Rwanda is home to three national parks — Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park. Of the three, only one is a true wildlife savanna park where visitors can spot the Big Five on game drives: Akagera National Park.
Located in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera covers roughly 1,200 square kilometers and takes its name from the Akagera River that winds through it. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, home to elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and numerous antelope species. Birdwatchers will also find it a paradise, with over 500 recorded bird species.
Top Attractions in Akagera National Park
Wildlife Viewing Akagera is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, impalas, lions, and leopards. Game drives take visitors deep into the park to spot these animals in their natural habitat.
Birdwatching With more than 500 bird species recorded, Akagera is a birdwatcher’s dream. Look out for the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, marabou stork, and several kingfisher species — many of which can be spotted during game drives and boat cruises.
Lake Ihema Akagera is home to Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake. Boat cruises on the lake offer stunning scenery along with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds along the shoreline.
Fishing Trips Fishing enthusiasts can head to Lake Shakani within the park, home to several fish species and a unique angling experience for visitors.
Camping Akagera offers camping facilities for travelers who want to spend the night immersed in the sounds of the African bush — a magical way to experience the wild under a starlit sky.
Top Activities in Akagera National Park
- Game Drives — Explore the park by 4×4 vehicle in search of elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and more. Guided drives let you get close to wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Boat Safaris — Cruise Lake Ihema for a unique vantage point on crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife, all while enjoying the cool lake air.
- Birdwatching — Watch for the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and hundreds of other species across the park’s 500+ recorded bird list.
- Guided Nature Walks — Walk with a knowledgeable guide to appreciate the park’s flora and fauna up close — a great way to notice the smaller details most drives miss.
- Fishing — Try your luck catching tilapia and catfish at Lake Shakani. Fishing permits can be arranged through park authorities.
- Cultural Experiences — Visit nearby communities to experience local traditions, including traditional dance, crafts, and conversations with residents.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
By Road The most popular way to reach Akagera is by road — about a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital. Many tour operators offer guided packages that include transportation from Kigali to the park.
Fly-In Safari For a faster, more luxurious option, book a fly-in safari. Akagera has its own airstrip, allowing visitors to arrive via chartered or scheduled flights from Kigali or other parts of Rwanda.
Where to Stay in Akagera National Park
Magashi Camp This luxury lodge sits in Akagera, Rwanda’s only savanna park, strategically positioned along the savanna and the waters of Rwanyakazinga. It offers front-row access to the park’s secrets — especially meaningful now that reintroduced rhinos and lions have completed Akagera’s Big Five.
Elephants occasionally wander near the lodge, wading into the lake’s blue waters. Guests can unwind with a traditional Kugisha dinner around a roaring fire, listening to stories of the land. The camp features 8 luxury tents set within striking landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.
Magashi emphasizes healthy, sustainable dining, with a menu built around Rwanda’s indigenous dishes and fresh local ingredients — from Rolex breakfasts to Kugisha dinners, all served with a strong sense of Rwandan culture. Guests can also join the Magashi Rehabilitation story by taking part in leopard, lion, and rhino tracking and monitoring — a rewarding way to help protect the wild for future generations.
Ruzizi Tented Camp Set near Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tented Camp comprises 9 tents with beautiful lake views. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom, hot and cold water, a dressing area, and a shaded veranda.
The camp was built to blend into its surroundings — most trees and plants were preserved during construction, and the design, furniture, and finishes were all sourced and crafted locally. Ruzizi accommodates up to 20 guests, with all meals prepared by experienced chefs using healthy, wholesome ingredients. The camp runs on solar power.