Akagera National Park

Whilst Rwanda's headline stealers are the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, there is an incredible off the beaten track safari destination that is not only accessible from Kigali, but it also home to a multitude of wildlife. In 2010, Africa Parks teamed up with the Rwanda Development Board and since then the park has flourished into one of East Africa's most beautiful game viewing areas.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Due to the resources made available, Akagera now boats Africa's 'Big 5', including the very rare Eastern black rhino, which was reintroduced in 2017. Combining open savannahs and Central Africa's largest protected wetland has enabled a plethora of flora and fauna to thrive. Visiting this 1,122 square kilometre National Park will leave one astounded that there are not more headlines about this exceptional destination. Apart from the 'Big 5' and plains game like zebra and giraffe, the park is home to roan, sitatunga and over five-hundred different species of birds, including the extremely rare shoebill.

Akagera's Northern sector is where you will experience a truly magical safari. With Wilderness Safari's Magashi Camp being the only lodge in the area, and with its own private concession, you can expect a private and intimate safari experience that can often be hard to come by in today's more popular destinations. The privacy here allows vehicle and boating safaris to be undertaken in near seclusion, allowing guests to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful park to the fullest. The Southern section of the Park is slightly busier with a handful of lodges, however the numbers certainly do not rival the busy areas of other National Parks in East Africa.

The seasons in Akagera mimic those elsewhere in East Africa. From June through to October the long dry season runs its course before a short rainy season arrives in November and December. January and February are both dry months before the long rains arrive during March, April and May.

Not only does this National Park offer excellent game viewing experiences (it issaid that the leopard sightings here rival that of the Sabi Sands, South Africa), but when combined with other Rwandan National Parks, you become eligible for a 30% discount on your Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking permit. Make sure you talk to one of our Africa specialists for more information about this offer.