Akagera National Park stands as Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination and
the country’s only location where travelers can encounter the legendary Big Five
animals in their natural habitat. Located in the northeastern region of Rwanda along the
Tanzanian border, the park protects a remarkable mosaic of savannah plains, wetlands,
lakes, and rolling hills that create one of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.
For many years Rwanda was globally recognized primarily for its mountain gorillas in
Volcanoes National Park. Today, however, Akagera National Park has transformed the
country into a complete safari destination, offering the rare opportunity to combine a
Big Five wildlife safari with unforgettable primate trekking experiences.
The Big Five animals found in Akagera include the African lion, leopard, elephant,
rhinoceros, and the powerful African buffalo. These species represent Africa’s most
iconic wildlife and form the cornerstone of classic safari experiences.
Akagera’s conservation story is particularly inspiring. Following the devastating effects
of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, wildlife populations in the park declined
dramatically and several key species disappeared entirely. Through a strong partnership
between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, a long term restoration
strategy was implemented to revive the park’s ecosystems and wildlife populations.
A historic milestone occurred in 2015 when lions were successfully reintroduced after
nearly two decades of absence. Their numbers have steadily grown, and visitors today
often encounter thriving prides roaming the park’s open plains. Two years later, in
2017, eastern black rhinoceroses were reintroduced through an international
conservation initiative involving European wildlife institutions. Their return officially
restored Akagera as a Big Five destination in Rwanda.
Today the park supports a healthy population of elephants, buffalo herds that roam the
savannah grasslands, elusive leopards that patrol the woodland edges, and rhinos that
symbolize the park’s conservation success.
Beyond the Big Five, Akagera offers exceptional biodiversity including giraffes, zebras,
warthogs, twelve species of antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Game drives across the park’s varied landscapes provide excellent wildlife viewing
opportunities, while a boat cruise on Lake Ihema offers close encounters with hippos,
crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
For travelers seeking a complete East African safari experience, Akagera National Park
delivers a remarkable blend of conservation success, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking
scenery. Through Green Gorilla Trails, visitors can explore this extraordinary landscape
while contributing to Rwanda’s inspiring wildlife restoration story.