Akagera National Park

What It Is and Where

Akagera was established in 1934. During and after the civil war and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, displaced people settled inside the park, its area was roughly halved, lions were hunted out and rhinos disappeared. In 2010 the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks began managing it together. Lakes and swamps fed by the Kagera River make up more than a third of the park, and Lake Ihema is the largest of its lakes.

The Comeback

• Lions were reintroduced in 2015.
• Eastern black rhinos returned in 2017, with 18 animals, and more arrived in 2019.
• Southern white rhinos arrived in 2021 (30 animals), and 70 more followed in June 2025.

African Parks reports almost 500 bird species. This is a working conservation story you can see from the vehicle.

What You Do There

Game drives through the savanna in the north, boat trips on Lake Ihema for hippos, crocodiles and water birds, and night drives at some camps. Wildlife is good but less dense than in Kenya or Tanzania, so think of Akagera as a strong add-on to the gorillas rather than a substitute for a big East African safari.

When to Go and How Long to Stay

The dry months, June to September and roughly December to February, are best for game viewing, when animals gather near water and tracks are easier. The southern entrance is about three hours by road from Kigali. Two or three nights is the right length. It works well either before the gorillas, as an easy start after a long flight, or after them, to finish the trip on the savanna.

Where to Stay in Akagera

Wilderness Magashi

Eight tented suites on a private concession in the remote north of the park, on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga. Game drives, boating and night drives. Our first choice for most travelers.

The park also has Ruzizi Tented Lodge on Lake Ihema and Karenge Bush Camp, which we can arrange on request.