An Akagera self-drive safari is the easiest way to see big game in Rwanda. Akagera National Park lies in the east of the country on the Tanzanian border, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali. It is Rwanda’s only savannah park and the only place in the country to see the Big Five.
Why visit Akagera
Akagera looks nothing like the rest of Rwanda. Instead of terraced hills you find open grassland, acacia woodland, a chain of lakes and wide papyrus swamps. The lakes and swamps cover around a third of the park and form one of the largest protected wetlands in central Africa.
The park has made a remarkable recovery. Since 2010 it has been managed by African Parks together with the Rwanda Development Board. Lions returned in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, making Akagera a true Big Five destination again.
Wildlife you can see
- Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos
- Giraffes, zebras, topis, impalas and elands
- Hippos and crocodiles in Lake Ihema and the other lakes
- Hundreds of bird species, including the shoebill in the swamps
Your Akagera self-drive safari: game drives
Akagera is one of the best parks in East Africa for driving yourself. The tracks are well marked, and you can stop wherever you like. Pay your entry at the gate and ask at reception for a map and recent sightings.
The southern lakes
The south of the park is greener, with forest around Lake Ihema and the smaller lakes. Hippos, buffalo and elephants come down to drink, and boat trips on Lake Ihema give you a closer look at the water birds.
The northern plains
The north is open savannah, where giraffes, zebras and antelope graze. This is the best area for lions. Take a packed lunch and plenty of water, because distances are long.
Which car to hire
Our extended safari Land Cruiser is ideal. Its pop-up roof lets everyone stand and watch the animals, and it has the clearance for rough tracks. The Land Cruiser Prado is a good alternative for smaller groups. We don’t recommend a small car in the park.
Getting there
From Kigali, drive east through Kayonza to the park’s southern gate. The road is paved most of the way and takes about 2.5 hours. Leave early to make the most of your first afternoon in the park.
Best time to visit
The dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, are best. The grass is shorter, animals gather near the water and the tracks are dry. Wildlife can be seen all year, but some tracks become muddy in the rains.
Tips for your safari
- Start early. Animals are most active in the first hours after sunrise.
- Keep to the marked tracks and stay in the car, except at official viewpoints.
- Fill the fuel tank in Kayonza before you enter the park.
- Bring binoculars and a long camera lens.
Where to stay
There are lodges and tented camps inside the park, from comfortable lakeside lodges in the south to remote camps on the northern plains. Staying inside the park lets you start your game drives at dawn, when animals are most active. Simpler hotels can be found outside the park around Kayonza. We can book your stay along with the car.
A sample two-day self-drive in Akagera
Day 1: the southern lakes
Drive from Kigali in the morning and enter at the southern gate. Follow the lakeshore tracks past Lake Ihema, where hippos, buffalo and elephants gather. In the late afternoon, take a boat trip on the lake for close views of hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
Day 2: the northern plains
Leave at first light and drive north across open savannah, where giraffes, zebras, topis and herds of antelope graze. This is the most likely area for lions. Take a packed lunch, then drive back south and out of the park in the afternoon.
What to pack for a game drive
- Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
- Plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch
- Sun hat, sun cream and a light jacket for early mornings
- A printed or offline map of the park tracks
- A fully charged phone and a car charger
Akagera’s conservation story
Akagera has been transformed by conservation partnership. With better protection, animal numbers have increased, and the return of lions and rhinos made it a Big Five park again. Park fees support this work, so your visit helps protect the wildlife you come to see.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive myself in Akagera?
Yes. Akagera is one of the best self-drive parks in the region. Pay your entry at the gate, take a map, and follow the marked tracks. You can also hire a park guide to ride with you.
How long should I spend in Akagera?
One night is enough for a taste of the park, but two nights let you explore both the southern lakes and the northern plains without rushing.
Can I see the Big Five in Akagera?
Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black rhinos all live in the park, although leopards and rhinos are harder to find.
Is Akagera good for children?
Yes. Game drives from the car are safe and exciting for children, and the boat trip on Lake Ihema is a family favourite.
Which car is best for Akagera?
A 4×4 with good clearance. Our extended safari Land Cruiser with its pop-up roof gives everyone the best view.
Plan your trip
Our 4-day Akagera self-drive safari gives you two full days in the park. To combine savannah, gorillas and Lake Kivu, see Rwanda’s Big Three. Send us your dates and we’ll suggest the right car.
