Akagera National Park, located in north-eastern Rwanda, is one of the country’s most beautiful and biodiverse parks. Covering over 1,000 sq, kms, Akagera is a blend of savannah, wetlands, and lakes, offering diverse habitats that support a wide array of wildlife.
This national park is situated along the border of Tanzania, and is named after the Akagera River. Akagera River acts as the lifeline of the land, feeding its various lakes and wetlands. This area is known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from open savannahs to dense forests, and is home to many iconic African species.
Since 2010, proper conservation has dramatically increased wildlife numbers. With strict regulations and restrictions, poaching and illegal hunting have been curbed and dealt with legally. The park is home to the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Rwanda. Following the reintroduction of many species previously depleted, Akagera National Park now boasts a significant number of wildlife species. This Rwanda Safari Destination remains a relatively undiscovered gem, offering tourists a crowd-free environment.
Explore the diverse terrain and scenic natural beauty, sheltering precious wildlife and rich biodiversity.
Encounter iconic species in their natural habitats, thriving amid challenges and through joint conservation efforts.
Engage in guided, adventure-filled safari experiences for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Rwanda.
The Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, from June to September. During this period, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around the remaining water sources, and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The park’s roads are also more accessible, making game drives and other activities more enjoyable.
The wet season, from October to May, brings lush greenery to the park, and while some areas may be harder to access due to rain, this is an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive and the landscape is vibrant.
Akagera National Park hosts about 8,000 wildlife species, including the famous Big Five of Africa (lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino and elephant). In the past years, the lion and rhino populations in the national park were rapidly depleting due to poaching and illegal hunting. From 2010, lions were reintroduced to Akagera from other national parks and the existing population was strictly protected. As of 2024, the lion population has multiplied by 7, and about 60 to 62 lions currently roam freely in the national park, reminding us that protecting this natural beauty is essential.
Tourists in Akagera National Park have a chance of spotting both the black and white rhinos. About 15 black rhinos and 21 white rhinos were brought to this national park from various European zoos, with the primary aim of boosting the park’s natural diversity. The Masai Giraffe is also one of the amazing animals to be spotted in this safari destination. Apart from these, spotted hyenas, crocodiles, olive baboons, African bush elephants, cape buffalo, and zebra, along with various antelopes such as roan antelope and common warthog, can be spotted.
Akagera National Park is home to approximately 450 to 550 bird species and found across diverse savannah, woodland and wetland habitats. Key species include Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet, and Grey Crowned Crane, making this national park a premier birding destination.
Location Rwanda
Location Rwanda
Location Rwanda
Location Rwanda
Location Rwanda
Location Rwanda
Yes, Akagera National Park is generally considered very safe for tourists. It is a well-managed, controlled environment in a stable country, featuring armed park rangers and regular military patrols.
Akagera National Park is located about 120 km east of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. It might roughly take a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. The route goes through Rwamagana to Kayonza. You might have to spend the final 28 km on dirt roads, which makes our 4x4 safari vehicles an essential mode for swift transport. Visitors can also arrive via 22-minute helicopter transfers operated by Akagera Aviation.
Boat safaris are generally conducted in designated, safe zones, with experienced guides accompanying tourists. Follow the instructions, listen to your guide and have an adventure of a lifetime.
Yes, there are several accommodation options both inside and near Akagera National Park in Rwanda, catering to luxury, mid-range, and budget travellers.
The most popular activity in Akagera National Park is the game drive, particularly in the early mornings and evenings, as well as full-day drives designed to spot the Big Five.
An awesome safari tour with La Pisada ! - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more La Pisada did not disappoint. All of my inquiries were met with a prompt response & an itinerary was set which met our needs. Our experienced tour guide was prompt, professional, enthusiastic and quite informative (we had many questions about wildlife). The open roof-top vehicle was clean, comfortable & even had a charging port !! We saw rhinos and were so lucky to see lions twice during our safari. Our guide made sure we had the best views & stopped in order for us to capture the perfect photo. I will be certain to use La Pisada again !
Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip! - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more planned perfectly. Fred made the logistics smooth and simple so we could focus on just enjoying the safari. The driver guides were very knowledgeable and personable.
We were so impressed with how Fred arranged our trip that when we had the opportunity to visit Kenya a second time, we booked two more safaris through Fred. This trip had a small snag that was totally OUTSIDE of Fred’s control and NOT the fault of La Pisada Africa Safaris. As a true professional with years of experience, Fred jumped in to help solve the issue, even though neither he nor his company caused it! THAT is the quality customer service that Fred provides!
I highly recommend La Pisada Africa Safaris for anyone looking to have an awesome safari in East Africa.
Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.
First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more We added to the classical safari experience different activities - rafting, hiking, biking and even the horseriding and night safari! And All these providers were of very good quality.
Then Fred thought out the logistics to include all these activities in safari plan. We were in Masai Mara, Amboseli, Aberdare, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha.
The choice of lodges was fabulous. We discovered so many beautiful lodges - tented camps, rooms, with views on nature, with animals, with observation points on animals, nature luxury lodges with no fences - sooo different impressions from our hotels. Wow!! And the lodges are very important in your experience, since you spend a lot if time there. All was great!
The guides Farah and Julias were so nice and friendly people and experienced professionals. They took care of us for our comfort and safety, and did extra effort for us to see animals. Kids were fans of Farah!
The safari in Kenya is just a MAGIC! 🪄 you need to come to experience it)))
Maruska_77
Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more and it was a pleasure to meet Fred in person at the end of our trip.
We stayed at the Royal Mara in the Mara North conservancy which was superb, and Sands at Nomad in Diani, which has a great restaurant on the beach and wonderful service. We will definitely use La Pisada again for future bookings.
Thank you La Pisada - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more gave us alot of personal attention and care. He explained alot about the different type of animals that we saw at Nairobi Game Park. You can tell that conservation of wildlife was a passion for our driver and we reallly connected and had a great time. Overall a great service by La Pisada.
Nairobi National Park Tour - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more doubt the best! Our tour guide was passionate and a wealth of knowledge of Kenyan wildlife; they were on time and professional. I plan to return to Kenya in the near future and will be using La Pisada to book our next tour.














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