Discover Rwanda Wildlife Safaris: Big Five & Akagera Game Drives

The Wildlife/Animals of Rwanda

Planning for Rwanda wildlife safaris? The best way to see animals in Akagera National Park on your wild Rwanda safaris is by taking an early morning or late afternoon game drive when the animals are most active.

Some examples of Rwanda animals found in the park include leopards (one of the dangerous animals in Rwanda), civets, buffalos, serval cats, hyenas, topis, waterbucks, impalas, oribis, zebras, olive baboons, elands, elephants, Masai giraffes, and many others.

The park is home to 12 antelope species. Lions (one of the big five animals in Rwanda) were reintroduced to the park in 2015, and the Rwanda Development Board also has plans to reintroduce the black rhino (now one of the endangered animal species in Rwanda).

Night game drives can be done at Akagera National Park for those who love nocturnal animals. This makes your Rwanda wildlife tours even more interesting.

During these drives, you may witness predators hunting for their dinner, including hyenas, leopards, civets, serval cats, bush babies, and many others.

The night game drives typically last 2-3 hours. The reintroduction of lions restored the presence of the Big 5 game animals in Akagera and broadened the Rwanda wildlife depth.

Endeavor to look through a Rwanda animals list as you plan your trip. It will help you plan better by knowing the must-see species on your safari in Rwanda.

Wildlife Viewing on Boat Safaris

You can make your safari more memorable by taking a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

The boat cruise offers an opportunity to view crocodiles and hippos up close, as well as other wildlife quenching their thirst at the lake’s shores, and a variety of water birds.

Lake Ihema is one of the most visited lakes in Akagera National Park.

It adds more adventure and fun to the unique Rwanda safari Akagera offers.

Game Viewing when on a Fishing Trip in Akagera

Fishing in Akagera National Park can be done at Lake Shakani. If you’re a skilled angler, you can join the annual fishing competition and enjoy the sport with fellow anglers.

You can also set up a fire near the lake and enjoy the fish you’ve caught for dinner or lunch. Tourists are advised to bring their own fishing gear.

The fishing experience is a two in one. You will fish as you see wild animals in Rwanda too.

Combining Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safaris

After a visit to Akagera National Park, tourists can also visit Volcanoes National Park for an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

These are the most popular Volcanoes National Park Rwanda animals that you will see on your visit there.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts early in the morning and can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the pace of the hikers.

A group of only 8 healthy individuals, without infectious diseases like flu or cough, is allowed to visit a gorilla family per day.

Gorilla permits cost USD 1,500 in Rwanda and should be obtained 3-6 months in advance, especially during the peak season.

Combining gorilla tours with an Akagera game drive is highly recommended.

Combining your Wildlife Safari & Birding in Akagera

Akagera National Park is a birder’s paradise that any bird enthusiast should not miss while in Rwanda.

The park is home to 520 bird species, including 44 raptor species and 7 species from the Afro-tropical highland biome. Some of the notable birds include the papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatcher, red-faced barbet, elusive shoebill stork, open-bellied stork, African fish eagle, marabou stork, lilac-breasted roller, crested barbet, Heuglin’s robin-chat, and Ross’s turaco.

Other birds include the African grey hornbill, white-faced whistling duck, woodland kingfisher, palm-nut vulture, cattle egret, little bee-eater, helmeted guineafowl, bare-faced go-away-bird, spur-winged goose, goliath heron, African darter, pin-tailed whydah, hamerkop, African wattled lapwing, common squacco heron, osprey, long-tailed cormorant, eastern grey plantain-eater, lappet-faced vulture, crowned lapwing, blue-cheeked bee-eater, grey-backed fiscal, red-billed firefinch, and many others.

Where to Stay on your Wildlife Safari in Rwanda

Accommodation facilities are limited at Akagera National Park, but you can stay in lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Tented Camp.

There are also basic campsites within the park for budget travelers, including Muyumbu Camp, located on a ridge overlooking lakes in Tanzania, offering spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets. Lake Shakani Camp is situated by the lake shores, where abundant wildlife and birds roam.

Mutumba Campsite is located in an area rich with wildlife and offers views of rolling hills and Savannah grasslands.

Visitors interested in camping must bring their own camping equipment, or they can hire equipment at the reception. Firewood is always provided at the campsite.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda Animals

Rwanda is a perfect destination to visit year-round, but some months are better than others.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry seasons, from June to mid-September and January to February.

Other months can be less convenient due to rain, which makes the bushes thicker and wildlife harder to spot.

Akagera National Park is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, at the border with Tanzania. The distance from Kigali to Akagera National Park is about 210 kilometers.

The drive to the park takes between 2 to 3 hours by road. 4WD vehicles are recommended for tourists traveling to the park, especially during the wet season.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

Here are 30 most popular frequently asked questions and answers about Rwanda wildlife safaris and tours:

1. What is the best time for Rwanda wildlife safaris? The best time for Rwanda wildlife safaris is during the dry seasons from June to mid-September and January to February, when the wildlife is easier to spot.
2. Where can I see the Big Five animals in Rwanda? The Big Five animals in Rwanda, including lions and elephants, can be seen in Akagera National Park during a game drive.
3. What are some dangerous animals in Rwanda? Some dangerous animals in Rwanda include leopards, lions, and hyenas, all of which can be found in Akagera National Park.
4. What animals are found in Akagera National Park? Akagera is home to leopards, civets, buffaloes, serval cats, hyenas, topis, zebras, Masai giraffes, elephants, and more.
5. When is the best time to take a game drive in Akagera National Park? The best time for a game drive in Akagera National Park is early in the morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active.
6. Are night game drives available in Akagera National Park? Yes, night game drives are available in Akagera National Park, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals like hyenas, leopards, and bush babies.
7. What is the most popular animal to see in Volcanoes National Park? The mountain gorilla is the most popular animal to see in Volcanoes National Park.
8. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda? A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 and should be booked 3-6 months in advance.
9. Can I combine a gorilla trekking tour with a wildlife safari in Rwanda? Yes, combining a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park with a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park is highly recommended.
10. What animals can I see on a boat safari in Akagera National Park? On a boat safari in Akagera National Park, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds like the African fish eagle.
11. Where can I go fishing in Akagera National Park? You can go fishing at Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park, which is also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
12. What birds can I see in Akagera National Park? Akagera is home to 520 bird species, including the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and lilac-breasted roller.
13. Is Akagera National Park suitable for bird-watching? Yes, Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a wide variety of bird species, including 44 raptor species.
14. What are the best accommodations in Akagera National Park? Some of the best accommodations include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Tented Camp.
15. Are there camping options in Akagera National Park? Yes, Akagera offers basic campsites like Muyumbu Camp, Lake Shakani Camp, and Mutumba Campsite for budget travelers.
16. How far is Akagera National Park from Kigali? Akagera National Park is approximately 210 kilometers from Kigali, and the drive takes about 2 to 3 hours.
17. What vehicle is recommended for visiting Akagera National Park? A 4WD vehicle is recommended for visiting Akagera National Park, especially during the wet season.
18. What is the fishing experience like in Akagera National Park? Fishing in Akagera is a two-in-one experience where you can fish while observing wild animals like elephants and hippos.
19. What animals are typically seen during a night game drive in Akagera National Park? During a night game drive, you may spot predators like leopards, hyenas, civets, and serval cats.
20. What are some of the 12 antelope species in Akagera National Park? Some antelope species in Akagera include waterbucks, topis, impalas, oribis, and elands.
21. How long does a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park take? A gorilla trekking tour can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the hikers’ pace.
22. What are some of the notable bird species in Akagera National Park? Notable bird species in Akagera include the swamp flycatcher, red-faced barbet, African grey hornbill, and Ross’s turaco.
23. How many bird species are found in Akagera National Park? Akagera is home to 520 bird species, making it a top bird-watching destination in Rwanda.
24. What animals can be seen near Lake Ihema during a boat safari? Near Lake Ihema, you can see animals like hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds quenching their thirst.
25. What facilities are available for budget travelers in Akagera National Park? Budget travelers can stay at campsites like Muyumbu Camp, Lake Shakani Camp, and Mutumba Campsite, which offer basic facilities.
26. Is it possible to see the Big Five in Rwanda? Yes, the Big Five can be seen in Rwanda, particularly in Akagera National Park, where lions and black rhinos have been reintroduced.
27. What are some of the dangerous animals in Rwanda? Dangerous animals in Rwanda include leopards, lions, and hyenas, especially in Akagera National Park.
28. Can you go on a boat safari in Akagera National Park? Yes, boat safaris are available on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience.
29. What is the best time of year for a Rwanda wildlife safari? The best time for a wildlife safari in Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to mid-September and January to February.
30. What is the significance of the black rhino in Akagera National Park? The black rhino, one of the endangered species in Rwanda, was reintroduced to Akagera National Park to restore the Big Five game animals.