclusive corner of the park. Eight luxury tented suites, gourmet cuisine, and expert naturalist guides. From USD 800 per person per night all-inclusive. The best choice for a high-end Akagera safari.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge — Mid-Range
Ruzizi sits on the banks of Lake Ihema and offers comfortable en-suite tented rooms with lake views. The deck restaurant and bar are perfect for sundowners as hippos surface in the water below. From USD 200 per person per night half-board.
Karenge Bush Camp — Budget
A simple but comfortable tented camp in the heart of Akagera, Karenge is the most affordable inside-the-park accommodation option. From USD 60 per person per night.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located approximately 100 km east of Kigali, a 2-hour drive on a good tarmac road. All Rwanda Safari Tours Akagera packages include private 4x4 transfers from your Kigali accommodation. We can also combine Akagera with a day trip from Kigali, though we strongly recommend staying overnight for the best wildlife experience.
Book Your Akagera Safari with Rwanda Safari Tours
Our Akagera safari packages range from a single full-day game drive to 3-night all-inclusive safari packages. All packages include private transport, expert guiding, park fees, and accommodation booking. Contact us to build your perfect Akagera safari experience in Rwanda.
