Africa · Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's Big Five park — lions reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017, and a stunning mosaic of savannah, lakes, and wetlands on the Tanzania border that makes this one of Africa's great conservation comeback stories.
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park on Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania is one of Africa's most remarkable conservation comeback stories. Almost decimated in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide when returning refugees settled inside the park, Akagera has been systematically restored through a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 (the first in the park for 20 years), black rhinos in 2017, and today the park supports growing populations of elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, topi, and all the key predators. The park's landscape — a mosaic of savannah, acacia woodland, and a chain of lakes including Lake Ihema — is among the most scenic of any Big Five destination in Africa.
Highlights
- Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino
- Black rhino — reintroduced 2017, one of East Africa's rarest sightings
- Lake Ihema boat safari — hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds
- Critically endangered Shoebill Stork in the lakeside papyrus
- Giraffe, zebra, topi, and 480+ bird species
- One of Africa's great modern conservation success stories
- 3.5 hours from Kigali — easily combined with gorilla trekking
Best Time to Visit
June–September and December–February. Dry seasons concentrate wildlife around the lake shores and make driving tracks accessible. The park is open year-round.
Weather & Seasons
Akagera sits at 1,250–1,825m on Rwanda's eastern plateau — warmer and drier than the western parks. Two dry seasons and two rainy seasons; the park is accessible year-round though tracks can be muddy during the long rains.
Dry Season
Jun – Sep
Best wildlife viewing. Vegetation thins, game concentrates near Lake Ihema. Excellent big cat sightings.
Short Dry
Dec – Feb
Hot and dry. Good game viewing, easier rhino tracking. Combines perfectly with Volcanoes NP.
Short Rains
Oct – Nov
Light rain. Birding excellent as Palearctic migrants arrive. Game still viewable.
Long Rains
Mar – May
Heavier rain. Some tracks impassable. Birdlife at its most prolific.
Gallery
Tours and lodges for this destination are coming soon.