Akagera National Park

African Parks Contribution to the Growth & Development of the Park

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From 2010 when they officially took over the management of the park, a lot of remarkable things have happened – things we can hesitate sharing;

• In 2017, 18 Eastern black rhinoceros were reintroduced to Akagera bringing the species back to the park, and the country of Rwanda after a 10-year absence. The population was further supplemented by an additional five individuals translocated from European zoos in 2019.
• Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after they were hunted out in the 1990s, and the population doubled in the first year with the birth of eleven cubs. Two additional males were translocated from South Africa to Akagera in 2017 to increase the population’s genetic diversity.
• We overhauled law enforcement and significantly reduced poaching in the park. To help secure Akagera, a counter-poaching canine unit was trained and deployed in 2015 and are essential in maintaining very low levels of poaching in and around the park.
• A 120 km solar-powered predator-proof fence was constructed and significantly reduced human-wildlife conflict situations.
• More than 2,000 school children visit Akagera each year for free along with teachers and local leaders as part of the environmental education programme
• Tourism revenue increased by more than 1,150% from 2010 to 2019, generating US$2.5M and making Akagera 90% self-financing. In total, the park welcomed more than 50,000 tourists in 2019, half of whom were Rwandan national.

Our special thanks and appreciation goes to them for bringing back to life the Akagera National park.

Currently, the Park boasts as a prime location with over 500 species present, including rare and elusive shoebill storks. Here is also the best & only place to see the Leopards in Rwanda, Lions, elephants and buffalo.

Things to See & Do In Akagera National Park

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Game Drives and Nature Walks in Akagera National Park:

Accompanied by a ranger guide, you venture into the Park in search of Wildlife such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes such Topi or Elands, Burchell Zebras, Maasai Giraffes, Savannah Birds, Monkeys, Leopards, Civets, Hyenas, Lions, Serval Cats, Rhinos, and more.

While on game drives one should stay within the vehicle unless the park guide sees it as safe to get out and take a look around.

For longer game drives, we recommend bringing with you a snack or lunch pack from the lodge. Otherwise, if you are booked, and are travelling with Realm Africa Safaris™, we will always have something for you on-board.

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Night Game Drives

Using a spotlight, you will join your ranger guide for a nocturnal/night game drive in the Park. With the hope of catching a glimpse of the Predators (leopards, a Lion, serval cats, civets, lions, hyenas) hunting their prey or with a successful kill.

The night/nocturnal game drives in Akagera  NP will often last about 2 hours – these might be the most memorable.

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Bird watching

Akagera National Park is considered to be the Birders Paradise in Rwanda along with the far-flung Nyungwe Forest National Park.  The Park boasts of well-over 520 species of bird species ranging from water to forest and including Savannah and migratory bird species – many of them endemic to the park – plus extremely rare species including threatened papyrus gonolek, the shoebill stork and many more that can be seen on a birding Safari to Akagera National Park.

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Boating Safaris on Lake Ihema:

A Boat Safari on Lake Ihema is an amazing experience for anyone visiting Akagera NP. The  Lake harbours perhaps the largest population of hippos in East Africa including gigantic crocodiles often spotted at the lakeshore.

On the same boat trip, you will encounter many water birds including Shoebill Stork – if very lucky.

Other mammals such as Elephants also come to the lake to drink and take a swim, especially in the afternoons.

The best time to visit 

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Akagera National Park is a year-round destination. However, most travellers prefer to visit the park in the drier months of June to September. The rains in Akagera NP come mostly in April, May, November, and early December. Low season is best for travel without Crowds.

Passport & Visa Requirements

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Getting in & around 

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From your home country, you will fly in through Kigali International Airport (KGL) located near the town actual Kigali city area, about10km/6mi from the airport. There is ongoing construction works on the planned Bugesera International Airport since 2017, but we are still not sure when it might start operations.

Rwanda is very compact, and transportation within the country is usually done by vehicle. Alternatively, Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country.

Realm Africa Safaris™ will collect you from the airport or hotel and will arrange further transportation as per the agreed safari itinerary or package pre-purchased.