Akagera National Park

Rwanda’s Big Game Comeback Story

In Rwanda’s quiet eastern frontier, where rolling hills surrender to wide savannah plains and shimmering lakes stretch toward the horizon, Akagera National Park tells a story of revival and resilience. Once depleted by war and poaching, Akagera is now one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories—a wilderness reborn through vision, protection, and community power.

Spanning over 1,100 square kilometers along the Tanzanian border, Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and the best place in the country to witness the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the reintroduced eastern black rhino. But Akagera is more than a wildlife destination. It’s a celebration of how nature and people can thrive together—and a must-visit for travelers seeking a classic safari experience with purpose.

Safari Adventures in a Varied Landscape

Akagera offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Rwanda. Instead of misty mountains and dense jungle, this park boasts open grasslands, acacia woodlands, papyrus swamps, and lakes—an ecosystem that attracts a wide range of wildlife. Game drives here are rich and rewarding: herds of elephants crash through the bush, giraffes stride across the plains, zebras graze in golden light, and lions lounge in the shade.

Leopards and hyenas add mystery to the night drives, while countless antelope species—topis, impalas, bushbucks, and elands—dot the savannah. The park is also home to more than 500 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in East Africa.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

One of Akagera’s most unique experiences is the boat safari on Lake Ihema. Gliding past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and flocks of waterbirds, the lake offers an entirely different perspective of the park. You might catch sight of African fish eagles swooping over the water, or spot sitatungas hidden in the reeds. It’s a tranquil, up-close way to explore Akagera’s aquatic beauty, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky and water glow in perfect harmony.

A Model of Community-Led Conservation

Akagera’s rebirth is a testament to what’s possible when local communities, government, and conservationists work together. In 2010, the park came under joint management between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, launching a transformation that included better protection, wildlife reintroduction, and deep community engagement.

Today, surrounding communities benefit from tourism jobs, enterprise opportunities, and education programs. Former poachers have become rangers, and local pride in the park is stronger than ever. Every guest supports this model—where conservation fuels livelihoods, and tourism safeguards nature.

Safari in Comfort – From Wilderness to Luxury

Akagera offers a range of accommodation for every type of traveler. From rustic campsites for adventurers to luxury eco-lodges like Magashi Camp and Ruzizi Tented Lodge, visitors can enjoy the wild without compromising comfort. Whether waking to the sounds of hippos at the water’s edge or enjoying a sundowner with giraffes on the horizon, the park’s lodges deliver unforgettable moments of rest, beauty, and immersion in nature.

A Journey into Rwanda’s Wild Soul

Akagera National Park stands as a powerful reminder that nature, when protected and valued, can recover and thrive. For travelers to Rwanda, it offers a vibrant contrast to the country’s forests and hills—a place where the spirit of Africa’s iconic savannah lives and roars again.

Whether it’s your first safari or your hundredth, Akagera will move you—not just for what you see, but for what it represents. A park reclaimed. A future restored. A journey with meaning.