Established in 1934, Akagera National Park is a remarkable conservation success story and Rwanda’s premier Big Five safari destination. Although the park suffered massive losses in wildlife during the 1994 genocide—when thousands of refugees crossed through or settled in the park, leading to habitat encroachment and widespread poaching—it has since made a stunning recovery.

The turning point came with the partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks Network, which brought in new management, effective anti-poaching measures, and wildlife reintroductions. Today, Akagera is once again thriving and is home to all of Africa’s Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.

Spanning a diverse mosaic of savannah plains, woodlands, swamps, lakes, rivers, and rolling hills, Akagera is one of East Africa’s most scenic parks. Beyond the Big Five, visitors can expect to encounter olive baboons, vervet and blue monkeys, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and an abundance of antelope species. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it a top birding destination in the region.

Whether combined with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, or cultural experiences in Kigali, Akagera offers a classic African safari with a uniquely Rwandan backdrop.