Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only Big Five safari destination. Following successful conservation efforts, the park now hosts lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo, along with diverse wetland and savannah habitats.
Akagera's transformation from a neglected wilderness to a thriving Big Five reserve stands as one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories. In 2010, the park was in crisis�poaching rampant, wildlife populations decimated, and infrastructure crumbling. Today, lions roar across the savannah, black rhinos browse the thickets, and leopards patrol the woodlands.
Big Five safaris
The park's landscape is unlike any other in Rwanda. While the rest of this mountainous country is characterized by steep hills and dense vegetation, Akagera spreads across flat savannah, papyrus swamps, and a chain of lakes along the Akagera River. This is classic African safari country, complete with rolling grasslands and scattered acacia trees.
Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after a 15-year absence, and the original seven animals have now grown to multiple prides. Black rhinos returned in 2017, establishing a population that continues to grow under strict protection. The conservation partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks has proven remarkably successful.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer exceptional birdwatching among the papyrus islands, while night drives reveal the nocturnal life that most African parks don't permit visitors to see. For those seeking Big Five wildlife without the crowds, Akagera delivers a uniquely intimate experience.
Why Visit
Highlights of Akagera National Park
Big Five safaris
Conservation success story
Lake Ihema boat safaris
Diverse ecosystems
Incredible birdlife
