Discover Akagera National Park

A Story of Loss and Thrilling Rebirth

Akagera National Park – A Remarkable Revival

Overview: Akagera National Park stands as a testament to Rwanda’s dedication to conservation, reviving from near collapse just two decades ago. Once ravaged by conflict, much of its wildlife and habitats were destroyed as refugees depended on the park for survival. Lions and rhinos were hunted to extinction, and the park’s natural resources were heavily exploited.

Today, Akagera thrives with the successful reintroduction of lions (in 2015 and 2017) and 18 Eastern black rhinos, alongside strict conservation measures, new management, and robust anti-poaching patrols. It now serves as a proud symbol of Rwanda’s resilience, showcasing the country's wildlife revival efforts.

Wildlife and Activities: For visitors familiar with the savannah parks of Kenya and Tanzania, Akagera offers a similar environment with a unique twist. During game drives, expect to see zebras, buffaloes, Maasai giraffes, hyenas, leopards, impalas, and large populations of hippos and crocodiles. And like its East African counterparts, you’ll have a chance to spot elephants, lions, and rhinos here.

Akagera also boasts over 500 bird species, including the papyrus gonolek, a rare bird found in the park’s swamps, making it one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations.

For a rare treat, Akagera offers night-time game drives, a unique feature among national parks. Venture out after dark with a guide and spotlight to witness nocturnal wildlife like leopards, serval cats, and bushbabies, revealing a very different park from daytime safaris.

Add to your adventure with a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll cruise past large pods of hippos and encounter Nile crocodiles. This lake also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with rare sightings like the shoebill stork and a variety of waterfowl. You might even spot elephants coming to the shore to cool off.

Education and Community Involvement: Each year, Akagera hosts more than 2,000 schoolchildren and their teachers, giving them a chance to explore and learn about the natural environment up close, fostering future conservationists.

About Akagera National Park

Founded: 1934

Size: 1,122 sq km (433 sq mi) – Rwanda’s largest protected area.

Climate: Moderate and consistent year-round, with temperatures ranging from 27°C/81°F in the day to 14°C/57°F at night.

Seasons: The dry season runs from June to September, with “short rains” from October to December and “long rains” from March to May.

Location: Eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania.

Hours: Open daily from 06h00 to 18h00.

Best Time to Visit: June to September during the long dry season.

Access: A 2-hour drive from Kigali, tours available through Natural World Kenya Safaris.

Activities and Highlights:

Birdwatching: With over 500 bird species, including raptors and migratory birds, Akagera is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Nocturnal Game Drives: A rare opportunity to experience the park’s nightlife, featuring animals like leopards, lions, and bush babies. These two-hour drives start at 5:30 pm and require a minimum number of participants.

Lake Ihema Water Safari: Witness one of East Africa’s densest hippo populations and large Nile crocodiles, along with diverse water birds like the African fishing eagle and cormorants.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Discover the park’s operations, meet rangers, and learn about anti-poaching efforts in this 90-minute program.

Walk the Line Tour: Follow a ranger-guided trail along the park’s borders, meeting locals and spotting wildlife along the way.

Discover Akagera National Park with Ak African Tours and Safaris

Experience the inspiring resurgence of Akagera, with its growing populations of lions, rhinos, and diverse wildlife. Take a water safari, enjoy close encounters with rare birds, and witness the vibrant ecosystem firsthand. Let Ak African Tours and Safaris customize your adventure to experience the best of Akagera National Park.

Plan Your Trip Today – Explore Rwanda with Ak African Tours and Safaris