Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a protected savanna and wetland complex in eastern Rwanda, encompassing plains, woodlands and several lakes. It is the country’s principal savanna park and supports a diversity of large mammals and aquatic habitats.

The park offers game drives across open savanna, guided walking safaris in designated areas and boat trips on the larger lakes, with opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and many water and wetland birds. Management efforts over the past decade have focused on species restoration and anti-poaching to recover wildlife populations.

Originally protected in the 20th century, the park’s boundaries and management have evolved with conservation programmes and partnerships that reintroduced and protected species and improved tourism infrastructure. Ongoing management combines wildlife protection with community engagement and regulated tourism.

Akagera lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, occupying lowland plains and lake systems; the park is roughly a few hours’ drive east of Kigali depending on access and road conditions. The surrounding landscape is a mix of farmland and protected wetlands.

• Boat safaris: Boat excursions on lakes such as Lake Ihema are a common way to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. These are typically offered from park bases and by licensed operators.
• Carnivore reintroduction: Large carnivores were reintroduced as part of restoration work; lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015 to rebuild the predator population.