Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah wildlife reserve and offers a unique safari experience. Unlike more crowded safari spots, Akagera provides a more relaxed and laid-back adventure. Although it may not have as many animals as places like the Mara, you can still see Africa’s Big Five here: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino.

While lions in Akagera are often calm and sightings aren’t always guaranteed, you might spot leopards on guided night drives. Besides the Big Five, you can see other wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, baboons, warthogs, and various antelopes like impala and bushbuck. The park’s lakes are home to large numbers of hippos and crocodiles.

Spanning 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles), Akagera is the largest protected wetland in Central Africa. It features a mix of lakes, papyrus swamps, and savannas. The diverse landscapes support a range of animals, from giraffes and zebras to elephants and different antelopes.

African Parks, a nonprofit organization, has played a key role in reintroducing animals like lions and rhinos to Akagera. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as camping, guided game drives, boat cruises, and fishing trips.

Though Akagera is less visited compared to other safari destinations, its beauty and wildlife make it a special place. If you’re looking for a quieter, more personal safari experience, Akagera National Park is an excellent choice.

Getting to Akagera National Park

Getting to Akagera National Park is quite straightforward. It’s located about 2½ hours (110 km) east of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. To explore the park effectively, you should consider renting a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle. Local tour operators like Wagatil Safaris offer rentals starting at around US$200 per day, which includes fuel and a professional driver-guide.

If you’re planning to drive yourself, you’ll need to pay a park entrance fee of US$40 per day. It’s highly recommended to hire a park guide for US$30 daily to help you navigate and spot wildlife. Alternatively, you can buy a guidebook for just US$3 at the reception center located at the Kiyonza Entrance Gate. This book provides valuable information about the park and can be a handy resource.