RWANDA
Akagera National Park
Savannah meets wetlands in Rwanda’s only Big Five park—wildlife-rich, scenic, and beautifully reborn.
Welcome to Rwanda’s Big Game Country
Akagera National Park sits in Rwanda’s northeast, bordering Tanzania. Once heavily poached and almost forgotten, the park has undergone one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation turnarounds. Today, it’s home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—plus giraffes, zebras, antelope, and a wide variety of birds and aquatic life.
A visit to Akagera is about revival, resilience, and seeing a different side of Rwanda.
Featured Tours in Akagera
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of the most varied and rewarding safari experiences in Uganda. From wildlife-packed game drives to tranquil boat cruises and volcanic crater views, it’s a destination that truly has it all.
Why Visit Akagera?
Akagera delivers a full safari experience in an unexpected place—offering big game, birding, boating, and a story of recovery that’s as inspiring as the views.
Big Five Safari
Thanks to successful reintroductions, Akagera is now home to lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo. It’s the only place in Rwanda where you can spot all five in a single drive.
Wetlands & Lakes
Unlike many savannah parks, Akagera is dotted with shimmering lakes and papyrus swamps. Boat safaris offer close-up views of hippos, crocs, and water birds.
Scenic Game Drives
The park’s rolling hills and open plains make for a visually rich safari, with fewer crowds and plenty of scenic picnic stops.
Birding Bonanza
With over 500 species, including the shoebill and papyrus gonolek, Akagera is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.
Remarkable Conservation Story
Managed by African Parks, Akagera is a model for community-inclusive conservation and ecological restoration.
When to Visit
June – September & December – February:
Best wildlife visibility and dry trails
March – May & October – November:
Lusher landscapes, great for birding and photography; roads may be muddy
Note
Wildlife is present year-round, and early morning or late afternoon drives offer the best sightings.
What You’ll See
Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles
Antelope species: topi, roan, eland, impala, waterbuck
Leopards (rare), hyenas, jackals
Shoebill storks, fish eagles, kingfishers
Buffalo, baboons, warthogs
Signature Experiences
Game Drives (Day or Night)
Explore different regions of the park, from woodland to wetland, with expert guides.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Cruise through papyrus-fringed waters for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Sunset Sundowners
Enjoy drinks with a view at specially designated viewpoints.
Behind-the-Scenes Conservation Tour
Learn about anti-poaching, rewilding, and Akagera’s transformation firsthand.
Where to Stay
Safari Styles Available
Guided day or night game drives
Boat safaris
Birding and photography tours
Conservation-focused experiences
Multi-park circuits across Rwanda
Practical Information
Getting There: ~2.5–3 hrs by road from Kigali
Park Fees: ~$50 per adult/day for non-residents
Health: Yellow fever certificate required; malaria precautions recommended
What to Pack: Neutral clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars
Suggested Add-On Trips
Rwanda’s Wild Comeback Story.
From near-collapse to thriving Big Five destination, Akagera is a model of modern conservation. Let’s plan your visit.
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Every journey with Jungle Dwellers is more than a trip—it's a deep dive into Africa's untamed beauty, guided by those who know it best.
Why Travel with Jungle Dwellers?
- Rwanda-based experts with full park access and insights
- All logistics handled: permits, guides, vehicles, and accommodation
- Custom itineraries blending wildlife, culture, and conservation
- Partnerships with eco-lodges and local community projects
- IATA-accredited for flights and full travel planning
Plan Your Safari
Whether it’s your first safari or a return to explore Rwanda’s wild rebirth, Akagera promises space, wildlife, and impact.
Start Planning Now
