Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda, was established 1934 and area of 1,200km². Hugging the border with Tanzania. It’s characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, Impala, giraffes, elephants, lions, Buffaloes, black rhinos and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park, vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.

Akagera is the only Big Five Park in the country. Just two hours’ drive from the capital city of Kigali, it is a beautiful and convenient savannah landscape to visit, and an easy site to add on to before or after visiting the gorillas. For one park, the diversity of habitats is unique including lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains and woodland makes for spectacular scenery. A birders delight, Akagera offers an exceptional birding experience with more than 482 bird species documented including the rare and prehistoric shoebill. Tourism is growing with a new day visitor complex and the opening of Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp. These proceeds are invested back into the community.

Things To Do

Boat Trips

If you are looking for a variation on the usual safari experience, a boat trip on Lake Ihema will not disappoint. Drift along the forest-fringed lake edge, past huddles of hippo and basking crocodiles. For the serious birder a boat trip is a must. Trips are scheduled four times per day at 7.30am, 9am, 3pm and 4.30pm. Non-scheduled, private, trips can also be arranged at other times

Fishing

Lake Shakani is the site of sports fishing in the park; spend a relaxing day fishing off the lake shore and then cook your catch over an open fire at the campsite. Own equipment is required. 

Behind the Scenes

For more insight into Akagera, including conservation developments within the park, take a ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ tour of the park headquarters and meet some of the people integral to the management of the park. This activity is open to anyone (with minimum numbers applying) but designed for educational groups, or special interest travellers.

Night Drive

A sunset departure for a guided night drive adventure is an ideal way to end your day. Night drives show a different side to the park and are your best chance of seeing the nocturnal wildlife, often the most sought after sightings! Night drives are operated by the park’s safari vehicle which can take a maximum of seven guests.

Community Cultural Experiences

In collaboration with the community and the park, the Community Freelance Guides have developed some cultural experiences to share with park guests. Visit a farm for milking and learn about the culture and traditions around cattle and milk in the Eastern province. Or, visit a banana-beer maker, or honey cooperative and see how these products are made locally. Revenue is shared with the community members visited.

Camping

Three campsites offer basic facilities for overnight stays in the park. Muyumbu and Shakani campsites are both located in the South of the park. Muyumbu is situated on a ridge overlooking the lakes with Tanzania in the distance; a spectacular backdrop for the rising sun.  Shakani offers a lakeshore camping experience along with grunting hippo and magnificent birdlife. Mutumba campsite is further north and located in a game-rich area of high rolling grassland hills. Tents are available for hire at the reception and firewood is provided onsite but visitors are asked to bring their own camping equipment and supplies.