Elephants in Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Elephants in Akagera National Park, Rwanda

If you’re looking to see elephants in Rwanda, Akagera National Park is one of the top places in East Africa for unforgettable elephant sightings. Once threatened by poaching and habitat loss, Akagera’s elephant population has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts led by African Parks. Today, large herds roam freely across the savannah, offering visitors thrilling safari experiences. These conservation initiatives have not only protected elephants but have also created jobs for local communities, strengthening the connection between wildlife and people.

Top Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tours with Trek Africa Expeditions

• 3-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
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Wildlife Viewing in Akagera: Discover Rwanda’s Big Game

Akagera National Park is a standout destination for classic savannah wildlife experiences. Home to all members of Africa’s Big Five—elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo—Akagera offers one of the best opportunities to see iconic wildlife in Rwanda. Beyond the Big Five, you can spot topi, giraffes, zebras, elands, serval cats, warthogs, crocodiles, and hippos, as well as numerous antelope species such as roan antelope, impala, reedbuck, and waterbuck.

Primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and nocturnal bush babies also inhabit the park, adding more variety to your game drives and nature walks.

Scenic Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a peaceful and rewarding way to experience Akagera National Park. Glide across the lake as you watch large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Islands scattered across the lake provide nesting sites for waterbirds and stunning photography opportunities. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a family safari, a Lake Ihema cruise adds something special to your trip.

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Akagera offers some of Rwanda’s best game drive experiences. The reintroduction of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 helped restore Akagera as a full Big Five destination. Today, guided game drives offer chances to see predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and jackals, alongside grazers like zebras, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species. Morning and evening drives are especially productive, and night drives may reveal nocturnal animals like bush babies and civets.

Bird Watching in Akagera National Park

With over 525 bird species, Akagera is a haven for bird watchers. Wetlands, woodlands, and savannah landscapes support everything from rare shoebills and papyrus gonoleks to raptors and waterfowl. Look out for the range-restricted red-faced barbet near Akagera Game Lodge, or search the wetlands for Carruthers’s cisticola, white-winged swamp warbler, and white-collared oliveback.

Birding can be enjoyed year-round, with early mornings offering the best chances to hear and see the forest and wetland species at their most active.

Cultural and Community Experiences

Enhance your safari with a visit to local communities around Akagera. Join farmers on traditional cattle farms in the Eastern Province to learn about milking customs, or spend time with artisans who brew banana beer and produce honey. These immersive activities offer insight into Rwandan culture and directly benefit the communities through shared revenue.

Where to Stay During Your Akagera Safari

Akagera offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets—from luxury lodges to more affordable options:

• Luxury: Magashi Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp

• Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp

• Budget: Dereva Hotel, and other local guesthouses

Trek Africa Expeditions can help you choose the best lodge based on your budget and travel preferences.

Best Time to Visit Akagera for Elephant Sightings

The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to March. These months offer better visibility for wildlife viewing as animals tend to gather near water sources and the vegetation is less dense.

Getting to Akagera National Park

Akagera is just a 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive from Kigali, making it easily accessible for short or extended safaris. Alternatively, travelers can fly into the park via Akagera Aviation’s scheduled flights from Kigali.

Rwanda Visa Information for Tourists

Most visitors to Rwanda can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for USD 30. However, travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as East African Community (EAC) and COMESA member states, can enter Rwanda visa-free. For detailed visa support, feel free to contact Trek Africa Expeditions.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Akagera Safari?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we create authentic, personalized safari experiences across Rwanda. Our expert team is passionate about responsible travel, conservation, and crafting itineraries that offer rich encounters with wildlife, culture, and landscapes. Whether you’re planning a quick elephant-watching tour or a longer safari combining gorilla trekking and game drives, we’re here to help.

We’re proud to be highly rated on TripAdvisor and trusted by travelers from around the world. Get in touch today to start planning your unforgettable journey to Akagera National Park.