Akagera Safari Tours
Savannah, wetland and Big Five wildlife along Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania.
About the Park
Rwanda's Big Five Frontier
Akagera National Park covers roughly 1,122 square kilometres of savannah, low mountains, and one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands, formed around Lake Ihema and a chain of smaller lakes along the Akagera River. Established in 1934, the park suffered badly during and after the 1994 genocide, when returning refugees settled within its boundaries and poaching decimated wildlife populations. A 2010 management partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks reversed that decline dramatically.
Lions were reintroduced from South Africa in 2015 after a 20-year absence; eastern black rhino followed in 2017, and southern white rhino in 2021, restoring the Big Five to Rwanda for the first time in decades. Today the park supports healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, topi, eland and leopard, alongside over 500 recorded bird species in its papyrus swamps, including the elusive shoebill stork.
See our 2-day and 3-day Akagera safari itineraries for exact day-by-day plans, or read our broader Rwanda safari tours overview.
Getting There
Akagera sits roughly 2.5 hours by road from Kigali, making it an easy addition either at the start or end of a Rwanda itinerary. Most visitors combine it with gorilla trekking in the northwest, connecting the two via a scenic drive back through Kigali or a direct cross-country route.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from Ruzizi Tented Lodge's classic safari tents on Lake Ihema's shore, to the more luxurious Magashi Camp in the park's remote north, to budget-friendly camping at Karenge Bush Camp. We match lodge choice to your travel style and budget when planning your itinerary.
Common Questions
Akagera FAQ
What animals can I see in Akagera?
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and over 500 bird species including the rare shoebill stork.
Do I need a permit for Akagera?
No separate trekking permit is required. Park entry and activity fees are paid on arrival or pre-booked as part of your itinerary, which we handle for you.
Can Akagera be combined with gorilla trekking?
Yes, and it's one of our most popular combinations. Most guests pair 2-3 days in Akagera with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park on the same trip.
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Tell us your dates and we'll build an Akagera safari into your Rwanda trip.