Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park covers approximately 1,122 square kilometers of diverse landscapes that include open savannah, rolling hills, extensive wetlands, woodlands, papyrus swamps, and numerous lakes.
This incredible variety of ecosystems supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, making Akagera the only national park in Rwanda where visitors can experience a complete Big Five safari.
Established in 1934, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s oldest national park and one of the country’s greatest conservation success stories. Over the past two decades, the park has undergone remarkable restoration through collaborative conservation efforts, habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and wildlife reintroductions. Today, travelers enjoy outstanding game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching excursions, night drives, and luxury safari experiences that rival many of Africa’s better-known destinations.
Unlike many savannah parks that consist mainly of grasslands, Akagera features a remarkable combination of habitats that support different wildlife species throughout the year. Visitors travel through open plains populated by grazing herbivores before entering acacia woodlands, dense forests, river valleys, seasonal marshes, and beautiful lakes connected by the Akagera River.
The park derives its name from the Akagera River, which forms part of Rwanda’s eastern border and feeds an interconnected system of wetlands and lakes. These water sources attract wildlife throughout the year and create ideal habitats for hippos, crocodiles, aquatic birds, and countless other species. Consequently, every game drive reveals changing scenery and new wildlife encounters, making each safari unique.
Another reason Akagera stands out is its successful conservation model. Since 2010, collaborative management between the Rwanda Development Board and the conservation organization African Parks has transformed the park into one of Africa’s leading examples of successful wildlife restoration. Improved law enforcement, community engagement, habitat management, and species reintroductions have significantly increased wildlife populations while benefiting neighboring communities through sustainable tourism.
