Three giraffes on the Akagera savanna

Destination

Akagera National Park

Rwanda's Big Five savanna park: game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema and nights camping on Mutumba Hills.

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Location
Eastern Rwanda, on the Tanzania border
Size
About 1,120 km²
From Kigali
2 to 3 hours by road
Known for
Big Five, boat safaris, camping
Overview

About Akagera National Park

Akagera is Rwanda's only savanna park, a sweep of rolling grassland, acacia woodland, lakes and papyrus swamp along the country's eastern border with Tanzania. It is a very different Rwanda from the misty mountains of the west.

After years of decline the park has been rebuilt as a conservation success story. Lions returned in 2015 and rhinos soon after, so Akagera is once again home to the Big Five, alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and more than 500 bird species.

Elephant walking towards the vehicle
Rhino and calf grazing
Herd of zebras in golden grass
Hippo surfacing in Lake Ihema
Olive baboon troop on a dirt track
Lilac-breasted roller on a branch
Experiences

Things to Do

The experiences that make Akagera National Park worth the trip.

Game Drives

Cross the park from the southern lakes to the northern plains in a pop-up roof 4x4, with morning and afternoon drives when the animals are most active.

Lake Ihema Boat Safari

Glide past hippo pods, basking crocodiles, fish eagles and water birds on Rwanda's second-largest lake.

Camping on Mutumba Hills

Spend the night at the highest point in the park, with sunset over the savanna and dinner around the fire.

Birdwatching

Over 500 species, from lilac-breasted rollers on the plains to the shoebill in the northern swamps.

Wildlife Photography

Open landscapes and good light make Akagera the best place in Rwanda for big-animal photography.

Conservation Story

Learn how the lions and rhinos came back and how park revenue supports the surrounding communities.

Wildlife to look for

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Rhino
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Hippo
  • Nile crocodile
  • Impala
  • Olive baboon
  • Shoebill
  • African fish eagle
Night sky over the Mutumba campsite
Safari tents at the Mutumba campsite
Camp set up overlooking the Mutumba valley
Evening campfire at Mutumba
Where You Sleep

Mutumba Hills Campsite

Our favourite place to spend a night in Akagera. Mutumba sits on the park's highest ground, so the whole savanna spreads out below you at sunset, and you are already in position for the early morning drive when predators are on the move.

We bring and pitch the tents, cook dinner over the fire and have the coffee ready at sunrise.

  • Clear night skies for stargazing
  • Fenced, open campsite
  • Wildlife all around the hill
  • Game drives straight from camp at dawn

The sunrise at Mutumba is unlike anything else. Waking up to the sounds of the bush and watching the light flood the valley is a memory you'll keep forever. I'll have the coffee ready!

Justin
Good to Know

Plan Your Visit

The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.

Best time to visit

June to September, when the dry season draws animals to the lakes. Game viewing is good all year.

Fitness level

Easy. Most of the day is spent in the vehicle.

Getting there

About 2 to 3 hours east of Kigali by road. Day trips leave Kigali at 5:30 am.

What to bring

  • Neutral-coloured clothing
  • Binoculars
  • Camera with a zoom lens
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Warm layer and head torch if camping

Plan Your Visit to Akagera

Tell Justin your dates and interests and he will put together an itinerary and quote for your group.

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