The Akagera National Park

The 1,122 km Akagera National Park, located in Eastern Rwanda near Tanzania’s border, was created in 1934 and is Rwanda’s sole Savannah Park. It is distinguished by its savannah, lowlands, forests, and marshes. Numerous animal species, including as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and lions, as well as hundreds of bird species, including the rarely seen shoebill stork, are protected by the diverse terrain. Home to crocodiles and hippos, the expansive Lake Ihema is located in the southern region of the park.

Along with a staggering 490 bird species, visitors can also see buffalo, elephants, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, and much more. One of Rwanda’s greatest locations for birdwatching is the park. Water birds are abundant there, flourishing in the park’s extensive wetlands and marshes.

Highlights of any trip to Akagera include a boat ride on Lake Ihema, which features big pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a plethora of waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.

The big five—elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards—are currently all free to wander the park. In addition to the big five, wildlife viewing opportunities include zebra, impala, oribi, bushbuck, elands, hippopotamus, and crocodiles.

Compared to just 20 years ago, when it was on the verge of extinction, Akagera is essentially unrecognizable now. After the 1994 Genocide, peace was eventually restored in the 1990s, but Akagera’s downfall was far from over. After the genocide, refugees who were returning to Rwanda had to fight for their own existence and had to rely on the untamed savannas for their livestock, the forests for wood, and wildlife for protein.

Tens of thousands of long-horned cattle replaced the park’s fauna, rhinos vanished, and lions were hunted to local extinction. Almost all of the biodiversity was gone, along with jobs and tourists. The park’s recovery tale is all the more amazing considering how practically its worth was destroyed.

In collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), African Parks took over Akagera’s management in 2010, turning the park’s course from one of oblivion to prosperity and promise. With the help of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the historic reappearance of 18 Eastern black rhinoceroses after a 10-year hiatus occurred in 2017.

This was the result of years of planning, efficient management, and law enforcement. In June 2019, five more captive-bred black rhinos were moved from Europe to increase genetic diversity, with the help of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). In order to increase the genetic diversity of the expanding pride—which has tripled in size since their first reintroduction in 2015—two more male lions were also relocated to Akagera in 2017.

The main wildlife populations in the park have increased, even though poaching has virtually stopped. Tens of thousands of visitors, half of them are citizens of the United States, generate the park’s yearly revenue of over US$2.5 million, making it 90% self-financing.

The big five—elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards—are currently all free to wander the park. In addition to the big five, wildlife viewing opportunities include zebra, impala, oribi, bushbuck, elands, hippopotamus, and crocodiles.

• Ruzizi Tent Lodge (Traditional)
• Luxury: Magashi Akagera
• The classic Akagera Game Lodge