Akagera National Park – Wildlife & Safari Focus

Tucked into the northeastern corner of Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park is a vibrant conservation success story and the country’s premier savannah safari destination. A place where open plains meet swamp-fringed lakes, rolling hills, and acacia woodlands, Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can experience the Big Five and classic African wildlife viewing.

With Lero Safaris as your guide, a journey into Akagera becomes more than a game drive it’s a tailored exploration of biodiversity, landscapes, and sustainable tourism, all brought to life through expert knowledge and warm Rwandan hospitality.

Why Visit Akagera National Park?

Established in 1934, Akagera spans over 1,100 square kilometers and has undergone a remarkable transformation from a depleted reserve to a thriving national park. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Akagera is now home to healthy populations of:

The Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo

Plains game such as giraffes, zebras, topis, elands, and impalas

Over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork

Nile crocodiles and hippos in Rwanda’s largest protected wetland system

Its accessibility just 2.5 hours from Kigali makes Akagera ideal for short safaris, family getaways, or extensions after gorilla trekking adventures.

Explore Akagera with Lero Safaris: Tailored Journeys in Rwanda’s Wilderness

Whether you’re embarking on a sunrise game drive, cruising on Lake Ihema, or birdwatching along papyrus-lined shores, Lero Safaris ensures your Akagera experience is rich in discovery and customized to your interests.

With deep knowledge of the park’s terrain, wildlife habits, and conservation efforts, Lero’s guides deliver engaging storytelling, safe travel, and unforgettable moments all with a commitment to ethical tourism.

Top Experiences with Lero Safaris in Akagera National Park

Guided Game Drives

Experience the thrill of open-vehicle safaris across Akagera’s varied habitats. Lero Safaris offers morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives, increasing your chances of spotting lions on the hunt, elephants at a watering hole, or herds of antelope grazing beneath acacia trees.

Northern sector: Best area for predators and large herds

Southern woodlands: Scenic routes with forest-dwelling species

Seasonal highlights: Calving season, dry-season predator sightings

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Glide across Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake, on a guided boat safari. Expect up-close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and prolific waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and African jacanas. Sunset cruises offer particularly magical lighting and photo opportunities.

Birdwatching Adventures

With over 500 species recorded, Akagera is a top destination for birders. Key sightings include:

Papyrus gonolek

Shoebill stork (in swampy areas)

Ross’s turaco

Black-headed gonolek
Lero Safaris provides experienced bird guides and tailored birding itineraries.

Community & Cultural Visits

Discover the human story behind Akagera’s conservation. Lero Safaris can organize visits to communities surrounding the park, where travelers can engage in traditional cattle-keeping, local craft demonstrations, or conservation education programs showcasing how tourism benefits both people and wildlife.

Where to Stay: Wilderness Comforts

Lero Safaris partners with the best lodges and camps in and around Akagera, including:

Luxury safari lodges with panoramic savannah views

Mid-range camps offering comfort and rustic charm

Tented campsites for adventurous travelers
All accommodation options are selected for quality, location, service, and sustainability.

Conservation at the Core: Travel with Purpose

Akagera is one of Africa’s leading conservation stories, managed through a partnership between the Rwandan government and African Parks. Lero Safaris is proud to be part of this success, promoting low-impact, community-supportive safaris that:

Create local jobs and opportunities

Fund anti-poaching and wildlife protection efforts

Educate visitors on conservation and ecological balance

By traveling with Lero, you’re directly supporting these ongoing efforts.

Why Choose Lero Safaris for Your Akagera Experience?

Personalized safari itineraries for couples, families, groups, and solo travelers

Highly knowledgeable, multilingual guides

Deep commitment to conservation and local empowerment

Seamless transfers from Kigali and other national parks

Flexible scheduling, excellent guest support, and custom add-ons (e.g. gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu stays)

Discover Rwanda’s Wild Side

Akagera National Park is a living reminder that conservation works — a place where once-lost wildlife now roams freely again. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Rwanda or returning for a new adventure, Lero Safaris invites you to explore Akagera in the most meaningful way possible.