Akagera National Park
Overview
Rwanda Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.
Akagera NP is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and is again a Big Five destination after the recent reintroductions of lion and black rhino. Other animals include elephant, buffalo, giraffe and hippo. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t quite compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Wildlife numbers are on the increase in Akagera NP and animals are slowly becoming less skittish (problems have included human encroachment and poaching). Buffalos are easily seen, and elephants are quite common. Leopards are around, but very secretive. Lions were reintroduced from South Africa in 2015 and there were 19 in the park as of early 2018, along with the same number of black rhino, which were reintroduced in 2017.
Scenery
Akagera is particularly scenic and offers a wide diversity of habitats in a small area. Visitors can drive along a string of forest-fringed lakes and wetlands fed by the Akagera River. Tall mountains form a lovely backdrop to the ever-changing vegetation, which includes papyrus swamps and acacia woodland.
Weather & Climate
Akagera is located near the equator and has a consistent, moderate to warm climate. Temperatures are very uniform throughout the year. The average nighttime temperature is about 12°C/54°F below the average daytime temperature, therefore warm clothing is recommended for early morning game drives. There is a short Dry season from June to September.
Best Time to Visit
Although Akagera can be visited at any time, the best wildlife-viewing months are from June to September. This corresponds with the Dry season, when animals are drawn to the lakes as a source of water. At this time the bush is not as lush either, which makes spotting animals a bit easier.
Want to Visit Akagera NP?
Safari Tours to Akagera NP
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![3-Day Safari to Akagera National Park]()
3-Day Safari to Akagera National Park
$980 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Kigali (End)
Mega Wild Safaris Ltd
4.8/5 – 33 Reviews
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![8-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari]()
8-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
$3,718 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Nyungwe Forest NP (Chimps), Lake Kivu, Volcanoes NP (Gorillas), Kigali (End)
Standard Safaris
5.0/5 – 6 Reviews
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![3-Day Safari in Akagera National Park]()
3-Day Safari in Akagera National Park
$1,580 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Shared tour (max 14 people per vehicle)LuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Kigali (End)
Kingfisher Journeys
