Akagera national park

Akagera National Park

One of Africa’s oldest and most scenic savannah national parks, Rwanda’s only ‘Big Five’ protected area.

Rwanda’s only remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species

Managed in conjunction with African Parks, Akagera is an excellent example of ongoing conservation and community efforts

Akagera National Park is one of those places that often flies under the radar, but one you're there, you wonder why the whole world isn't talk about it. It's Rwanda's only Big Five park, and it's utterly transformed over the last decade. If you're looking for a genuine safari experience without the crowds, in a setting that's as scenic as it is wildlife-rich, Akagera is very hard to beat.

Located in Rwanda's far east, right up against the border with Tanzania. It's around a 3-hour drive from Kigali, mostly on smooth tarmac roads, which makes it incredible accessible - no light aircraft, no long transfers, no faff. The drive itself is part of the adventure. You leave the capital behind and watch the scenery change dramatically, from Kigali's rolling hills to wide, open plains and shimmering lakes. It's a journey that hints at what's to come!

Akagera really is special. First, the landscapes - Akagera isn't your classic dusty savannah. It's a blend of open plains, acacia woodland, papyrus swamps, and a string of large lakes, all underpinned by volcanic hills. It's lush, it's green, and it feels alive in a way that some drier parks don't. The birdlife here is off the charts, with over 480 recorded species, and the lakes are home to hippos, crocodiles, and a beautiful variety of aquatic life.

Then there's the story. Just over a decade ago, Akagera was on its knees. Wildlife had been decimated by poaching and conflict, and the park had very little in the way of infrastructure. But thanks to a remarkable partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, Akagera has made one of the most successful conservation comebacks in Africa. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, followed by black rhino in 2017 and white rhino in 2021. Today, the park is thriving. You can see all the Big Five here - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos - plus zebras, giraffes, topis, impalas, warthogs, hyenas, and much more.

There is so much to get up to in Akagera. You can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives - the northern sector of the park is especially good for spotting predators and plains game, while the south has more lakes and swamps, which are brilliant for birds and hippos. You can also go on boat safaris on Lake Ihema which is something that we really recommend - it's peaceful, it's scenic, and it offers a completely different perspective. Expect pods of hippos, massive crocs, and a spectacular variety of birds - fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, and the much sought-after shoebill stork if you are lucky. Akagera is also one of the few parks in the region that offers night safaris, which gives you the chance to see nocturnal species like bush babies, civets, and, if you're really lucky, leopard!

It is a year-round destination, but the best wildlife viewing tends to be in the dry seasons: June to September, and again from mid-December to February. During these months, animals gather around the lakes and rivers, and the roads are also easier to navigate. That said, the park is green and beautiful year-round, and because it's not on the mainstream safari circuit, you won't be battling crowds even in peak season.

Combining Volcanoes National Park for example with Akagera gives you the full picture: rainforest and savannah, mountain and lowland, gorillas and the Big Five. And the contrast between the two is incredible.


Trips in Rwanda

Rwanda Trip Inspiration

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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