What Wildlife Can I See in Akagera National Park?

Tucked along Rwanda’s eastern frontier with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is a magnificent wilderness that feels like a different world compared to the misty highlands of Volcanoes and Nyungwe. This is the land of wide-open plains, golden savannahs, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers — a landscape that bursts with life and color.

Once nearly lost to poaching and human encroachment, Akagera has made one of the most remarkable comebacks in African conservation history. Today, it stands proudly as Rwanda’s only savannah park and one of the best places in East Africa to experience traditional game drives and Big Five safaris.

If you’re wondering, “What wildlife can I see in Akagera National Park?”, the answer is: a lot — from lions and leopards to elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and hundreds of bird species. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, safari enthusiast, or first-time visitor, Akagera will surprise you with its abundance, diversity, and beauty.

Let’s explore the incredible array of wildlife that calls this Rwandan gem home.

1. A Park Reborn: The Story of Akagera

Before diving into the wildlife, it’s worth understanding Akagera’s inspiring story. Established in 1934, the park originally covered over 2,500 square kilometers. But after Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, much of the land was converted for agriculture as returning refugees needed resettlement space.

By the early 2000s, poaching and encroachment had decimated the park’s animal populations — lions were extinct, rhinos gone, and elephants scarce.

Then came a new chapter. In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the conservation NGO African Parks formed a partnership to restore Akagera. They reintroduced lions in 2015, followed by black rhinos in 2017 and white rhinos in 2021. Anti-poaching teams were trained, fences installed, and communities engaged in sustainable tourism.

Today, Akagera is thriving — a living symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and eco-tourism. It’s now home to all of Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with hundreds of other species.

2. The Big Five of Akagera National Park

No safari feels complete without encountering Africa’s legendary Big Five — and Akagera proudly delivers on this dream.

1. Lions

The reintroduction of lions in 2015 marked one of Akagera’s greatest conservation milestones. Seven lions — two males and five females — were brought from South Africa, and in just a few years, their numbers have more than doubled thanks to successful breeding.

Lions now roam freely across the park’s northern plains, especially around Nyampiki and Mutumba Hills. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances of spotting them resting under acacia trees or stalking prey through the tall grass.

Their powerful roars echo across the savannah, reminding visitors that Akagera has truly returned to the wild.

2. Elephants

Akagera’s elephants are among its most iconic inhabitants. The park is home to more than 120 individuals, often seen near water sources like Lake Ihema and Lake Hago.

Some of the elephants were translocated here from Bugesera in the 1970s, and a few older individuals — especially the famous matriarch known as “Mutware” — became local legends.

Watching these gentle giants drink, bathe, and interact with their herds is one of the park’s most memorable experiences.

3. Buffalos

Herds of African buffalos are common throughout Akagera, particularly in the grassy plains of the north and along the Akagera River. They’re often found in large groups, grazing calmly or wallowing in mud pools to cool off.

Their sheer numbers make them an impressive sight — and a vital part of the ecosystem, helping to shape the park’s vegetation through their grazing patterns.

4. Leopards

Leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five, but they are definitely present in Akagera. These nocturnal cats prefer the park’s wooded areas, especially around the southern forests and rocky outcrops.

Spotting one requires patience and a sharp eye — or luck on a night game drive. Their golden coats blend perfectly into the dappled light of the acacia trees. When you finally glimpse one moving silently through the bush, it’s a breathtaking moment.

5. Rhinos

Akagera is now home to both black and white rhinos, completing the full Big Five experience.

Black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017 after a 10-year absence, and white rhinos followed in 2021 — the first of their kind in Rwanda. The reintroduction was a milestone for conservation, symbolizing Rwanda’s successful protection of endangered species.

Rhinos are best seen in the southern sector of the park, where they roam open grasslands and graze near lakes and waterholes. Their presence adds a prehistoric majesty to the landscape.

3. Other Large Mammals

Beyond the Big Five, Akagera teems with other fascinating animals.

Giraffes

Elegant and graceful, giraffes are among the most photographed animals in Akagera. The park’s population continues to grow steadily, and they’re often spotted browsing the tops of acacia trees near Mutumba Hills or Lake Mihindi.

Watching a giraffe stride across the plains against a backdrop of rolling hills is one of Akagera’s most iconic scenes.

Zebras

Akagera’s plains zebras are found in healthy numbers, often mingling with antelope herds in the northern savannah. Their black-and-white stripes create a striking contrast with the park’s golden grasslands.

Zebras are highly social and easy to spot, making them a delight for photographers and families alike.

Hippos and Crocodiles

The park’s numerous lakes and wetlands, especially Lake Ihema, support one of the largest hippo populations in East Africa. You can see hundreds of them lounging in the water or surfacing with grunts and splashes.

Meanwhile, the Nile crocodile, the world’s largest reptile, lurks along the shores — massive, prehistoric-looking creatures that complete the aquatic drama.

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer the perfect opportunity to view these animals up close, safely and comfortably.

4. Antelopes and Grazing Species

Akagera’s open plains are home to a dazzling variety of antelopes and grazing mammals. Some of the most common include:

• Impala: The park’s most numerous antelope, seen in large herds almost everywhere.

• Topi: Recognizable by their reddish coats and slightly humped backs; they’re agile and fast runners.

• Waterbuck: Often found near lakes, with their distinctive white “target” on the rump.

• Bushbuck: Shy and solitary, usually seen in thickets and forest edges.

• Eland: Africa’s largest antelope, sometimes spotted in the northern plains.

• Oribi: Small, delicate antelopes that dart through the grasslands.

Their presence adds life and movement to Akagera’s landscapes — and provides prey for predators like lions and leopards.

5. Primates and Smaller Mammals

Although primarily a savannah park, Akagera also has pockets of woodland and riverine forest that shelter primates and smaller mammals.

Baboons and Monkeys

• Olive baboons are common and can often be seen near the park gates or along the roadsides.

• Vervet monkeys are frequent in wooded areas, recognizable by their blue-grey coats and playful antics.

Warthogs

These comical, short-tusked pigs are everywhere in Akagera, often trotting with their tails held high like little flags.

Hyenas and Jackals

The spotted hyena is Akagera’s primary scavenger, though they also hunt. You can sometimes hear their eerie laughs echoing at night.
Black-backed jackals are smaller but equally cunning, often seen during early morning drives.

Others

Small predators like mongoose, genets, and civets also inhabit the park, most active at night.

6. Birdlife in Akagera

For bird enthusiasts, Akagera is a paradise. With over 500 recorded bird species, it’s one of the top birding destinations in East Africa.

Notable Species Include:

• Shoebill Stork: Rare and iconic, often seen in papyrus swamps along the Akagera River.

• African Fish Eagle: The park’s soundtrack — its cry echoes over the lakes.

• Papyrus Gonolek: A bright red and black bird found in wetlands.

• Grey Crowned Crane: Rwanda’s national bird, elegant and graceful.

• Goliath Heron, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher — stars of the lakeshores.

Birding is excellent year-round, but the wet seasons (March–May and October–November) attract migratory species, adding even more variety.

7. The Magic of Akagera’s Ecosystem

What makes Akagera truly special is the harmony of its ecosystems — the way savannah, woodland, and wetland coexist. The Akagera River feeds a network of lakes and marshes that sustain an astonishing array of life.

From the rolling grasslands in the north to the papyrus swamps in the south, every corner of the park offers something new. The diversity of habitats means that each game drive is unique — you might start among zebras on a plain and end watching elephants by a lake.

This variety also means Akagera supports species not often found together elsewhere, giving travelers a chance to experience multiple safari environments in one destination.

8. Best Time to See Wildlife

Akagera can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around waterholes and visibility is excellent.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) transform the park into a lush, green wonderland, ideal for birdwatching and photography, though animals can be harder to spot in tall grass.

Morning and late-afternoon drives provide the best lighting and the most active wildlife.

9. Experience Akagera with Muhiga Safaris

To truly appreciate Akagera’s wildlife, it’s best to explore with experienced guides who understand the park’s rhythms and secrets — and that’s where Muhiga Safaris comes in.

With years of expertise organizing tailor-made safaris across Rwanda, Muhiga Safaris ensures every moment of your Akagera experience is seamless and unforgettable. Their professional driver-guides know exactly where to find the animals, the best photography spots, and the most scenic routes through the park.

Whether you want a one-day safari from Kigali or a multi-day journey combining Akagera with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Muhiga Safaris will craft an itinerary that suits your interests, budget, and schedule.

You’ll not only see wildlife — you’ll connect with Rwanda’s landscapes, culture, and conservation story on a deeper level.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris, and let Akagera’s lions, elephants, giraffes, and golden savannahs remind you of Africa’s timeless beauty.