Akagera National Park, in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, is the country's only Big Five park and the answer to a common misconception that Rwanda is a primates-only destination. Following a major conservation turnaround led by African Parks, lions were reintroduced in 2015 and eastern black rhino in 2017, restoring the park's full Big Five status alongside its existing elephant, buffalo, and leopard populations.
Quick facts
- Location: Eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border
- Best known for: Rwanda's only Big Five park; lion and rhino reintroduction; Lake Ihema boat safaris
- Distance from Kigali: Roughly 2–3 hours by road
- Typical visit length: 1–2 nights
What sets Akagera apart
Akagera pairs classic savanna game drives with boat safaris on Lake Ihema, one of the most reliable spots in the park for hippo and crocodile viewing. Its conservation story is as compelling as its wildlife: African Parks took over management in 2010 when the park's animal populations had been decimated, and the subsequent recovery — culminating in the 2015 lion and 2017 rhino reintroductions — is one of the more concrete conservation successes in the region.
Most itineraries treat Akagera as a closing chapter after gorilla or chimpanzee trekking elsewhere in Rwanda, giving travellers classic Big Five game viewing without needing to add Kenya or Tanzania to the trip.
Where to stay
Magashi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) and Ruzizi Tented Lodge are the park's principal luxury properties, both positioned on Lake Rwanyakazinga and Lake Ihema respectively for direct wildlife access from camp.
Frequently asked questions
Does Akagera really have all of the Big Five?
Yes — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino are all present, following the 2015 lion and 2017 rhino reintroductions led by African Parks.
How far is Akagera from Kigali?
Roughly 2–3 hours by road, making it a realistic add-on to a Kigali or Volcanoes-based itinerary rather than a remote extension.
Can I combine Akagera with gorilla trekking on the same trip?
Yes — this is the standard structure for our 8 Days Rwanda Grand Safari Collection, which combines Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera in one circuit.
See Akagera as part of the full country circuit on our 8 Days Rwanda Grand Safari Collection.