Big Five comeback
Conservation in action
Lions and rhinos have returned, restoring Akagera as Rwanda’s complete Big Five safari park.
Rwanda
Eastern Province, Eastern Rwanda
National Park
1,122 km²
Wildlife Safari Destination
A PROLOGUE
Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is a diverse protected landscape of open savannah, acacia woodland, rolling hills, swamps and lakes connected to the Akagera River system.
The park has become a leading African conservation success story. Through strengthened protection, community partnerships and wildlife reintroductions, Akagera is once again home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.
Akagera’s wetland system supports hippos, crocodiles and a remarkable variety of birdlife, while the drier northern plains offer excellent sightings of giraffes, zebras, antelope and predators. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Visitors can explore Akagera through game drives, guided walks, boat cruises on Lake Ihema and overnight stays in lodges or camps. Its compact size and easy access from Kigali make it an ideal safari addition to a Rwanda itinerary.
BIRD SPECIES RECORDED
PROTECTED SAVANNAH, WETLANDS AND LAKES
ICONIC BIG FIVE SPECIES FOUND IN THE PARK
Top Highlights
Often seen near lakes, woodland and open grassland.
Found in prides across the northern plains and woodland.
May be spotted in dense woodland and riverine habitats.
Both black and white rhinos occur in protected areas.
Frequently seen near water and grazing across open savannah.
Commonly seen browsing acacia trees on the northern plains.
Often found grazing in grassland and open woodland.
Seen in Lake Ihema and other waterways.
May be seen basking along the banks of lakes and channels.
A striking wetland bird found near lakes and marshes.
Often seen in wetland habitats and shallow water.
Accommodations
Rwanda
Akagera Game Lodge occupies a hilltop position within Akagera National Park, with views over the chain of lakes running along Rwanda’s eastern border.
The property is larger and more conventional than the park’s tented camps, offering a swimming pool, tennis court and a wide range of room categories suited to families and groups.
Rwanda
Ruzizi Tented Lodge sits on the shore of Lake Ihema in the southern sector of Akagera National Park, built to a deliberately low-impact standard with solar power and locally sourced materials.
Tents are spread along the shoreline beneath mature trees, with hippo audible through the night. Revenue from the lodge contributes directly to the park’s conservation funding.
Rwanda
Magashi Camp occupies a peninsula on Lake Rwanyakazinga in the northern reaches of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna reserve.
Six tented suites look across the water, which supports one of the highest hippo densities in Africa alongside large crocodile. Akagera’s successful reintroductions of lion and rhino have restored its Big Five status.
Location
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
The practical Guide
Find Big Five wildlife, lakeside views and memorable game drives.
Per Person
Explore savannah, wetlands, boat cruises and Rwanda’s abundant birdlife together.
Per Person
Enjoy unhurried game drives, nature walks and peaceful lakeside evenings.
Per Person
Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is a diverse protected landscape of open savannah, acacia woodland, rolling hills, swamps and lakes connected to the Akagera River system.
The park has become a leading African conservation success story. Through strengthened protection, community partnerships and wildlife reintroductions, Akagera is once again home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.
Akagera’s wetland system supports hippos, crocodiles and a remarkable variety of birdlife, while the drier northern plains offer excellent sightings of giraffes, zebras, antelope and predators. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Visitors can explore Akagera through game drives, guided walks, boat cruises on Lake Ihema and overnight stays in lodges or camps. Its compact size and easy access from Kigali make it an ideal safari addition to a Rwanda itinerary.
Nyungwe National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest and most important montane rainforests. Located in southwestern Rwanda, its misty hills, forested valleys and high-altitude canopy form a vital part of the Albertine Rift biodiversity region.
The park is best known for chimpanzee trekking and its remarkable primate diversity. Thirteen primate species occur here, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Nyungwe is also a major birdwatching destination, with more than 310 recorded bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Its forest trails reveal orchids, giant ferns, butterflies, waterfalls and a rich variety of smaller wildlife.
Visitors can join guided chimpanzee treks, colobus monkey walks, birding excursions and the famous Canopy Walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers extraordinary views across the rainforest and surrounding mountains.
Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda and protects the country’s share of the Virunga Mountains. Its bamboo forest, montane rainforest, swamps and high volcanic slopes create one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
The park is internationally known for mountain gorilla trekking. Small, guided groups visit habituated gorilla families under strict conservation rules, offering an intimate and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Volcanoes is also home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and a rich variety of birds. The park’s five volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo—form a spectacular backdrop to every visit.
Visitors can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, the Dian Fossey tomb hike and community experiences around Musanze. Its proximity to Kigali makes it Rwanda’s most accessible primate wilderness.
Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, set among rolling green hills in the centre of the country. It is widely known for its clean streets, orderly neighbourhoods, growing creative scene and warm hospitality.
The city is an important gateway to Rwanda’s celebrated national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. Kigali International Airport provides convenient connections for visitors arriving for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and cultural travel.
Kigali offers meaningful places to learn about Rwanda’s history, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It also has lively markets, contemporary art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and craft centres that showcase the country’s creative energy.
Visitors can explore Kigali’s hillside neighbourhoods, enjoy Rwandan coffee, shop for handmade crafts and take in panoramic views from restaurants and cultural venues. It is an ideal place to begin or end a Rwanda journey.
TOURS & SAFARIS
How it works
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
GUEST REVIEWS
answers
June to September and December to February are generally drier, making wildlife easier to spot. Birdwatching is rewarding throughout the year.
Akagera is famous for its Big Five recovery, Lake Ihema boat safaris, wetland birdlife and remarkable conservation success.
Two to three days is ideal for game drives, a boat safari and time to explore both the northern plains and southern wetlands.
Yes. Akagera is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros, although leopard sightings are naturally less common.
Yes. More than 500 bird species have been recorded, supported by the park’s lakes, wetlands, woodland and savannah.
Akagera is in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border, around 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Kigali.