Akagera National Park: Rwanda's Big Five safari
Akagera shows a side of Rwanda most visitors miss: lakeside savannah, reintroduced lions and rhino, and a genuine Big Five safari close to Kigali.
Akagera National Park · Rwanda Big Five safari
If you seek expansive savannah wildlife alongside Rwanda's lush forests, you must consider adding Akagera to your itinerary. While most travellers visit Rwanda specifically for the mountain gorillas, Akagera National Park in the east offers a stunning mosaic of open plains, lakes, and a conservation comeback story.
It now ranks among the country's finest wildlife destinations. Conveniently, it sits close enough to Kigali to combine easily with a traditional gorilla trekking expedition.
Akagera versus a dedicated East African Big Five safari
| Factor | Akagera, Rwanda | Serengeti/Mara ecosystem |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from capital | 2-3 hrs from Kigali | Longer transfer or flight needed |
| Game density | Recovering, moderate | Very high, especially in migration season |
| Best for | Pairing with a gorilla trip | A dedicated, longer safari |
Highlights
- A conservation turnaround
- Boat safaris on Lake Ihema
- Combining with gorillas
01
A conservation turnaround
Lions were successfully reintroduced to Akagera in 2015 after a long absence, and eastern black rhino followed in 2017. This restored the Big Five to Rwanda for the first time in many decades. The park is managed through a public-private partnership ensuring high-standard protection.
While wildlife numbers remain modest compared with Kenya or Tanzania's largest parks, sightings here feel truly exclusive. The recovery story adds real weight to every encounter you have with the resident cheetahs or elephants.
02
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema
A boat trip on Lake Ihema remains one of the park's absolute highlights. It provides intimate views of hippo pods and basking crocodiles along the papyrus-lined shore. For birdwatchers, the waterbird life here is exceptional, with chances to spot the rare shoebill stork.
03
Combining with gorillas
Akagera lies roughly two to three hours east of Kigali, while Volcanoes National Park is a similar distance to the north. This makes a loop covering both gorillas and savannah game within a single week-long trip highly practical and rewarding for any nature lover.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda · standard gorilla permit | US$1,500 | Per foreign visitor, per trek. Resident and promotional eligibility differs; accommodation, transfers and porter hire are separate.Rwanda Development Board booking portal |
| Uganda · low-season gorilla permit | US$600 | Foreign non-resident, April, May or November. UWA announcement dated 26 February 2026; these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
| Uganda · standard gorilla permit from 2027 | US$800 | Foreign non-resident, per trek. The cited revised tariff takes effect 1 January 2027; confirm the applicable rate for earlier travel.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Akagera from Kigali?
It is roughly a two to three hour drive on paved roads. This makes it a very realistic addition before or after your gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
