What animals can I see in Akagera National Park?

Lion, leopard, both white and black rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodiles, as well as countless other wildlife species, can be seen in the park.

When is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?

You can visit Akagera National Park throughout the year. The rule of thumb is that drier seasons make viewing wildlife easie, as they congregate around various water sources, but with our knowledgeable guides and well-positioned camps, you are in excellent hands when it comes to wildlife spotting.

Where is Akagera National Park located?

Akagera National Park is found in the east of Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania.

How many lions occur in Akagera National Park?

Today more than 30 lions are found in Akagera National Park.

How to get to Akagera National Park?

Most people come from the capital Kigali. The drive to Akagera takes about two-and-a-half hours. A charter helicopter flight takes approximately 22 minutes.

Where can I stay in Akagera National Park?

Wilderness has exclusive-use rights to a private wilderness area in the north-east of the park, with safari and other activities taking place from luxurious and intimate Magashi.

Can I fish in Akagera National Park?

Magashi offers you the opportunity to catch tilapia and catfish on a catch-and-release basis.

Rwanda

Akagera

Embracing riverine forests, lakes, hills and open plains, Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is the archetypal East African safari experience, and a haven for wildlife.

Home Africa Rwanda Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Wake up to a soundtrack of birdsong and wildlife, and feel the pulsing beat of this iconic Rwandan region. Go in search of Akagera’s exceptional animals: lions, rhinos, leopards, hippos and elephants are just some of the species that call the park home. All yours to discover from our two intimate and luxurious safari camps – Magashi and Magashi Peninsula – situated on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Akagera National Park at a glance

The restoration of Akagera’s habitat over the past few decades is nothing short of remarkable. From eliminating poaching, to reintroducing species such as lion, and black and white rhino, wildlife numbers have grown exponentially. Today, the park is Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

Key Facts

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Akagera key facts

Discover interesting facts about Akagera and the adventures that await on your Rwandan safari. Within Akagera National Park we have exclusive-use access to 4,200 hectares of wild land. Our two luxury safari camps, Wilderness Magashi and Magashi Peninsula, are tucked away on the shore of Akagera’s picturesque Lake Rwanyakazinga, an exceptionally beautiful base to explore the park from.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

1,122km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 520

MAMMAL SPECIES

+/- 80

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

2

Weather

Visiting Akagera and our camp Magashi is a wonderful year-round safari experience. Different seasons lend themselves to a multitude of fascinating wildlife encounters. The drier months naturally make it easier to explore by land on a guided walking safari, while the wet season is perfect for bird watching, fishing and rewarding boat safaris.

RAINY SEASON

March to May, Oct & Nov

DRY SEASON

June to Sep & Dec to Feb

Key Facts

Akagera key facts

Discover interesting facts about Akagera and the adventures that await on your Rwandan safari. Within Akagera National Park we have exclusive-use access to 4,200 hectares of wild land. Our two luxury safari camps, Wilderness Magashi and Magashi Peninsula, are tucked away on the shore of Akagera’s picturesque Lake Rwanyakazinga, an exceptionally beautiful base to explore the park from.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

1,122km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 520

MAMMAL SPECIES

+/- 80

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

2

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Visiting Akagera and our camp Magashi is a wonderful year-round safari experience. Different seasons lend themselves to a multitude of fascinating wildlife encounters. The drier months naturally make it easier to explore by land on a guided walking safari, while the wet season is perfect for bird watching, fishing and rewarding boat safaris.

RAINY SEASON

March to May, Oct & Nov

DRY SEASON

June to Sep & Dec to Feb

THINGS TO DO

Remote, exclusive Akagera

With just six luxury safari tents, Magashi offers an intimate setting from which to explore the wildlife-rich plains of Akagera. Feel the steady beat of adrenaline as you watch a lioness stalk prey. Listen to the growls, squeals and chatter around you. The thrill of catch-and-release fishing for tilapia and evenings by the fire, sharing ‘catch of the day’ stories with friends old and new.

Explore all experiences

01 / 10

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Conservation experiences

Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experiences

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Local culture

Learn. Share. Enrich. Wilderness offers unforgettable cultural experiences across eight African countries.

Local Culture

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Private safari

Create treasured memories with family and friends on an exclusive private safari across Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Private Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Wilderness Experiences Boating Family Fun

Boat safari

View wildlife from the water on a thrilling boat safari, past hippos, sunbathing crocodiles and a dazzling array of birds.

Boat Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Wilderness Experiences Night Drive Wildlife Leopard

Night game drives

A jackal’s cry. A lion’s roar. The gentle rumble of elephants. The bush comes alive at night, awakening all senses.

Night Game Drives

Botswana, Rwanda, Zambia

Game drives

Get closer to thrilling wildlife interactions and see creatures big and small on morning and afternoon game drives.

Game Drives

Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

Wilderness Experiences Natural Wonders Victoria Falls

Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Hides

Is there anything more thrilling? Observing wildlife just inches away, from the safety of our strategically placed hides.

Hides

Botswana, Zimbabwe

TRAVEL WITH US

Exploring Akagera wildlife

In stark contrast to Volcanoes National Park, Akagera’s savannah, woodlands, wetlands and lakes create a wide-open, expansive landscape - and prime viewing of Africa’s iconic predators and their prey. The wetlands, rivers and lakes are home to hippos, crocodiles and a brilliant display of bird species. The perfect complement to your Rwandan safari.

See all journeys

MAP

Explore camps in Akagera

Discover our Magashi Concession. Situated in the remarkably diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, the concession is named after the peninsula it is situated on. Our 2 exceptional camps overlook a beautiful lake that is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities and some very large crocodiles, while the concession is a sanctuary for numerous iconic African wildlife species.

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FAQ

General

01

JOURNAL

Akagera featured stories

Dreaming of a luxury safari in Rwanda? Read our featured stories about Akagera’s wilderness. Watch our thrilling videos of the wildlife you can encounter, and explore from our intimate luxury safari camp, Magashi. Coffee hot? Comfortable? Enjoy.

SEE ALL STORIES

Panoramic views of the lake from your villa at Magashi Peninsula

Wilderness Magashi Newsletter – September & October 2025

This month, we celebrate the unity of our teams, the beauty of our wildlife, and the spirit of Wilde...

Akagera

Akagera National Park at a glance

Akagera key facts

Savannah grassland

Moist woodland

Lion

Leopard

Hippopotamus

Elephant

Weather

Key Facts

Akagera key facts

Habitats

Savannah grassland

Moist woodland

Wildlife

Lion

Leopard

Hippopotamus

Elephant

Weather

Weather

Remote, exclusive Akagera

Birding

Conservation experiences

Local culture

Private safari

Boat safari

Night game drives

Game drives

Nature drives

Safari wonders & attractions

Hides

Exploring Akagera wildlife

Savannah Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Savannah Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Remarkable Rwanda

Remarkable Rwanda

Land of a Thousand Hills

Land of a Thousand Hills

Explore camps in Akagera

FAQ

General

What animals can I see in Akagera National Park?

When is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?

Where is Akagera National Park located?

How many lions occur in Akagera National Park?

How to get to Akagera National Park?

Where can I stay in Akagera National Park?

Can I fish in Akagera National Park?

Akagera featured stories

Wilderness Magashi Newsletter – September & October 2025

Wilderness Magashi Newsletter – August 2025

Wilderness Magashi Newsletter – June 2025

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