In eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera is Rwanda's only savannah national park and one of Africa's most inspiring conservation turnarounds. It covers approximately 1,122 square kilometers of grassland, acacia woodland, wetland, lakes, and river systems, named for the Akagera River running along its eastern boundary. The park protects Central Africa's largest wetland system and, following restoration work by the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, is now home to the full Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Akagera was established in 1935, making it one of Africa's oldest national parks. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after an absence of nearly 15 years, with additional males brought in during 2017 to strengthen genetic diversity; the population has grown steadily since, and sightings are common in the northern plains. Eastern black rhinos returned in 2017 and 2019, and in 2021 the park welcomed 30 southern white rhinos from South Africa in one of the largest rhino translocations on the continent, followed by 70 more in 2025. Today Akagera is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can see both black and white rhinos in the wild.
Highlights
Top Experiences
Game drives in 4x4 vehicles across savannah, lakeshore, and woodland, with mornings best for predators and afternoons best for golden light
A boat safari on Lake Ihema, cruising past hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and birdlife, especially striking at sunset
Night game drives for nocturnal sightings of leopards, bush babies, hyenas, genets, owls, and hunting lions
Guided birdwatching tours through wetland, lakeshore, and savannah habitat
Photography safaris timed around sunrise and sunset light
Overnight stays ranging from luxury lodges overlooking the lakes to bush camps and public campsites
Landscape
More than ten lakes lie within the park, with Lake Ihema the largest and most prominent, drawing heavy concentrations of wildlife and birdlife. The southern sector is dominated by wetland and lake, while the more open northern plains are the best place to look for lions and hyenas.
Wildlife
Alongside the Big Five, Akagera is home to Masai giraffes, zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, topis, elands, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, hyenas, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. Its wetlands and lakes support large hippo populations and sizeable crocodiles along the shoreline.
Birdwatching
More than 500 bird species have been recorded here, including the African fish eagle, grey crowned crane, papyrus gonolek, shoebill stork, kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and cormorants, with the papyrus swamps offering ideal habitat for rare and endemic species.
🦍 With GorillaWise Collection & Safaris
From single day safaris to multi day luxury adventures, we build Akagera itineraries around Big Five tracking, sunset boat cruises, photography, and quiet time in the bush, using experienced local guides and handpicked lodges throughout.
Available Packages
Luxury Rwanda Retreat
5 days · From $6,500
21-Day Grand East Africa Safari
21 days · On Request
14-Day Classic East Africa Safari
14 days · On Request
10-Day Rwanda & Uganda Big Five Safari
10 days · On Request
7-Day Rwanda — Big Five & Gorillas
7 days · On Request
14-Day Primates & Big Five Safari
14 days · On Request
Akagera Big Five Safari
4 days · From $3,200
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Year round, with the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) best for wildlife viewing as animals gather near water and roads are easier to navigate. The wetter months bring lush scenery and strong birdwatching.
Rwanda 🇷🇼