Rwanda is famous for its gorillas, but the country has a second, very different wildlife story waiting in the east. In Akagera National Park you can watch lions, elephants and rhinos from an open safari vehicle, then cruise past hippos and crocodiles on Lake Ihema. Our Akagera safari tours run as day trips or overnight safaris from Kigali, and we take care of transport and guiding so you can focus on the wildlife.
Why visit Akagera National Park
Akagera is the only protected savannah in Rwanda, and it sits on the border with Tanzania in the east of the country. Its rolling grassland, papyrus swamps and chain of lakes make it look nothing like the volcanic forests of the north.
The park is also one of Africa's best-known conservation comebacks. After years of conflict and habitat loss, wildlife numbers fell sharply and the lions disappeared. Since 2010, the Rwanda Development Board and the non-profit African Parks have managed the park together, and wildlife has returned (source).
Because Akagera is easy to reach from Kigali, it pairs naturally with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, giving you savannah, mountains and forest in one trip.
The Big Five in Akagera
Akagera holds all five of Africa's Big Five. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, when seven animals arrived from South Africa, and the population has since grown to dozens (source). Eighteen eastern black rhinos returned in 2017, and a further group of southern white rhinos was added in 2025 (source).
Lion
Reintroduced in 2015 after about 20 years away. Sightings are never guaranteed, but our guides know where prides tend to rest.
Black rhino
Brought back in 2017 after a roughly ten-year absence. Rhinos are monitored closely, and sightings are a highlight.
Elephant
Herds move between the woodland and the lakeshores, especially near water.
Buffalo
Large herds graze the open plains and are among the easiest of the five to find.
Leopard
The most secretive of the five. Night drives and early mornings give the best chance, with some luck.
Plus much more
Giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelope and a long list of birds round out the park.
Wildlife is wild, so we never promise a particular animal. What we can do is choose good routes and times of day and let an experienced guide read the landscape.
Things to do in Akagera
Game drives
Akagera is largely a self-drive park, but a guide in your vehicle helps you find and understand the wildlife. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Boat trips on Lake Ihema
Cruise Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park, for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Scheduled trips run in the morning, the afternoon and at sunset.
Night game drives
Guests staying at certain lodges can join a night drive in a park vehicle, when nocturnal animals come out. Availability depends on where you sleep.
Birdwatching
With around 500 species, the park is a rewarding stop for birders, with migratory birds passing through in October and November.
Community visits
Meet local people living around the park, with experiences such as dairy farms and honey cooperatives.
Park behind-the-scenes
Learn how the park is managed, from anti-poaching work to wildlife monitoring.
Day trip or overnight safari?
We offer both from Kigali, so you can match the trip to your schedule.
Day trip from Kigali
Best if you have limited time. It is a long day, but you can fit in a game drive and a boat trip.
Overnight safari
Best for wildlife. Sleeping near or inside the park gives you early-morning and evening game viewing, which is when animals are most active.
A typical overnight itinerary:
- Kigali to Akagera. After an early pickup, you drive east to the park, which takes about two to two and a half hours, then settle in for an afternoon game drive.
- Evening and night. Relax at your lodge or camp. Where available, you can add a night game drive.
- Morning game drive. Head out at first light, when predators and other animals are most active.
- Boat trip and return. Cruise Lake Ihema, then drive back to Kigali for a late afternoon or evening drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Lodges and camps in and around the park range from tented camps such as Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp to more upscale options. We recommend one that fits your budget and the time of year.
What is included in your tour
Transport
A comfortable vehicle and experienced driver-guide between Kigali and the park.
Guiding
A guide who knows Akagera's wildlife, routes and best viewing spots.
Park fees and activities
We handle park entry and book your game drives and boat trips, itemized clearly in your quote.
Accommodation (overnight trips)
A lodge or camp matched to your comfort level and budget.
Because every group is different, we tailor the details to your dates, group size and interests.
Best time to visit Akagera
Akagera can be visited all year, since the Big Five are not migratory. The dry seasons are best for game viewing, because animals gather around lakes and rivers and the grass is shorter.
June to September
The main dry season, with sunny weather and easy wildlife viewing. It is the busiest period, especially at weekends.
Mid-December to mid-February
A second dry spell, with good wildlife viewing and warm days.
March to May
The long rains. The park is green and quiet, but roads can be muddy and animals more spread out.
October and November
Short rains, and a good time for birds because migratory species pass through.
Season timings vary a little between sources and from year to year, so ask us about the weather for your travel dates.
Park fees and booking
Akagera charges an entry fee per person per day, or per night for visitors who sleep in the park. Activities such as boat trips and night drives cost extra, and children aged five and under do not pay entry fees (source).
Fees depend on your residency status and the number of nights, and the park updates them from time to time. We confirm the current figures when we prepare your quote, so you always see the full cost up front. Activities such as boat trips and night drives are booked in advance, and we arrange that for you.
How to get to Akagera from Kigali
The park is about 110 kilometers northeast of Kigali, and the drive takes around two to two and a half hours. We pick you up from your hotel or the airport and take you to the park in a vehicle suited to the roads, which can be rough in the wet season.
Who this safari is for
Couples
A private safari with a scenic sunset boat trip, easy to pair with a gorilla trek.
Families
A good first safari for children who enjoy animals. We check pacing and ages with you when you book.
Solo travelers
Share transport and guiding by joining a small group, or travel privately if you prefer.
Groups
Friends, colleagues or clubs can travel together on one tailored itinerary.
Combine Akagera with the rest of Rwanda
Many travelers add Akagera to a longer Rwanda trip. Popular combinations include:
- Akagera and gorilla trekking: savannah safari, then Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas.
- Akagera and Nyungwe: game drives and boat trips, then chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk.
- Akagera and Kigali: a city tour and genocide memorial visit before or after your safari.
We can also extend your trip to Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania.
What to pack for your safari
- Light, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
- A warm layer for early mornings and evenings
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Binoculars for wildlife and birds
- Camera or phone with spare battery
- A refillable water bottle
Frequently asked questions
Can I see all of the Big Five in one visit?
All five live in the park, but sightings depend on luck, season and time of day. Leopards in particular are hard to find. An overnight stay raises your chances.
Is a day trip from Kigali worth it?
Yes, if you are short on time, but it means about four to five hours of driving. If you can spare a night, you will see more.
Do I need a guide?
Akagera allows self-driving, but a guide helps you find animals, explains what you see and takes the stress out of navigating.
Can I combine Akagera with gorilla trekking?
Yes. This is one of the most popular ways to see both sides of Rwanda, and we can arrange the whole itinerary in one booking.
Book your Akagera safari with Vazquez Tours & Travel
Vazquez Tours & Travel is a Rwanda-based tour operator, so we know Akagera, the routes from Kigali and the lodges well. Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will recommend a day trip or an overnight safari and quote it clearly.
- Email: info@vazqueztours.com
- Phone: +250 781 445 000
- Website: www.vazqueztours.com