11 Jun Making the Most of Akagera National Park, Rwanda
In Rwanda’s Eastern Province, a 3-hour drive from the capital, Kigali, you will find Akagera National Park. This beautiful park is one of the oldest on the African continent and the biggest in Rwanda, making it home to a wide variety of wildlife species.
With its stunning scenery and rich wildlife, it’s easy to see why Akagera welcomed 56,219 guests last year!
Akagera boasts 10 picturesque lakes, including Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park, where you can take a boat cruise and admire the wildlife from the water, an unforgettable experience.
To reduce the human-wildlife conflict and ensure harmony with the surrounding communities, the park is fully enclosed by an electric fence. This important conservation measure protects both the park’s wildlife and the people who live nearby.
We highly recommend visiting Akagera for at least a couple of days as each day in the park is different; there are so many areas and activities to explore! Our knowledge of Akagera means we can create fantastic itineraries that allow you to make the most of this spectacular park.
Black and White Rhinos
Black and white rhinos can be found in Akagera National Park in Rwanda – and no, we don’t mean zebra-like hybrids!
Both black and white rhino are highly endangered, but are flourishing at Akagera thanks to the Park’s conservation measures. For example, in 2024, as part of an important capacity building exercise with local vets from The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, the Akagera team fitted transmitters into seven white rhinos and three black rhinos. Just one measure to keep them safe.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating and the Akagera team were delighted when last year four black rhinos and three white rhinos were successfully born, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of their conservation work.
Look out for rhino as part of your game drive in the Park. White rhinos are often found wandering in small groups and are more amiable and tolerate tourist viewings, even when they have their calves. Black rhinos, however, tend to be more solitary and aggressive, and will often hide away in the bush.
Much of the Park’s income comes from tourism so every visit made has a positive impact on the wildlife, environment and community which really shows what responsible tourism can achieve!
Animals of Akagera
It’s not just rhinos you’ll find in Akagera; there are plenty of other majestic animals to discover, too – over 8,000 species!
As Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, with highlands, lakes, and vast plains, Akagera has a thriving population of wildlife.
The park is now home to the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. But here you will also find giraffes, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes, elands, impalas, warthog and baboons and numerous monkey species.
The park values responsible tourism and has worked hard on conservation initiatives and re-introduction of species which went extinct after Rwanda’s genocide.
Cruise the Shorelines of Akagera
Taking a boat cruise on Akagera is both an exhilarating and relaxing experience. First, you’ll enjoy the thrill of speeding across the lake, soaking up the wonderful scenery, feeling the fresh air on your face.
Then, you will begin to slow down and gently meander along the shoreline as you relax and look for animals who make their way to the water’s edge to cool off or quench their thirst. Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, antelopes and elephants.
Let us know if you’d like to include a scenic boat ride on your itinerary and spot beautiful wildlife from the water.
Go Behind The Scenes
Ever wondered what it’s like to protect wildlife? Then why not experience conservation and go behind the scenes of Akagera?
You can join the staff at the park and learn about the amazing conservation work they do, gain insight into the park strategies and hear about all the success stories and the challenges.
Then, visit the Control Room where you can learn how technology is deployed to increase the effectiveness of staff conservation work and research, such as monitoring animal behaviour and movements.
You can also visit the stores which are filled with the equipment confiscated from poachers, before going to the K9 unit where staff train dogs to help in the fight against poaching.
If you’re interested in any of these activities going behind-the-scenes, please get in touch and we can add that to your adventure.
Stay at Akagera Game Lodge
Wondering where to stay when you visit Akagera?
One of the accommodations we recommend is the wonderful Akagera Game Lodge, a stunning hotel overlooking superb views of Lake Ihema. Ideally located near the south gate and park reception, this medium-sized resort makes a great base to explore Akagera’s offerings.
The hotel provides lovely comfortable rooms, some with balconies and lake views, and the food is delicious, with extensive buffets offering a great choice of quality local and international dishes. You might even get a chance to see the chef preparing some to order as you watch!
You’ll also find recreational facilities available like the lovely swimming pool. Or why not play a game of tennis on the court? The friendly, helpful staff are on hand to make you feel right at home.
Get in touch if you’d like to stay here.
Rwanda’s Birding Paradise
Akagera is a fantastic bird-watching location thanks to its abundant bird life.
The vast range of habitats from woodland to wetland and savannah to open water, means the park is thriving with over 550 bird species, like the magnificent Grey-crowned crane or the African Fish Eagle. The knowledgeable site guides know the best places to spot particular species and love sharing their insight into these beautiful birds.
You can even enjoy watching the colony of weaver birds right outside the lodge’s main entrance, or the Lesser Blue-eared Starlings and other cheeky birds that like to steal crumbs from the dining table!
Explore the Community Centre
If you’d like to spend time in the community, then there’s plenty to do just outside the park at Akagera Community Centre. The Centre is well-worth adding to your itinerary because it is the hub of many community activities and is funded by the Park, showing how your visit (and payment) can directly help the local community.
The centre provides food to the park and nearby hotels. It also runs community farming schemes (like poultry farming) and has a library and resource centre to support local schools. Residential educational visits are also hosted here for students to learn more about the community and conservation.
Discover Rwanda’s rich heritage at the small museum and visit the charming craft shop selling handmade crafts. You can even arrange to see traditional dancing by the local community group.
The Akagera Community Centre is a meaningful way to gain deeper insight into Rwanda and connect with the people. Let us know if you’d like more details.
We’ll Help You Discover the Magic of Rwanda
The park continues to serve as a learning hub, hosting various institutions who seek insight from its conservation success model.
Our love and knowledge of the park means we can help you discover the magic of Rwanda. Even better, for many nationalities, visas are not required to visit.
So, whether you’re looking to include the park in a Rwanda-only adventure or combine it with a trip to Uganda, the Venture Uganda team is on hand to help you every step of the way.