Discover Rwanda's diverse wildlife in stunning savannah and forest ecosystems
While Rwanda is most famous for mountain gorillas, its savannah landscapes offer an exceptional safari experience. Akagera National Park, the country's only traditional Big Five safari destination, combines classic African savannah with wetlands, lakes, and forest-fringed valleys—creating one of East Africa's most scenic wildlife reserves.
Following remarkable conservation efforts, Akagera has been transformed over the past decade. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, rhinos in 2017, making it once again a Big Five destination. Low visitor numbers compared to neighboring countries ensure an exclusive safari experience where your vehicle might be the only one at a wildlife sighting.
From the comfort of custom safari vehicles, accompanied by expert guides, you'll explore diverse ecosystems supporting over 480 bird species, large herds of zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and antelopes, crocodile-filled lakes, and healthy populations of predators including lions, leopards, and hyenas. A boat trip on Lake Ihema adds another dimension to your safari experience.
Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and recently reintroduced black rhinos
Lake Ihema cruises offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
Over 480 species including the rare shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek
Exclusive evening safaris offering sightings of nocturnal species
From majestic elephants and lions to graceful giraffes and zebras, Rwanda's wildlife viewing offers diverse encounters across multiple ecosystems.
Join expert guides in custom 4x4 safari vehicles for morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives through Akagera's diverse landscapes. Traverse savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and wetland areas in search of elephants, buffalo herds, leopards in fig trees, and prides of lions.
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Lake Ihema boat trips offer a unique perspective on Akagera's wildlife. Cruise alongside pods of hippos, observe Nile crocodiles sunning on banks, and spot African fish eagles diving for prey. The lake's shores attract elephants, waterbuck, and countless waterbirds, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.
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As darkness falls, Akagera transforms with nocturnal species emerging to hunt and forage. On special night drives, equipped with spotlights, search for elusive creatures like serval cats, genets, civets, porcupines, and bush babies. Lions are often more active after dark, offering thrilling hunting experiences.
LEARN MORE →Akagera's remarkable transformation from a depleted park to thriving ecosystem demonstrates Rwanda's commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
Following Rwanda's civil war, Akagera lost much of its wildlife to poaching and human encroachment. In 2010, African Parks partnered with the Rwanda Development Board to manage the park, installing electric fencing, implementing anti-poaching measures, and gradually reintroducing species. Today, wildlife populations are flourishing, with over 13,000 large mammals and predator populations showing remarkable recovery.
Local communities are essential partners in Akagera's success story. Revenue sharing programs direct 10% of park entrance fees to fund schools, health centers, and infrastructure in surrounding communities. The park employs over 300 staff, most from nearby villages, while community honey cooperatives, handicraft initiatives, and cultural experiences provide additional income streams for thousands of residents.
From luxury lodges to comfortable tented camps, Rwanda offers excellent safari accommodations that blend with the natural environment.
Wilderness Safaris' Magashi Camp offers six spacious luxury tents on Lake Rwanyakazinga in the exclusive northeastern section of Akagera. Each tent features a private deck with panoramic lake views, en-suite facilities, and elegant furnishings that blend modern comfort with traditional African aesthetics. The main area includes multiple viewing decks, a swimming pool, and dining spaces where gourmet meals showcase local ingredients.
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Located on the shores of Lake Ihema, Ruzizi is a mid-range eco-lodge with nine sustainably constructed tents built on wooden platforms and connected by raised boardwalks. Solar power, rainwater collection, and recycled materials demonstrate the lodge's environmental commitment. The open-air main area set beneath giant fig trees invites hippos to graze on the lawns at night, while the deck overlooks the lake teeming with birdlife.
ENQUIRE NOWContact us today to customize your perfect Rwanda safari adventure, combining wildlife viewing with gorilla trekking and cultural experiences for an unforgettable journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.
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