Akagera National Park

Description

Named after a river that forms part of the upper headwaters of the Nile, Akagera has an inspiring conservation story as it is now home to lions and rhinos, and is the only Big Five Park in the country and the largest protected wetland in central Africa

Just two hours drive from Kigali, it is a beautiful and convenient savannah landscape to visit. For one park, the diversity of habitats is unique including lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains and woodland, all of which make an overwhelmingly beautiful scenery.

A birders delight, Akagera offers an exceptional birding experience with more than 482 bird species documented including the rare and prehistoric shoebill and some Lake Victoria endemics.  

Proceeds from tourism revenue are invested back into the conservation work of the park and the local community livelihood, known as “Revenue sharing.”

Behind the Scenes Wildlife Experience

Embark on an exclusive and enriching journey at Akagera National Park with our unique “Behind the Scenes Wildlife Experience,” guided by knowledgeable and passionate staff from the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA). This exceptional adventure not only allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of Akagera’s diverse ecosystems but also provides a rare glimpse into the incredible efforts undertaken to conserve and protect its precious wildlife.

🌿 Insider Insights:

Your journey will be led by RWCA staff who are deeply involved in the conservation initiatives at Akagera National Park. Gain firsthand knowledge and insights into the joint efforts between the park’s management and RWCA to save wildlife through innovative veterinary interventions.

🦓 Wildlife Conservation Stories:

Hear captivating stories about the challenges faced by the park and the incredible successes achieved in safeguarding the resident wildlife. Learn about the intricacies of veterinary interventions, from medical treatments to rehabilitation, and how these efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the animals.

🐘 Close Encounters:

Enjoy up-close encounters with the park’s inhabitants, from majestic elephants and graceful giraffes to the elusive big cats. Witness the impact of conservation efforts as you observe these magnificent creatures thriving in their natural habitat.

🔍 Exclusive Access:

Explore areas of the park not usually accessible to the general public. Gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes facilities where veterinary procedures take place, and understand the meticulous care provided to ensure the health and longevity of the wildlife.

🌍 Support Conservation:

By participating in this unique experience, you actively contribute to the ongoing conservation initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from this tour directly supports the crucial work of RWCA, reinforcing your role as a responsible and engaged traveler.

📸 Memorable Experiences:

Create lasting memories as you engage in meaningful conversations with the dedicated RWCA staff, connect with the stories of individual animals, and witness the positive impact of your visit on the broader conservation efforts.

This “Behind the Scenes Wildlife Experience” is not just a safari; it’s a transformative journey that allows you to be part of a larger conservation narrative, making your visit to Akagera National Park not only enjoyable but also purposeful and impactful. Join us on this extraordinary adventure and become a steward of wildlife conservation in Rwanda.

Night Drive

Guided night drives that commence at sunset are a fantastic way to cap off your day in the park. Night drives offer the best chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife, from lions to leopards which are among the most sought-after sightings! 

Walk the Line

Spend the morning in the shoes of one of Akagera’s fence attendants, who walks a portion of the 120 km perimeter fence daily to make sure the fence remains intact and is fully operational. These walks, which run alongside the park exterior, begin at the park entrance, are seven km long, and take visitors into the hills. When you come to the end, you’ll be atop a ridge that enjoys spectacular views in every direction. 

Note: Walks are led by freelance community guides and take approximately two hours.

Community Cultural Experiences

Working with local communities and Akagera staff, our Community Freelance Guides have developed several cultural experiences to share with guests. Learn about milking cows and traditions around cattle and milk on a farm in the Eastern Province; or spend time with banana beer and honey artisans to experience how local products are made.