Akagera National Park is one of Africa's greatest conservation comeback stories. Located in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, this 1,122-square-kilometer park nearly collapsed in the 1990s when it lost two-thirds of its land and most of its large wildlife. Since African Parks took over management in 2010, the transformation has been remarkable. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after a 15-year absence. Eastern black rhinos returned in 2017. Today, Akagera is a genuine Big Five destination, the only one in Rwanda, with healthy populations of elephants, buffalo, leopards, and the recently restored lions and rhinos. The landscape itself is strikingly varied: rolling savanna, acacia woodland, papyrus-fringed lakes, and swampy marshlands that support huge numbers of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. A boat safari on Lake Ihema is one of the best wildlife experiences in East Africa, bringing you close to pods of hippos and massive Nile crocodiles basking on the banks. At $50 per person per day for park entry, Akagera is a fraction of the cost of Rwanda's gorilla trekking, making it an excellent addition to any Rwanda itinerary for travelers who want a classic savanna safari experience alongside their primate encounters.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Moderate
leopard
Rare
elephant
High
buffalo
High
rhino
Low
Wildlife Highlights
Lion
Seven lions from South Africa were reintroduced in 2015, the first in Rwanda in 15 years. The population has grown and sightings are becoming more regular, particularly in the southern savanna.
Hippopotamus
Large pods of hippos inhabit Lake Ihema and other lakes throughout the park. Best seen on the boat safari.
Nile Crocodile
Impressive crocodiles bask along the shores of Lake Ihema. Some are over 4 meters long.
Roan Antelope
One of the few parks in East Africa with roan antelope, a large and striking species typically found in southern Africa.
525+ bird species including Shoebill (very rare), Papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, Ross's turaco, Red-faced barbet, Grey crowned crane.
Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park
The dry season from June to September offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is thinner. The short dry season (December to February) is also excellent. Akagera is open year-round.
peak Season
June, July, August, SeptemberDry, warm days, cool nights. Best wildlife viewing conditions.
Moderate
Standard
Excellent. Animals gather near lakes and rivers.
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDry, warm. Short dry season.
Moderate (holiday season)
Standard
Good wildlife viewing
shoulder Season
March, OctoberTransition months, some rain
Low
Standard
Good, with lush green scenery
low Season
April, May, NovemberRainy, tracks can be muddy
Low
Standard
Harder to spot animals in thick vegetation. Best for birding (migratory species present).
Getting to Akagera National Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Southern Gate (Kiyonza)
Main entry point from Kigali. 2.5 hours from the capital.
Northern Gate
Alternative entry; less used but gives access to the northern plains.
Akagera National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $50/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $25/day |
- • Park entry: $50/adult, $25/child (6-12) per 24 hours
- • Night game drive: $50 per person (plus park entry)
- • Boat safari on Lake Ihema: $50 per person (1.5-2 hours)
- • Behind-the-scenes rhino tracking: $200 per person
- • Fishing on Lake Shakani: $30 per person
- • Camping: $30-50 per person per night depending on site
- • All fees payable at the gate; no advance booking required for park entry
Activities in Akagera National Park
Included Activities
Self-drive or guided game drive
Explore the park's savanna, woodland, and lakeside habitats by vehicle. Over 90 km of tracks cover the southern and central sections. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife sightings.
Optional Extras
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
$50-$50A guided boat trip on Lake Ihema, the park's largest lake. Get close to hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds including fish eagles and papyrus gonolek.
Night Game Drive
$50-$50Spotlight safari offering the chance to see leopard, genet, civet, bushbaby, and other nocturnal species rarely seen during the day.
Behind-the-Scenes Rhino Tracking
$200-$200Join conservation rangers to track black rhinos on foot. A unique experience that supports rhino conservation and gives insight into anti-poaching efforts.
Sport Fishing
$30-$30Catch-and-release fishing on Lake Shakani for tilapia and other species.
Where to Stay
Akagera has a growing range of accommodation, from a luxury tented camp to budget camping. The park-run lodges and camps are well-maintained and strategically positioned for game viewing. There are also options just outside the park gates.
luxury
$400-$1200/person/nightIncludes: All meals, game drives, boat safari, drinks, park fees
Examples: magashi-camp
mid range
$100-$350/person/nightIncludes: Meals, comfortable rooms, some activities
Examples: ruzizi-tented-lodge, akagera-game-lodge
budget
$30-$80/person/nightIncludes: Basic tented accommodation or camping, self-catering or meals available
Examples: karenge-bush-camp, akagera-camping
Practical Tips
- 1Bring binoculars for the boat safari and game drives
- 2Start game drives early (6 AM) for the best wildlife sightings
- 3Book the Lake Ihema boat safari; it is the highlight for many visitors
- 4Malaria risk is higher here than in Rwanda's highlands; take prophylaxis
- 5Carry sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for game drives
- 6Night drives require advance booking at the gate or through your lodge
- 7The park is self-drive friendly with a good network of tracks and signage
- 8Allow at least 2 days (1 night) to properly explore the park
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Akagera have the Big Five?
Yes. As of the recent reintroductions, Akagera has all Big Five: lions (reintroduced 2015), eastern black rhinos (reintroduced 2017), elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Sightings of lions and elephants are increasingly common, while leopard and rhino sightings require patience.
How long should I spend in Akagera?
Two days (one night) is the minimum to cover the park's highlights, including a game drive and the Lake Ihema boat safari. Three days allows for a night drive and more thorough exploration of the northern and southern sections.
Can I self-drive in Akagera?
Yes. Akagera is self-drive friendly with well-maintained tracks and clear signage. A 4x4 is recommended, especially in the wet season. Vehicles can be rented in Kigali with or without a driver.
Is Akagera worth visiting alongside gorilla trekking?
Absolutely. Akagera offers a completely different experience from Volcanoes NP, with savanna wildlife, boat safaris, and Big Five sightings. Many visitors pair 2 days in Akagera with gorilla trekking for a well-rounded Rwanda safari.
How does Akagera's conservation story work?
African Parks, a nonprofit conservation organization, took over management in 2010 in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. They rebuilt infrastructure, introduced a strong law enforcement program, reintroduced lions and rhinos, and transformed the park from near-collapse to a thriving Big Five reserve. Tourism revenue now covers the majority of operating costs.
Official Resources
Sources
- Lions reintroduced in 2015, eastern black rhinos in 2017, Big Five now complete: African Parks / Rwanda Development Board
- Park established 1934, 1,122 sq km, managed by African Parks since 2010: African Parks