Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park covering 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi) along the international border with Tanzania. It was founded in 1934 and includes savannah, montane and swamp habitats. The park is named for the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps makes up over a third of the park, which is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.

Akagera used to have a large population of African wild dogs. At one point, it was known as the ‘Parc aux Lycaons’ and wild dogs were so abundant, that the Belgian government considered them a pest. However, a disease epidemic diminished the population and the last wild dogs were seen in 1984.

In 1957, black rhinos were introduced from Tanzania. In the 1970s, more than 50 black rhinos lived in the savannah-habitat of the park. Due to widespread poaching, the population declined over the following decades, and the last confirmed sighting was in 2007.In 1986, Masai giraffes were introduced from Kenya. Their population has grown to over 80 individuals in recent years. Around 1990, Akagera was known to have a population of 250 to 300 lions. In the years following the Rwandan Civil War, the entire population was killed by farmers who returned to Rwanda after the War and settled in the park.

Over the next 5 years a $10 million expenditure was carried out in the national park area, with financial help from the Howard Buffett Foundation. The aim was to increase the security of the national park and to reintroduce locally extinct species. Security measures that were taken include: the construction of a western boundary fence which measures 120.0 kilometers (74.6 miles), deploying an air surveillance helicopter, training of an expert rhino tracking and protection team and a canine anti-poaching unit.

In July 2015, seven lions from South Africa were introduced and released in the park, making them the first lions in Rwanda for 15 years. And Beyond donated five lionesses from Phinda Private Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal donated two male lions. This effort was described by African Parks as “a ground-breaking conservation effort for both the park and the country” as part of a project aimed at reversing the local extinction of the species in Akagera National Park. Since 2015, the lion population has grown to 58 animals.

A joint operation between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks saw the reintroduction of 18 Eastern black rhinoceroses from South Africa, which had been absent for 10 years. With the reintroduction of black rhinos and lions, the national park is now home to all of Africa’s “big five”: lion, African leopard, African bush elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo.

Things to do in Akagera national park

Big five safari 

Safaris in Akagera national park are conducted in the early morning or in the late afternoon hours.

Wildlife to enjoy on a game drive include buffaloes, elands, topis, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats all for you to marvel at.

While on your game drive, the park offers some of the breathtaking sceneries of the green hills, wetland and different lakes designed in various shapes across the savannah.

Night game drives 

Night game drives offer the opportunity to see nocturnal animal that you miss  seeing during the morning and evening game drives. This makes these animals very unique and very rare to see hence great idea to consider having a game drive in the dark.

With help very bright spot lights and an experienced ranger guide, you will spot several animals like hippos, aardvarks, porcupines, Janet cats, snakes, and very active lions and leopards since they due most of their hunting in the dark hours.

Nightjars and owls are the biggest target for birdwatchers and sounds of the crickets and hyenas calling are a perfect way to appreciate nature in the dark.

Bird watching

Akagera national park  is a perfect spot for bird watchers to see various water birds as well as during the game drives in the savanna plains and  the network of swamps. The papyrus gonolex, shoebill stork, fish eagles, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Black-headed & Viellot’s Black Weavers, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Sacred & Hadada Ibis and the Long-crested Eagle.

 Akagera national park boat ride safari

Lake Ihema is the largest lake in the park and it is found in the southern part of Akagera NP, and has got one of the largest concentrations of hippos in East Africa. In addition, it is a sight to behold and there are also many crocodiles that you will find along the shores of the lake. There are also many water birds that can be seen on a boating safari on Lake Ihema such as the shoe bill stork on a lucky day. Several animals like the elephants can find their way to the water to bathe and you will get the opportunity of getting closer to them than you would be in the vehicle on any game drive.

How To Get To Akagera National Park

Getting to Akagera National Park in Rwanda is fairly straightforward and offers several travel options depending on your starting point. Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, close to the border with Tanzania, and is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.

By Road 

  • Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Route: Drive from Kigali eastward via Rwamagana on the paved Kigali-Kayonza road. When you reach Rwamagana, follow the signs toward the southern gate of Akagera National Park at Kabarondo. The last stretch of the road is unpaved but manageable, especially with a 4×4 vehicle.
  • Car Rentals: Many visitors opt for a 4×4 self-drive rental to ensure a smooth ride on the dirt roads inside the park. Vehicles can be rented from Kigali, and there are several
Public Transport
  • Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours (including wait time).
  • Public Buses: You can take a public bus from Kigali’s Nyabugogo bus station to Rwamagana or Kayonza. Once there, you will need to hire a taxi or motorcycle taxi (known locally as “moto”) to take you to the park’s southern gate. This option is more time-consuming and may not be the most convenient, especially for those carrying a lot of gear.
 By Air (Charter Flight)
  • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
  • Flight Services: Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter flights from Kigali to Akagera National Park. This option is more expensive but significantly reduces travel time and provides breathtaking aerial views of Rwanda’s landscapes and wildlife.
  • Landing: The helicopter lands near Akagera Game Lodge or at another designated area within the park.