Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s most exciting wildlife adventures, offering visitors the rare chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos all in one stunning location. Located in the eastern part of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is the only park in the country where the Big Five can be found. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts and strategic wildlife reintroductions from African Parks and the Government of Rwanda, the park has been successfully restored and now stands as a premier destination for African safaris.
Game drives in Akagera provide an immersive safari experience through a mix of savannah plains, woodlands, swamps, and lakes. Early morning and late afternoon drives increase the chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards, while herds of elephants and buffalos are often seen roaming across the open landscapes. Akagera is also home to both black and white rhinos, completing the Big Five safari experience. In addition to these iconic animals, visitors come to Rwanda for the Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park will encounter zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species, making every moment of the safari rich with wildlife sightings.
What makes the Big Five Safari experiences in Akagera National Park truly unique is the park’s balance of accessibility and authenticity. Located just 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, it’s an ideal destination for both short and extended safari trips, including one-day safari trips. Whether you’re enjoying a guided drive, a boat safari on Lake Ihema, or a night game drive under the stars, Akagera offers a complete and unforgettable safari experience. For travellers looking to explore Rwanda’s wild side, there is no better place to start than with a Big Five adventure in Akagera.
The Best Ways to Experience a Big Five Safari in Akagera
For wildlife enthusiasts and first-time safari-goers alike, Akagera offers an authentic African safari experience without the crowds. Here are the best ways to experience the Big Five in this stunning park.
Guided Game Drives
A guided game drive is the most popular and effective way to track the Big Five animals in this only savannah park in Rwanda. With the help of an experienced guide, you'll journey through Akagera’s diverse landscapes, from open savannahs and acacia woodlands to marshlands teeming with wildlife. These drives, typically conducted in open-roof 4x4 converted extended Land Cruiser safari vehicles, are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Self-Drive Safaris
For travellers seeking flexibility and independence, Akagera allows self-driving safaris. At GoWild Forever Journeys, we can help coordinate for you to rent a 4x4 safari vehicle. We recommend you get a map at the park entrance and embark on your wildlife adventure. While it’s a more autonomous experience, keep in mind that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed; patience and a keen eye are key. We highly recommend hiring a local park guide even for self-drives, as their local knowledge dramatically increases your chances of spotting elusive animals like leopards and rhinos.
Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema
One of Akagera’s most unique offerings is a boat safari on Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake. While you won’t see lions or leopards from the water, guests can enjoy close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, as they often gather at the lake’s edge to sip some water and cool off their bodies, and several water birds such as African fish eagles, cormorants, and kingfishers which provide excellent photo shooting opportunities. This tranquil excursion offers a refreshing contrast to land-based safaris and is perfect for birdwatchers and photographers.
Best Time for Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park
Although Akagera National Park is a year-round destination, the dry season, from June to September and from December to February, is widely considered the best time for a Big Five safari experience. During these months, the vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings more frequent and predictable. Additionally, clear skies and cooler mornings also create perfect conditions for game drives and photography.
Where to Stay on the Big Five Safari Experience in Akagera National Park
Choosing the right lodge to stay in is key to enhancing your adventure. Whether you're seeking luxury, comfort, or a more rustic experience, Akagera offers a range of accommodations that bring you close to nature without compromising comfort.
Magashi Camp: Located in the remote northern corner of the park, Magashi Camp offers high-end tented suites overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga. With exceptional service, gourmet dining, and expert-guided game drives, this is the perfect choice for those seeking an exclusive and intimate safari experience.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Set on the edge of Lake Ihema, and designed with sustainability in mind, its cozy tents blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Karenge Bush Camp: Karenge Bush Camp offers a seasonal, mobile camp experience. It provides a true "off-the-grid" stay, with simple, comfortable tents and a focus on reconnecting with nature.
Akagera Game Lodge: Perched on a hill at the southern tip of Akagera National Park, Akagera Game Lodge offers fantastic accommodation to visitors on a vacation in Rwanda.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
Akagera is conveniently located just 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The easiest and most popular way to get to Akagera is by car. The park’s main entrance is located at Kayonza, about 110 km (2.5 to 3 hours) from Kigali. The road is well-paved for most of the journey, with the final stretch being a graded dirt road accessible by both 4x4 vehicles and standard vehicles in good condition.
For those who prefer speed and scenic views, helicopter transfers are available from Kigali to Akagera, operated by Akagera Aviation, offering an aerial view of Rwanda’s rolling hills and the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
