Quick facts
About Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park
No trip to Africa is complete without a game drive. Tourists can scratch the itch to go on safari just two-and-a-half hours away from Kigali at Akagera National Park. Managed by the African Parks organization, Akagera and its biodiversity have made an incredible recovery from near decimation after the Rwandan genocide. The 1,140-square-kilometer expanse (one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands) now boasts all of the Big Five animals, along with an abundance of birds and antelope.
You'll need to have a lot of luck to spot a lion or rhino—conservationists are still working on boosting their populations, and for now, there aren't that many at Akagera. However, you'll have no trouble spotting zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes on a self-drive safari.
The landscape itself is just as spectacular as the animals that live here. You'll see the environment make a glorious shift from savannah plains to wetlands and lakes.
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Akagera National Park safari tours
Want to visit Akagera National Park?
Get a free custom safari plan within 24 hours.
Best time to visit Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania. The park covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers and is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) as well as numerous other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The park was established in 1934 and was initially managed as a game reserve. In the 1990s, due to political instability and the influx of refugees, the park was badly affected by poaching and illegal hunting, and many species were driven to the brink of extinction. However, since 2010, the park has been under the management of the African Parks Network, and significant efforts have been made to restore its wildlife populations and protect its habitats.
Visitors to Akagera National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. The park's varied landscapes, which include wetlands, savannah, and woodland, provide a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, from June to September, when the wildlife is most active and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals.
Where to stay in Akagera National Park
We'll recommend accommodation across all budget levels based on your dates and preferences.
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