Akagera National Park

While Rwanda is not often thought of as a Big Five safari destination, Akagera National Park in the country’s east is emerging as one of the best off-the-beaten-path safari destinations in East Africa. After the 1994 Rwandan Genocide led to an increase in poaching that threatened the park’s viability, recent efforts to transplant rhinos and lions into the park have meant it is now a tr...
  • Rwanda

Abaut Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park’s proximity to Kigali makes it a perfect day trip or two-day excursion from the Rwandan capital, offering something different from the rolling hills and dense jungle that typifies Rwanda’s landscape.

While Akagera can’t hope to compare to more established game-drive parks such as the Maasai Mara in Kenya or Tanzania’s Serengeti, recent efforts to relocate both rhinos and lions to the park mean that Akagera is a Big Five destination. While elephant, rhino, and leopard sightings are uncommon, a day or two in Akagera is a great way to spot wildlife you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Rwanda.

Rwanda

Rwanda

The park’s recent renewal means that it remains a truly off-the-beaten-path destination and a great place to get away from the tourists that crowd parks like Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.

The park offers a diverse range of activities including night game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and behind the scenes tours of Park Headquarters to give visitors a greater understanding of the work that goes into maintaining a wildlife sanctuary.

Akagera is also a haven for birdwatchers.

Far from being an afterthought, Akagera National Park is a worthy addition to any Rwandan vacation.

Rwanda

Highlights

  • Landscape
  • Wildlife 
  • The Big 5

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