Africa · Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's rewilded Big Five park — lions and black rhino reintroduced to a beautiful savannah-lake ecosystem on the Tanzanian border.
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation. Managed in partnership with African Parks since 2010, the park has seen lions reintroduced in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, completing the Big Five. The park's patchwork of savannah, swamp, and over thirty lakes creates a stunning landscape. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer exceptional hippo and crocodile encounters, while the savannah supports large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and topis.
Highlights
- Big Five — recently reintroduced lions and rhinos
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Rwanda's largest protected savannah
- Large elephant and buffalo herds
- 500+ bird species
Best Time to Visit
June–September and December–February for the best game viewing on the savannah and easiest roads.
Weather & Seasons
Akagera sits at lower altitude than the rest of Rwanda, giving it a warmer, more classic East African savannah climate. Its mix of wetlands and savannah makes it productive for wildlife year-round.
Dry Season
Jun – Sep
Clear skies, minimal rain, and excellent wildlife visibility. Peak season with the best game concentrations around water sources.
Short Dry Season
Dec – Feb
Warm and dry with very good wildlife viewing. Slightly fewer visitors than peak season.
Short Rains
Nov – Dec
Brief afternoon showers with lush green landscapes. Fewer tourists, excellent photographic light, and good birding.
Long Rains
Mar – May
Heavy rainfall makes some tracks impassable. Many camps close; great for birding and emerald-green landscapes.
Gallery
Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.