Akagera for a first safari

Akagera is a good choice for a first safari.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Akagera is a national park in eastern Rwanda of relatively warm, low-lying plains with savannah, woodland, wetland and about a dozen lakes. It has been managed by African Parks with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010.

Why Akagera for a first safari?

• With the Big Five present, it delivers a classic first safari.
• 1–2 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in Akagera

• Rwanda's only savannah park, with a chance of the Big Five
• Lions and rhinos reintroduced in partnership with African Parks
• Boat trips on Lake Ihema
• About a dozen lakes and bird-rich wetlands
• Easy to combine with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, elephants, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

Suggested time on the ground: 1 to 2 days. In eastern Rwanda on the Tanzanian border, about 2-3 hours by road from Kigali to the southern gate.

Activities that fit

game drives and boat safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is July to August.

Dry season; animals gather around the lakes and wetlands and viewing is at its best.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Akagera guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.