Overview
Akagera National Park, also known as Parc National de l’Akagera in French, is Rwanda’s only savanna park and a must-visit for travelers. Established in 1934 by the Belgian government for its conservation value, the park is located in the east of Rwanda, covering over 2,500 square kilometers of savannah west of the Kagera River, which forms the border with Tanzania. The park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into Lake Ihema and numerous other lakes. This network of lakes and swamps makes up nearly three-quarters of the park, creating the largest protected wetland in central Africa, teeming with biodiversity and wildlife. The western part of the park features rolling hills, while the east is bordered by the Kagera River.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Akagera is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions, and various antelope species like bushbuck, Topi, Oribi, tsessebe, waterbuck, roan antelope, and eland. Hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen basking near the lakes. Primates such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys are also present, with bush babies often spotted during night drives. The park’s wildlife was bolstered by the reintroduction of species like seven lions in 2015 and 18 eastern black rhinos in 2017, thanks to efforts by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. This reintroduction aimed to restore the park’s ecological balance after many animals were lost during the Rwandan genocide.

Birdwatching
For bird enthusiasts, Akagera National Park is a prime destination, hosting nearly 500 bird species across its varied habitats. Notable species include the elusive shoebill and the papyrus Gonolek, both found in the park’s swampy areas. Other birds to look out for include the African wattled plover, Goliath heron, giant kingfisher, Senegal lapwing, and the grey crowned crane, among many others.

Activities in Akagera National Park

Game Drives
Game drives are a highlight of Akagera, starting early in the morning to catch predators like leopards, hyenas, and recently reintroduced lions before they retreat from the heat of the day. Alongside the excitement of spotting carnivores, visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery and its diverse herbivores and grazers.

Bird Watching
Akagera is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Birdwatchers can seek out endemic species like the near-threatened papyrus Gonolek and the localized red-faced barbet. The boat safari on Lake Ihema is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of water birds, while game drives offer chances to stop at key birding spots.

Boat Safaris
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. As animals come to the water to drink, visitors can spot numerous water birds, schools of hippos, and basking crocodiles. Scheduled boat trips are available four times a day—at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 3:30 pm, and 5:00 pm. Private trips can also be arranged to fit visitors’ schedules.

Sport Fishing
Lake Shakani offers sport fishing in Akagera. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day fishing from the lakeshore and then cook their catch over an open fire at the campsite. This activity requires private booking.

Nature and Community Walks
Akagera offers opportunities for scenic walks, where visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful landscapes and the melodies of its birdlife. Community walks provide a chance to explore traditional Kinyarwanda culture, including cattle keeping and milk processing activities.

Getting to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in northeastern Rwanda, about 2-3 hours and 135 kilometers from Kigali. The drive from Kigali goes through Rwamagana or Kibungo to reach the park. Visitors enter through the southern gate and exit through the northern gate.

Best Time to Visit
Akagera National Park can be visited year-round. However, the rainy seasons in March, April, and December can bring heavy rains. The best times to visit are during the dry months from December to February and June to September, which provide more favorable conditions for wildlife viewing and other activities.