Discover Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah sanctuary. Rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and sparkling lakes set the stage for Big Five safaris, boat trips on Lake Ihema, and rare birdwatching. A remarkable conservation success, Akagera blends thriving wildlife with community impact, offering eco-friendly lodges and unforgettable game drives. Experience Rwanda’s wild heart just a few hours from Kigali.
Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is the country’s only protected savannah ecosystem and one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Covering more than 1,200 square kilometres, Akagera combines rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and sparkling lakes, offering a classic safari experience just a few hours’ drive from Kigali.
Once nearly lost to poaching and settlement, Akagera has been fully restored through a partnership between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. Today, it is home to thriving populations of the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, and over 500 bird species, including the sought-after shoebill stork.
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and night drives in search of nocturnal predators. The park’s network of scenic roads and lakes makes it ideal for both first-time safari-goers and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
Akagera also plays a vital role in community-based conservation, with tourism revenue supporting local development and education initiatives. Lodges within and around the park offer eco-friendly stays, combining comfort with breathtaking views of the Rwandan wilderness.
Whether you’re looking to complete Rwanda’s “Big Three” safari circuit; Akagera’s savannah, Nyungwe’s rainforest, and Volcanoes’ gorilla habitat; or simply want to experience the wild heart of East Africa, Akagera National Park delivers an unforgettable adventure.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is available throughout the year. Mountain weather is changeable, and rain can fall in Volcanoes National Park in any month, so the forest is always part of the adventure. The main seasonal consideration is usually how wet and demanding the trails may be, not whether the gorillas are worth seeing.
The drier periods, generally from June to September and from December to February, are the most popular. Trails may be less muddy, and these months can make it easier to combine the trek with safari elsewhere in East Africa. Demand for permits and the most sought-after lodges can be high, so early planning is important.
The wetter periods, particularly around March to May and again around October and November, bring dense green scenery and more challenging hiking conditions. Rain, mud and mist can make the trek physically tougher, but they also give the forest an extraordinary atmosphere. Travellers who are properly equipped and comfortable with variable conditions can still have a deeply rewarding experience.
If your Rwanda safari includes Akagera, Nyungwe or a wider East African route, the best travel dates should be chosen across the full journey. Gorilla permits, trek comfort, savannah wildlife, chimpanzee tracking and any Kenya or Tanzania extension all deserve a place in the timing decision.
The Akagera region offers a range of accommodations that perfectly complement the park’s wild savannah landscapes. From luxury lodges with panoramic views of the lakes and plains to eco-friendly tented camps nestled among acacias, every option is designed to immerse guests in nature while providing comfort and style.
Many lodges and camps emphasize sustainability, using solar power, water-saving measures, and locally sourced materials. This focus not only enhances the natural experience but also supports the region’s thriving conservation and community initiatives.
Guests can choose from elegant lodges with private decks overlooking Lake Ihema or Lake Rwanyakazinga, where uninterrupted vistas meet modern comfort, or more intimate bush camps for a closer connection to wildlife. Each property provides easy access to game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, and guided walks, allowing visitors to explore the park at leisure.
Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or eco-conscious stays, Akagera’s accommodation options offer a perfect base for exploring Rwanda’s only savannah park, ensuring a memorable and immersive wildlife experience.
Ruzizi is an eco-lodge on the banks of Lake Ihema, its nine tents set back from the serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fig trees. They flank a thatched reception and dining area, wooden walkways leading to a stunning deck raised over the lake.
Named for the area where the camp was first established, Karenge means ‘small footprint’ in Kinyarwanda. The word also expresses Karenge Bush Camp’s simple charm and commitment to leaving a light ecological footprint and allowing guests to be immersed in nature.
Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge and dining area, bar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit.
Akagera National Park offers flexible safari experiences that cater to every traveler, from half-day excursions to multi-day wildlife adventures. Whether you’re seeking a sunrise game drive, a boat safari on Lake Ihema, or a combination of game drives, birdwatching, and cultural visits, Akagera’s itineraries deliver a perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and relaxation.
Half-day and full-day safaris are ideal for visitors short on time, offering encounters with elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and a variety of birdlife. For those with more time, multi-day itineraries include overnight stays at lodges or camps within the park, allowing guests to explore remote areas, enjoy night drives, and fully immerse themselves in the savannah’s rhythm.
Many itineraries can be customized to combine Akagera with other Rwandan highlights, such as Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking or Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking, giving travelers a comprehensive wildlife experience in Rwanda.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, Akagera’s carefully curated itineraries ensure unforgettable encounters with Africa’s Big Five, rare birds, and serene lakeside landscapes.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
You can travel to Rwanda for gorilla trekking as a single experience but this is a country usually experienced in combination with other destinations in Africa. Thanks to a smooth-running network of air connections, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking combines with big game safaris in Kenya and Tanzania or head south for Botswana, the Kruger Park, Victoria Falls and Cape Town. Tick off the Big 5, marvel at the great wildebeest migration and toast the setting sun from the top of Table Mountain – all possible combinations with your gorilla trek.
We have a wide range of tours that combine Rwanda with Africa’s best destinations and appeal to all types of traveller from honeymooners to families. Browse our most popular destination combinations below and visit our Itinerary Ideas page for inspiration or simply contact us with the destinations of your choice and we will tailor-make an itinerary for you.
