A Different Side of Rwanda

Located in eastern Rwanda near the border with Tanzania, Akagera is known for its wide landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by safari vehicle while looking for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and many other species.

The park is also home to predators including lions and leopards, although sightings can never be guaranteed. Part of the experience is simply travelling through the landscape and seeing what appears along the way.

Akagera is especially attractive because it feels very different from Rwanda’s greener and more mountainous areas. It adds variety to a journey and gives travellers a broader impression of the country.

Game Drives, Lakes and Wildlife

A safari in Akagera normally includes a guided game drive through different parts of the park. The northern areas are more open and are often good for larger wildlife, while the southern and central areas include lakes, hills and woodland.

Boat trips on Lake Ihema are another popular experience. From the water, visitors may see hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife. It also gives a completely different perspective compared with travelling by road.

For travellers interested in photography, Akagera offers many opportunities. The open landscapes, changing light and mix of wildlife make it possible to capture both animals and scenery throughout the day.

Combine Akagera with Gorilla Trekking

One of the strongest reasons to include Akagera in a Rwanda itinerary is how well it combines with gorilla trekking. Within one journey, travellers can experience both the savannah wildlife of Akagera and the mountain forests of Volcanoes National Park.

A typical trip can begin in Kigali, continue to Akagera for safari activities and then move north towards Volcanoes National Park. Depending on the number of days available, Lake Kivu or Nyungwe can also be added.

Twende Safaris can organise private transport, accommodation, park activities and the complete route. Akagera can be included as a short safari extension or as part of a longer Rwanda and East Africa journey.