Photo David Clode / UnsplashWhy you go
Why go to Akagera
Akagera spreads across the warm lowlands of eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, named for the Kagera River that feeds the chain of lakes and papyrus swamps down its eastern edge. It is Rwanda's only savannah park — rolling acacia woodland and open grassland that feel a world away from the misted volcanoes in the west — and the country's one Big Five reserve.
The park's story is one of recovery. Under a partnership between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board, lions returned in 2015 and rhinos soon after, and game has rebuilt across the plains. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and antelope are now regular sightings, and a boat safari on Lake Ihema is among the best ways to come close to hippo, crocodile and dense waterbird life.
Signature experiences
Big Five game drives
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across the savannah and lake-fringed woodland.
Lake Ihema boat safari
A slow cruise among hippo pods, basking crocodiles and crowded waterbird shores.
Savannah birding
Hundreds of species, from raptors over the plains to the papyrus specials of the swamps.
Experiences here
Getting there
Getting to Akagera
Akagera lies about two to three hours by road east of Kigali, an easy addition to the start or end of a Rwandan itinerary; the main gate and most lodges sit toward the south of the park.
Good to know
Akagera: questions travellers ask
- Is Akagera a Big Five park?
- Yes. With lions and rhinos reintroduced to join the resident elephant, buffalo and leopard, Akagera now holds all five — though leopard and rhino remain the hardest to find.
- Can you go out on the water?
- Yes. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema run through the day and are a highlight, bringing you close to hippo, crocodile and a wide range of waterbirds.
Build Akagera into your safari
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