A Symphony of Lakes and Land

Once a forgotten wilderness, Akagera National Park has emerged as one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, this 1,122-square-kilometer park is a breathtaking tapestry of rolling highlands, golden grasslands, and a complex network of papyrus swamps and shimmering lakes.

As Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, Akagera offers a landscape that feels vastly different from the misty forests of the gorillas—it is a classic, wide-open savanna where the African sun paints the earth in vibrant hues of amber and emerald.

What to expect

Following successful reintroductions, the park is once again home to the Big Five, making it a complete safari destination.

• The Giants: Expect to encounter massive herds of elephants and buffaloes roaming the plains, while the northern sector teems with majestic Rothschild’s giraffes and zebras.

• The Predators: Expect the thrill of tracking prides of lions and the elusive leopard, both of which are thriving in the park’s diverse habitats.

• Rhino Sightings: Akagera is one of the few places in East Africa where you can see both the Black and White Rhino, a true testament to the park’s protection efforts.

• The Lake Life: Expect a water-world experience unlike any other, where hippos yawn in the shallows and crocodiles bask on the shores of Lake Ihema.

Seasonal Overview

Akagera’s beauty shifts with the rhythm of the rains, offering two distinct safari experiences:

• The Golden Dry Season: As the landscape parches, the savanna stretches out in endless shades of gold. This is the prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around the permanent lakes and waterholes. The thinning vegetation makes predators easier to spot, and the firm, dusty tracks allow for seamless exploration of the remote northern plains. This is the “poster” season for clear African sunrises and high-action game drives.

• The Vibrant Green Season: When the rains arrive, Akagera is reborn. The parched earth explodes into a lush, emerald paradise, and the air becomes crystal clear. This is the dream season for birdwatchers and photographers, as migratory birds arrive in their thousands and newborn fawns dot the plains. While the grass is taller, the scenery is at its most dramatic, and the park feels like a private, secret garden—perfect for travelers seeking intimacy and solitude.