COMBINE 01
Tanzania Great migration
Join us as we have an experince of the greatest animal migration to have ever existed
Akagera National Park: Encounter the Unforgettable Thrills.
Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle across 14,763 km² of open savannah — Without a doubt, this park is Uganda’s crown jewel.
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Minimum stay
4-5 days
Top Sightings
Lions, Rhinos & Hippos
Distance from Capital
329 Kms2
Location
Kayonza and Nyagatare
Best for
Family & Friends
Akagera National Park: Encounter the Unforgettable Thrills.
Akagera National Park is located deep in the heart of Rwanda’s vast, awe-inspiring landscapes. Akagera National Park stands as an ancient testament to Rwanda’s incredible commitment to conservation and rejuvenation. It is one of the best conservation areas in the country, hosting large numbers of wild animals and a number of other natural features like lakes, rivers, plants, and vegetation.
It has a very long story of persistence and redemption, where nature and humanity associate to create a tapestry of life that spans across vast savannah landscapes, peaceful lakes, and dense woodlands. This area has been gazetted and has existed for more than 90 years and is approaching a century because it was gazetted in 1934 as a conservation area for nature, since there was massive loss of nature and wildlife, and hence leading to its gazetting to act as a habitat, a home and a shelter to the endangered animal and plant species.
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is far different today compared to the past 20 years, when it was on the verge of being degraded beyond repair. The consequences of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi had a terrible impact on the area, making its story of recovery even more remarkable. The results of this genocide were clear proof that even nature had no way to survive. At some point, it acted as a hiding place for some of the people, the army and children that were seeking a hiding place for their lives.
Akagera’s journey has been one of transformation, from a minor shadow of its former self to a thriving ecosystem where a diverse array of creatures now roams freely. Akagera National Park’s boundaries encompass a rich mosaic of habitats, each harboring a unique cast of characters. Elephants moving gracefully against the backdrop of ancient acacias symbolize the park’s triumphant struggle against poaching.
Here, Giraffes stretch their necks to eat the leaves from the treetops, while antelopes that go through the vast grasslands, careful yet steadfast. Across this naturally enchanting haven is the twisting course of the Akagera River, with its life-giving waters sustaining both wildlife and the surrounding communities. The park’s lakes that glitter like sapphires harbor an abundance of aquatic life, including crocodiles and various bird species, a vibrant scene of interconnected existence.
Akagera Safari activities
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Bird watching safaris
What do you know about Uganda birding, what birds do you know in Uganda birding
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammal species, primate species, and bird species. Some of these Mammal species include species like Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Crocodiles, Antelopes, and Baboons. More species can be witnessed in the area because the area is full of these species. Interestingly, the area has the Big Five animals and in some reasonable numbers. It being the only National Park with some the big Five animals attracts large numbers of visitors to the area
You can get to witness hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun near Lake Ihema. The primate species in Akagera National Park are olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies. Akagera National Park has numerous bird species, with 500 recorded. The bird species include the shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock,
More bird species to sight include the Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee, 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.
Selected Akagera Sightings & Attractions
African Cape Buffalo
Black Rhino
Black and white colobus monkey
colobus Monkey
Blue monkey
Hippo
African Elephant
Lion
Things to do in Akagera National Park
Game drives
The game drives in Akagera National Park provide a witness leopards, hyenas, and lions. Along with the carnivores, enjoy the awe-inspiring scenic landscapes of the park and other big mammals like Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, and Giraffes. The park also offers night game drives. Night game drives basically take over 2 hours, starting from 6 pm to 8.30 pm at night. A spotlight is provided to help in watching the different nocturnal animals. You get an opportunity of sighting the leopards or lions as they hunt.
Bird watching in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a popular destination for birding activities in Rwanda. Birding enthusiasts find birding in Akagera National Park rewarding, as it offers great opportunities to sight numerous bird species such as the papyrus gonolek, shoebill, and the more easily sighted species like weavers, egrets, and several Kingfishers. Birding is done during a game drive, nature walks with a ranger guide, and also on a boat safari along Lake Ihema. Birding on Lake Ihema offers you the pleasure of witnessing water bird species that cannot be seen while on the game drive in the Savannah grassland.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park
One of the best ways to take off the afternoon stress in Akagera National Park is by partaking in a boat ride on Lake Ihema. The boat cruise offers a great opportunity to spot aquatic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species that take shelter in the trees along the shores. The park offers scheduled boat trips that happen during the day, but also you can book a private, unscheduled boat trip at your own time.
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park
The Akagera National Park offers another unique safari activity called sport fishing on Lake Shakani. First, you make a booking for sport fishing on this lake. Even though the expectation is “catch and release“, you are allowed to take one catch for a meal if interested.
Cultural tours near Akagera National Park
Experience the incredible rural Rwandan life among the cattle-keeping communities close to Akagera National Park. Here you get the opportunity to observe and also take part in the traditional cattle grazing, milking, and local milk storage in calabashes for preservation. Then, through the process of converting milk into different products like local yogurt and ghee, and finally participate in preparing a meal using local ingredients from the milk products.
Encounter an authentic cultural experience shared by the local people living near the park. The locals get to earn from milk preparation as they supplement their agricultural income. This also contributes to the conservation of culture and wild animals in the park.
Nature walks
You can also partake in nature walks in the park with the help of a guide. A walk through the spotted areas of the park allows you to appreciate the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the park. The activity involves following man-made trails that lead to dense forests, shimmering lakes, and swamps. Birders get an opportunity to sight numerous bird species as they trek the nature trails.
Best time to visit.
It is better to note that safaris in Akagera National Park are offered throughout the whole year. No public holidays, so tourism activities carry on every day. However, there are high and low peak seasons for visiting the park. The dry season is the peak season where the park is full of visitors because during this time, the game drive trails are dry and more navigable, rewarding you with awe-inspiring experiences.
However, during the wet season (low peak in March, April & May), the park’s trails are slippery and less navigable, thus limiting some exciting safari activities like bush breakfast, sundowner, among others.
How to get there
Akagera National Park can be accessed by both air and road transport. By air, a flight from Kigali offers beautiful aerial views of the park, and it takes 1 hour to reach the park. By road, it takes a 3-hour drive on a well-paved tarmac road to reach the park from Kigali. The 27km road that leads to the park entrance from the main road is dusty, though navigable by a good 4 Wheel-drive car even during the rainy period.
Selected Akagera Safari Packages
11 Days
Private
11 days Uganda Premium Gorilla, Wildlife & River Nile Adventure
from
$ 2900
per person
6 Days
Private
6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Akagera Wildlife Safari
from
$ 758
per personWhere to stay
Akagera National Park offers unique accommodation facilities which accelerate your safari stay in Rwanda. Accommodation facilities range from budget, midrange, and luxury, including Akagera Game Lodge, Dereva Hotel, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Lodge, among others.
After an in-depth look, Akagera National Park is one of the best safari destinations to encounter on your safari stay in Rwanda. Visit Rwanda with Friendly Gorillas Safaris.
Akagera in Summary
Best Attractions
Lions, Rhinos & Hippos
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Best Attractions
Wildlife, river scenery and game drives
Top activities
Game drives, Boat cruise & Sport fishing
How to Get there.
Someone can get to this area by road transport from Kigali to Akagera National Park for about 2- 3 hours and reach Akagera Nationall Park or book a helicopter from Kigali International airport to Akagera National Park for about 45 minutes
Recommended duration
Akagera Rhino Lodge (Budget), Akagera Game Lodge (Standard), Ruzizi tented lodge ( Luxury)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the park located, and how big is it?
The National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, spanning the Kayonza and Nyagatare districts and covering an area of 1,122 square kilometers of Savannah, woodland, and wetlands. It is located at a distance of about a 2.5-hour drive, equivalent to 110 km on well-maintained roads
Does Akagera National Park have the Big Five?
Yes, Akagera is home to all the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). These animals are often very rare in other areas. It is very difficult to find rhinos in some areas. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhinos in 2017, and white rhinos in 2021, making it the only area with the Big Five animals
What is the best time to visit?
The Dry Season is usually the best period to visit the National Park, mostly from June to September and December to mid-March. This is because they are Ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources. During the Wet Season, usually October to May, it is great for lush scenery and birdwatching, though some roads can be challenging and can make some areas very impassable.
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Why Choose Friendly Gorillas Safaris.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises. Your quotation explains accommodation, permits, park fees, transport, meals and exclusions before you book.
Responsible Travel
Your journey supports conservation areas, local guides, porters, lodges and communities connected to wildlife tourism.
Expert Local guides
We only work with knowledgeable guides who value wildlife, safety, hospitality and meaningful guest experiences.
With you always
You receive personal support from start to finish. Before arrival and reliable assistance throughout your safari.
Guaranteed Departures
After booking, no surprising changes. Your tours depart when, how and from the same location we mentioned it would.
Your Safari your way
All our safaris are strictly designed around your interests, travel dates, comfort level and budget shape every itinerary.
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Book your Akagera adventure safari today
Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people are joining you and what you want to experience. We will help you build a private safari around your destination, accommodation preferences and available time.
Low Season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak Season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec
Recommended Stay
Buhoma Gorilla Camp,
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