Facebook Instagram Tiktok Youtube
Get A Quote
Home
/
/
/
Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Rwanda's Savannah Wilderness

Where Rwanda's Wild Side Comes Alive

Peak Season

June–September — Drier weather, strong game-viewing conditions and higher safari demand.

Best Time to Visit

June–September — Generally favourable for game drives and outdoor activities.

Famous For

Big Five wildlife, savannah landscapes, Lake Ihema and boat safaris.

Home Of

Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos and diverse birdlife.

  • Overview

Why Visit Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s principal savannah safari destination, offering a very different experience from the country’s famous mountain gorilla and rainforest attractions.

Its landscape combines open plains, woodland, wetlands and lakes, creating varied habitats for wildlife. Game drives provide opportunities to see large mammals, while boat experiences around Lake Ihema add a different perspective.

Akagera is an excellent choice for travellers who want to add a traditional African safari to a Rwanda itinerary, particularly after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Show

Apollo Musinguzi

Founder & Lead Guide, Big Predators Tours

Over 20 years guiding safari adventures across Uganda, & Rwanda
  • Expert Advice

Give Akagera enough time for several game drives. Wildlife encounters change throughout the day, and an early start can make a significant difference to the experience.

- Apollo Musinguzi Contact Us
  • Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park

Akagera can be visited throughout the year, but seasonal changes affect vegetation, wildlife visibility, road conditions and overall safari conditions.

June – September
(Peak Season)

June–September attracts strong visitor demand.
Wildlife is often easier to spot in drier conditions.
Roads are generally more manageable.
Accommodation demand can increase.
Early booking is sensible during popular periods.
Clearer conditions can benefit photography.
Best Overall

December – February
(Dry Season)

Vegetation becomes less dense.
Animals may gather around water sources.
Game viewing can become easier.
Roads are generally more accessible.
Early morning drives can be particularly rewarding.
Warm daytime conditions are common.
Great Option

March – May & October – November (Wet Season)

March–May generally receives heavier rainfall.
October–November brings another rainy period.
Landscapes become greener and more vibrant.
Birdwatching can be particularly rewarding.
Visitor numbers may be lower.
Heavy rain can make some roads more challenging.
Budget Friendly

Wildlife Highlights

Akagera can be visited throughout the year, but seasonal changes affect vegetation, wildlife visibility, road conditions and overall safari conditions.
Lion in The Masai mara

Lions

Akagera provides opportunities to encounter lions during game drives across its savannah and woodland habitats.

A heard of Elephants in Amboseli NP

African Elephants

Elephants are among the park's most impressive large mammals and can be encountered during safari drives.

game-drive-#

Buffalo

Large buffalo can be found across suitable grassland and woodland areas.

-meru-national-park-kenya

Giraffes

Giraffes add a classic African safari character to Akagera's open landscapes.

kenia_nairobi_zebras

Zebras

Zebras are among the park's recognizable plains animals and can be encountered during game drives.

hippos fighting

Hippos

Lake Ihema and other wetland areas provide habitat for hippos, which can be particularly interesting during boat experiences.

birding-in-Rwanda-

Birdlife

Akagera's combination of lakes, wetlands, woodland and savannah makes it an appealing destination for birdwatchers.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN Akagera National Park

jeep

Game Drives

Explore Akagera's savannah, woodland and wetland habitats in search of wildlife.

sailing

Boat Safari

Explore Lake Ihema and observe aquatic wildlife and birdlife from the water.

robin bird

Birdwatching

Search the park's diverse habitats for resident and seasonal bird species.

photographer

Photography

Capture landscapes, wildlife, wetlands and dramatic African skies.

sun

Sunrise Safari

Start early to experience cooler conditions and active wildlife.

Getting There

destination

From Kigali

Akagera is accessible by road from Rwanda's capital, making it practical to add to a wider Rwanda itinerary.

safari jeep

By Road

Most visitors travel by safari vehicle, allowing the journey to form part of the overall experience.

volcano

From Volcanoes

Akagera can be combined with Volcanoes National Park, although the journey requires planning.

route

From Uganda

Rwanda and Uganda can be combined for gorillas, primates and broader safari experiences.

Where To Stay in Akagera National Park

SALT of Akagera

SALT of Akagera is an exclusive luxury safari lodge set within Akagera National Park, offering private designer suites, immersive wildlife experiences,…
View Accommodation

Akagera Rhino Lodge

Akagera Rhino Lodge is a peaceful safari lodge located on the edge of Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, offering comfortable accommodation, panoramic…
View Accommodation

Kibale Guest Cottages

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a scenic forest lodge located near Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering travelers comfortable accommodation,…
View Accommodation

Ear Ken Barham Guesthouse

Ear Ken Barham Guesthouse is a simple and affordable accommodation located in Kampala, offering clean rooms, friendly service, and a quiet…
View Accommodation

DA Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is a peaceful forest lodge located near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering comfortable accommodation, scenic natural surroundings,…
View Accommodation

Hôtel des Mille Collines

Hôtel des Mille Collines is one of Rwanda’s most historic and iconic premium hotels, located in the heart of Kigali, offering…
View Accommodation

ONOMO Hotel Kigali

ONOMO Hotel Kigali is a stylish contemporary boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital city, offering modern comfort, excellent hospitality, premium business facilities,…
View Accommodation

Ingagi Park View Lodge

Ingagi Park View Lodge offers a peaceful eco-lodge experience near Rwanda’s famous Volcanoes National Park, combining scenic volcano views, comfortable accommodation,…
View Accommodation

Pros and Cons of Visiting Akagera National Park

Pros of Visiting Akagera National Park

Rwanda's main savannah safari destination.
Big Five wildlife opportunities.
Excellent combination with gorilla trekking.
Boat safari experience.
Diverse wetlands and savannah landscapes.
Strong birdwatching opportunities.
Suitable for a shorter safari addition.

Things to Consider

Wildlife density varies across seasons and locations.
It is smaller in scale than major safari ecosystems such as the Serengeti.
Rain can affect some roads.
Some wildlife sightings require patience.
Peak periods can increase visitor demand.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

international location

Location

Akagera National Park is in eastern Rwanda near the country's border with Tanzania.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Visitors can choose from safari camps and lodges around the park.

safari jeep

Getting Around

Game drives are conducted using safari vehicles with professional guides.

smartphone (1)

Mobile & Internet

Connectivity can become limited in remote parts of the park.

route

Best Combination

Akagera pairs particularly well with Volcanoes National Park for a Rwanda safari combining savannah and mountain gorillas.

SAFETY & HEALTH

WILDLIFE SAFTY earth

Wildlife Safety

Follow your guide's instructions and remain inside the vehicle unless advised otherwise.

sailing

Boat Safety

Follow crew instructions and use appropriate safety equipment during boat activities.

doctor

Malaria

Discuss suitable malaria prevention with a qualified travel-health professional before travelling.

sunscreen

Sun & Hydration

Carry drinking water, sun protection and suitable clothing during game drives.

insurance

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for safari activities and unexpected medical or travel disruptions.

Powered by CookieAdmin