Rwanda Wildlife Safaris: Game Drives, Boat Rides & the Big Five

The Wildlife of Akagera National Park

The best way to see animals on a Rwanda safari Akagera itinerary is on an early morning or late afternoon game drive, when wildlife is most active.

Species found in the park include leopards, civets, buffaloes, serval cats, hyenas, topis, waterbucks, impalas, oribis, zebras, olive baboons, elands, elephants, and Masai giraffes, among others.

The park is home to 12 antelope species. Lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015, and the Rwanda Development Board has plans to reintroduce the black rhino, one of Rwanda’s endangered species.

Night game drives are also available at Akagera National Park for visitors interested in nocturnal wildlife.

During a night drive, you may see predators actively hunting, including hyenas, leopards, civets, serval cats, and bush babies.

Night game drives typically last 2 to 3 hours. The reintroduction of lions restored the presence of the Big Five in Akagera, adding to the range of wildlife visible in the park.

Researching the species found in Rwanda before your trip can help you plan around the animals you most want to see on wild Rwanda safaris.

Book your Rwanda wildlife safari today to secure a game drive slot in Akagera National Park.

Wildlife Viewing on Boat Safaris

A boat cruise on Lake Ihema adds another dimension to a Rwanda wildlife safari.

The cruise offers close views of crocodiles and hippos, along with other wildlife drinking 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 another activity to a Rwanda safari Akagera itinerary, beyond the standard game drive.

Game Viewing on a Fishing Trip in Akagera

Fishing in Akagera National Park takes place at Lake Shakani. Skilled anglers can join the park’s annual fishing competition alongside other visitors.

Visitors can also set up a fire near the lake and cook their catch for lunch or dinner. Bring your own fishing gear, since equipment is not provided on site.

Fishing at Lake Shakani combines two activities in one trip, since wildlife sightings are common along the lakeshore while fishing.

Combining Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safaris

After visiting Akagera National Park, many travelers continue to Volcanoes National Park to see endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, the park’s two most sought-after species.

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

A group of up to 8 people, free of infectious illness such as flu or cough, is allowed to visit a gorilla family per day.

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

Combining a gorilla trekking tour with an Akagera game drive is one of the most popular ways to build Rwanda wildlife safaris into a single itinerary.

Combining Your Wildlife Safari & Birding in Akagera

Akagera National Park is a strong destination for birding alongside its wildlife viewing.

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

Other species found in the park 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, and red-billed firefinch.

Book Rwanda wildlife tours that combine game drives, boat safaris, and birding into one comprehensive Akagera itinerary.

Where to Stay on Your Wildlife Safari in Rwanda

Accommodation options are limited within Akagera National Park, though lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Tented Camp are available.

Basic campsites are also available for budget travelers, including Muyumbu Camp, set on a ridge overlooking the park’s lakes with strong views at sunrise and sunset, and Lake Shakani Camp, situated by the lakeshore where wildlife and birds are commonly seen.

Mutumba Campsite sits in an area rich with wildlife, with views over rolling hills and savanna grassland.

Visitors camping in the park should bring their own equipment or arrange a rental at reception. Firewood is provided at each campsite.

Best Time to Visit for Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

Rwanda can be visited year-round for wildlife Rwanda safaris, though some months offer better wildlife viewing conditions than others.

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

Other months bring more rain, which thickens vegetation and makes wildlife harder to spot.

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

The drive takes 2 to 3 hours by road. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season.

Book your Rwanda safari Akagera trip today through a trusted tour operator to lock in the best game drive and accommodation availability.

Rwanda Wildlife Safaris: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions travelers ask about wildlife safaris in Rwanda.

What is the best time for a Rwanda wildlife safari?

The best time is during the dry seasons, from June to mid-September and December to February, when wildlife is easier to spot.

Where can I see the Big Five in Rwanda?

The Big Five, including lions and elephants, can be seen in Akagera National Park during a game drive.

What are some dangerous animals found in Rwanda?

Leopards, lions, and hyenas are among the more dangerous animals found in Akagera National Park.

What animals can I see in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to leopards, civets, buffaloes, serval cats, hyenas, topis, zebras, Masai giraffes, elephants, and more.

When is the best time of day for a game drive in Akagera National Park?

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best game viewing, since animals are most active during these hours.

Are night game drives available in Akagera National Park?

Yes, night game drives are available, giving visitors the chance to see nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and bush babies.

What is the most popular animal to see in Volcanoes National Park?

The mountain gorilla is the main draw at Volcanoes National Park, alongside golden monkeys.

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?

A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person and should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari in Rwanda?

Yes, combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park works well as a single itinerary.

What animals can I see on a boat safari in Akagera National Park?

A boat safari on Lake Ihema offers views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds such as the African fish eagle.

Where can I go fishing in Akagera National Park?

Fishing takes place at Lake Shakani, which is also a good spot for wildlife viewing along the shore.

How many bird species are found in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to 520 bird species, including the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and lilac-breasted roller.

Is Akagera National Park good for bird watching?

Yes, the park hosts a wide range of species, including 44 raptor species, making it a strong birding destination.

What accommodation options are available in Akagera National Park?

Options include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Tented Camp.

Are there camping options in Akagera National Park?

Yes, basic campsites are available, including Muyumbu Camp, Lake Shakani Camp, and Mutumba Campsite.

How far is Akagera National Park from Kigali?

Akagera National Park is about 210 kilometers from Kigali, with a drive time of 2 to 3 hours.

What type of vehicle is recommended for Akagera National Park?

A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season when roads can be harder to navigate.

Can I fish and see wildlife at the same time in Akagera?

Yes, fishing at Lake Shakani often includes wildlife sightings, since animals such as elephants and hippos are commonly seen along the shore.

What predators might I see on a night game drive in Akagera?

Night drives commonly reveal leopards, hyenas, civets, and serval cats hunting after dark.

How many antelope species live in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to 12 antelope species, including waterbucks, topis, impalas, oribis, and elands.