Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest protected area, covering over 1,122 square kilometers along the border with Tanzania. It is well known for its wide range of habitats, which range from open savanna and woodland to a complex system of lakes, floodplains, and the vast papyrus swamps fed by the Kagera River.

The park is managed in partnership with African Parks, and its story of successful anti-poaching and species reintroduction (including lions and rhinos) has transformed it into a conservation example to be emulated. The broad, well-maintained road network ensures excellent game viewing in this rich wilderness.

Akagera National Park is situated in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, about 110-120 km from the capital, Kigali. The drive typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, making it one of the most accessible safari parks in the region for short-stay visitors.

The park runs along the international border with Tanzania, and its eastern boundary is defined by the flow of the Kagera River, which feeds into its central lake system, notably Lake Ihema.

Akagera offers a dynamic range of activities that utilize both its savanna and aquatic environments:

• Game Drives (Day & Night): The primary activity, offering morning and afternoon drives to spot the Big Five. Guided night drives use spotlights to find elusive nocturnal predators like leopards, hyenas, and civets.
• Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema: A unique opportunity to view wildlife from the water. Visitors glide past forest-fringed shores to spot large concentrations of Hippos and huge Nile Crocodiles, alongside diverse water birds.
• Bird Watching: With over 500 species, Akagera is a birder’s paradise. Key sightings include the rare and pre-historic Shoebill Stork (seasonal) and the bright Papyrus Gonolek.
• Behind the Scenes Tour: An educational tour at the park headquarters offering insights into the park’s successful conservation strategy, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement.
• Walk the Line: A guided 7km walk along the park’s perimeter fence, providing spectacular views and a chance to learn about the vital conservation barrier.
• Sport Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing for Tilapia and Catfish is permitted on the shores of Lake Shakani.

Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park and is celebrated for its thriving populations of plains game and predators, all benefiting from the park’s extensive wetland system.

The Big Five (Recently Reintroduced/Reestablished)

• Lion (Reintroduced 2015)
• Eastern Black Rhino (Reintroduced 2017)
• Southern White Rhino (Reintroduced 2021)
• Leopard
• African Bush Elephant
• African Buffalo

Aquatic & Plains Game

• Hippos: Akagera boasts one of the highest densities of hippos in East Africa.
• Nile Crocodiles: Large populations are easily spotted basking near the lakes.
• Giraffes (Masai subspecies)
• Burchell’s Zebra
• Antelopes: Sitatunga (swamp specialist), Topi (large herds), Roan Antelope, Eland, and Impala.

Birdlife The park’s 500+ bird species include many localized specials, attracting serious birders:

• Shoebill Stork
• Papyrus Gonolek
• African Fish Eagle
• Red-faced Barbet

Accommodation in Akagera ranges from luxurious lodges to scenic, self-sufficient camping, offering options both inside and just outside the park gates.

Luxury:

• Magashi Camp: An exclusive, intimate camp run by Wilderness, set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Mid-Range:

• Akagera Game Lodge: The park’s main mid-range lodge, offering beautiful views over Lake Ihema.

Budget/Camping:

• Muyumbu Campsite: Offers stunning elevated views over the lakes.
• Shakani Campsite: Located near Lake Shakani, known for sport fishing.
• Mihindi Campsite: Situated in the northern section of the park.