Akagera National Park covers 1,122 km in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, protecting a mosaic of savanna, woodland, wetland, and lake ecosystems.
The park is a major conservation success story. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after a 15-year absence, and black rhinos arrived in 2017, completing the Big Five in Rwanda for the first time in decades.
Lake Ihema, the park's largest lake, supports a dense hippo and crocodile population and provides the setting for memorable afternoon boat safaris.
Akagera pairs well with Volcanoes National Park for a contrasting Rwanda safari circuit, primate forest versus open-plains game viewing.
June to September is the driest period with the best game viewing. The park is open year-round, with boat trips on Lake Ihema accessible at all times.
Rwanda
national park
Park entry and activity fees apply. Boat trips and night drives require advance booking through the park authority.
Rwanda’s second-largest lake, perfect for sunset boat cruises amongst crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife.
Vast, open savannahs in the north of the park where the largest concentrations of plains game and predators reside.
Elevated ridges offering sweeping, dramatic panormamic views over the lakes and the Tanzanian border.
