Rwanda safari in Akagera national park; Africa's big 5 destination

Home to Africa's Big 5

Safari in Akagera national park home to Africa’s big 5 game in Rwanda established in 1934. Akagera National Park is central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah adapted species in Rwanda and home to the famous Big 5 game (lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants). It is named after the Akagera river that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is lake Ihema.

A boat trip on lakes Ihema and Rwanyakizinga is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant birdlife. The safaris in Akagera national park are a quintessential East African safari adventure and perfect complement to your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

Safari in Akagera national park; Africa's big 5 game on day and night game drives

While Akagera national park, Rwanda’s Africa big 5 safari offers game drives in the morning (half day), afternoon and at night. Guided night drives that commence at sunset are a fantastic way to cap off your day in the park and offer the best chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife from lions to leopards which are among the most sought-after sightings. Animals in Akagera national park include; lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys and many more.

Activities done at Akagera national park

Wildlife game drives
Boat cruises
Bird watching
Walking safari
Hot air balloon tours
Photography

Safari packages in Akagera national park, Rwanda

Akagera national park; Rwanda's big 5 safari

5 DAYS AKAGERA- GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI

5 days Rwanda Africa's big 5 and gorilla trekking safari are combined in an itinerary giving you ample time in the Akagera national park. Wildlife game drives in Akagera game park give you amazing sightings of lion prides, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, ostriches, zebras, giraffes, water bucks, hippos, nile crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs etc. While on Volcanoes trekking, nature walks, boat cruises, you'll watch several bird species like shoebills, Albertine rift endemics, eagles, kingfishers, savanna, acacia woodland, forest and water bird species.

6 days Akagera- Nyungwe experience

A week's/ 6 days Akagera- Nyungwe Rwanda safari experience gives you the best Africa's big 5 tour along some of the planet's big apes- chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park. Akagera game park being home to Africa's big 5 (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards) will give amazing adventure along giraffes, zebras, water bucks, hyenas, antelopes, hippos, nile crocodiles etc. Book the 6 days Akagera- Nyungwe Rwanda safari for many amazing experiences like air balloon tours, game drives, boat cruises, birding, chimpanzee tracking and much more.

10 days Akagera- Rwanda wildlife safari

The 10 days Akagera- Rwanda wildlife safari is an all inclusive adventure that combines wild game drives and primate trekking. Expect Africa's big 5 (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards), mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, hiking and canopy walks, air balloon tours, boat cruises, birding etc. The 10 days Rwanda safari gives 2 days in each of the country's major national parks of Nyungwe forest national park, Volcanoes national park and Akagera national park. Book a 10 days Rwanda safari for great adventure with special activities like air balloon tours, boat cruises, canopy walks, city tours, nightlife experience, kayaking etc.

12 days Akagera- Rwanda- Uganda safari

A double Africa's big 5 (lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards) in Rwanda's Akagera game park and Uganda's Murchison falls national park. The 12 days safari starting from Rwanda into Uganda also features mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Murchison water falls, rhino tracking, boat cruises, source of the Nile, birding and city tours. Booking a 12 days Rwanda- Uganda safari gets you into one of savanna's wildlife richest regions with also the great rift valley, escarpments, crater lakes and Rwenzori mountain sightings.

Lions on Africa's big 5 safari in Akagera national park, Rwanda

Explore Akagera national park

Akagera national park is home to Africa's big 5 game in Rwanda and easily seen on safari game drives. Along Africa's big 5 (lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards), Akagera national park also has giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, nile crocodiles, hyenas, water bucks, reptiles, primates etc. Akagera national park has several bird species in its savanna plains, acacia woodlands, rivers, lakes and swamps. Book a safari to Akagera game park for great experiences like boat cruises, wildlife game drives, bird watching, air balloon tours, night game drives, camping, nature walks etc.

8 days Akagera- Rwanda- Uganda safari

1week/ 8 days' Rwanda- Uganda safari starting from Akagera game park which is home to all Africa's big 5 game (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, rhinos). Crossing into Uganda, you'll set off with Bwindi's mountain gorilla trekking and then continue with the southern circuit game parks. While in Queen Elizabeth national park, you'll enjoy sightings of crater lakes, Rwenzori mountain, elephant herds, tree climbing lions, Kazinga channel boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, Africa's largest hippo pods, city tours and night life.

Boat cruises on lake Ihema and Rwanyakizinga

Travelers seeking a variation on the typical safari consider a boat trip on lakes Ihema and Rwanyakizinga, where you can drift along the lakes in the midst of thriving wildlife. For serious birders, this experience is a must. Scheduled trips can be arranged four times a day from 7:30am, 9:00am, 3:00pm and 4:00pm.

Hot Air Balloon tours

A flight in the Akagera hot air balloon is one of the best ways to discover and explore the area of the park. With scenic views of lake Ihema, hills and peninsulas and wild animals, Akagera’s hot air balloon is one not to miss.

Note: Flights on the hot air balloon are subject to availability and favorable weather conditions in the Park.

What to wear on safari in Akagera national park

Daytime temperatures are generally warm, carry light clothing and consider sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses. The evenings tend to be cool and a light sweater or jacket will suffice.

Lodges to stay at on safari in Akagera national park

Akagera rhino lodge

Akagera rhino lodge is located at -1.95548° S, 30.68567° E in the midst of Akagera national park with scenes of lake Ihema on the balcony of your room.

Accommodation at Akagera rhino lodge ranges from single rooms, double rooms to family rooms that accommodate up to 6 people with rates starting from $120.

Mantis Akagera

Mantis Akagera lodge is a mid-range and luxury accommodation facility located at -1.87874° S, 30.70358° E in the midst of Akagera national park guarantying participation in all wildlife safari activities in the park.

While in Mantis Akagera offers of accommodation options are;

Single rooms starting from $312
Double rooms starting from $359
Triple rooms starting from $786
Family suites starting from $1,913
Presidential suite starting from $1,616

Ruzizi tented lodge

Ruzizi tented lodge located at -1.90653° S, 30.71670° E in Akagera national park gives you a top notch wild experience right in the bushes far away from the modern day city life.

So Ruzizi tented lodge offers various accommodation experiences for guests for example;

Standard tent starting from $250
Tree-top tents starting from $350
Standard single starting from $105
Tree-top single starting from $149
Child sharing with adult at $115

Akagera park inn.

Akagera park Inn located at -1.92467° S, 30.67393° E at the outskirts of the park and overlooking Akagera game park’s vast wilderness.

Notably Akagera park Inn offers several accommodation for single occupancy, double occupancy and family accommodation with rates starting from $150.