SteppesTravel
Menu
Popular Destinations
Our Destinations
Holidays Types
All Holiday Ideas
About
Our Content
Travelling Safely
When to Go
Best time to Go
All best time to visit guides
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Home Destinations Africa Rwanda Akagera

Akagera

Akagera could not be more different from the dramatic, cultivated hills that distinguish much of the country, offering a wonderful savannah contrast.

B Corp
Contact us

Dominated by a maze of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering path of the Akagera River, the beautiful undulating plains, acacia woodland and rolling grasslands are home to big game – although not in the numbers found in other East African parks. That said, elephants and buffalo, hyena, giraffe and the occasional leopard can all be seen.

An exciting recent addition to Akagera’s four-legged fauna is the reintroduction of lions to the national park. Five females and two male lions were translocated from South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, chosen for their reproductive potential. This is a project managed by African Parks and is a part of a larger effort to promote conservation in Akagera and restore the park to its pre-genocide state, where lions and other big game flourished.

Golden Monkey in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Golden Monkey in Akagera National Park

Why go to Akagera

The mix of habitat and scenery here, coupled with the distinct lack of other tourists makes Akagera very appealing for those wanting an extended holiday in Rwanda. The country’s second-largest lake is located here offering a chance to take to the water for some fun boat-based safaris and fishing to compliment night drives.

  • Open savannah and rolling hills offer the perfect safari extension
  • Bordering Tanzania, with open acacia woodland, this is an excellent birding country
  • A spectacularly diverse mix of lakes, marshes and open woodland
  • Boat trips on Lake Ihema even allow you to indulge in a spot of fishing
Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda
Holiday Idea

Highlights of Rwanda

11 days

from £14,595 pp

SDG 1 - No poverty UN SDG - 15 Life on land logo UN SDG - 17 partnerships for the goals logo

View holiday details

Lions in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Lions in Akagera National Park
Blog

For Africans, By Africans

“Just a decade ago, there were more snares in this park than there were animals. Large mammals were all but wiped out, as cattle grazing and poaching decimated the wilderness in the aftermath of the genocide. In the early 2000s, Akagera was a park in name only. Now, it is East Africa’s newest Big Five park.”

Read More

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Papyrus gonolek bird, Akagera National Park, Rwanda
 

Akagera birding

One of the best birding spots in Rwanda, Akagera has over 480 species of birds, including savannah birds as well as raptors and many endemic species such as the red faced barbet. On some of the many lakes water birds including the marabou stork, the African fish eagle and the open billed stork.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lake Safari, Akagera National Park, Rwanda
 

Lake Ihema boat safari

Spot birdlife, hippos and even elephants on Lake Ihema. one of ten lakes in Akagera National Park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Akagera Park, Rwanda
 

Akagera Safari

Discover the spectacular landscapes within Akagera National Park – a diverse mix of lakes, marshes and open woodland.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lions in Akagera National Park, Rwanda
 

Lions of Akagera

Track the resident lion of Akagera National Park, reintroduced by African Parks in July 2015. Spot them as they stalk their prey across marshes, floodplains, riverine woodlands and savannah.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tour of African Parks Headquarters, Akagera, Rwanda
 

Visit African Parks’ Headquarters

Visit the park’s headquarters and learn more about how African Parks have transformed Akagera. Visit the security room and see how the park tackles the poaching threat.

Suggested Read: Blog

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Karenge Bush Camp £££££

  • Rwanda
  • Tented Camps

Perched in Akagera National Park, you will find Karenge Bush Camp. With only six charming canvas tents, this bush camp can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, making for an intimate, wilderness experience.

View Property

Ruzizi Tented Lodge £££££

  • Rwanda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Perfectly located for exploring Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is built on the shores of Lake Ihema.

View Property

Magashi Camp £££££

  • Rwanda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Situated in the beautiful north-east part of Akagera, overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, Magashi is a one-of-a-kind setting in Rwanda located in its own private concession area.

View Property


More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona profile image, sat with plane in background
View Profile

Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980
Chris Johnston
View Profile

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Contact Us

Start planning your trip

01285 880 980

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)

Explore other regions

Volcanoes National Park

The forested slopes of the Volcanoes National Park are spectacular and full of drama and this was the very first national park…

Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park

The largest single tract of montane forest remaining anywhere in East or Central Africa, Nyungwe is considered to be one of the…

Tea plantation, Nyungwe, Rwanda

Kigali

Small, charming and with a surprisingly buoyant atmosphere, Kigali is a great place to explore on foot.

Local crafts, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Lake Kivu

The Lake Kivu area is centred on the town of Gisenyi, offering a relaxed atmosphere on the shores of one of the…

Dugout canoe, Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes