Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda, is one of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife destinations in Africa. Known for its lush landscapes, vast savannahs, and shimmering lakes, the park is home to the legendary Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceroses. For wildlife enthusiasts, spotting the Big Five in Akagera is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. At Universal Journeys Rwanda, we provide expertly guided safaris to ensure you have the best chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Akagera National Park has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once heavily affected by poaching, the park has been restored thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Today, Akagera is not only a safe haven for wildlife but also a beacon of conservation success. Spanning over 1,200 square kilometers, the park boasts a rich variety of ecosystems, from savannah plains and wetlands to woodlands and lakes.
This diverse landscape provides the perfect backdrop for an African safari, offering visitors the chance to see the Big Five, along with a wide array of other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, and over 500 species of birds. Akagera is one of the few places in Rwanda where you can enjoy a classic game drive while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness.
Spotting the Big Five in Akagera is a highlight of any Rwandan safari. Here’s what you can expect when you embark on this exciting journey with Universal Journeys Rwanda.
1. Lions
Lions are the apex predators of Akagera, and seeing them in the wild is an awe-inspiring experience. After being reintroduced into the park in 2015, the lion population has steadily grown, and they now roam the savannah plains in search of prey. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances to spot these magnificent creatures as they patrol their territory or relax under the shade of acacia trees.
Our expert guides know the park well and can lead you to areas where lions are often seen. Whether it’s a lone male lion surveying his domain or a pride of lions resting after a hunt, seeing these powerful animals in the wild is an unforgettable sight.
2. Leopards
Leopards are the elusive and solitary members of the Big Five. Known for their stealth and agility, leopards are often found in the woodlands and rocky outcrops of Akagera. Spotting a leopard can be challenging, but with the help of our experienced guides, you’ll have a good chance of seeing one basking in the late afternoon sun or prowling in the early morning.
Leopards are primarily nocturnal, so night game drives may also increase your chances of encountering these stealthy hunters. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards lounging in trees or silently stalking their prey.
3. Elephants
The largest land animals on Earth, elephants are a common sight in Akagera, particularly near the park’s lakes and rivers. Elephants are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and impressive size, and watching a herd of elephants roaming freely through the park is a truly majestic experience.
Akagera is home to several large elephant families, and our safaris offer opportunities to observe these gentle giants as they graze, bathe in the water, or care for their young. The park’s wide-open spaces and abundant vegetation make it an ideal habitat for elephants, and encountering them during your safari is always a special moment.
4. Buffalos
African buffalos are one of the most dangerous and formidable animals in the Big Five. These large, powerful herbivores are often seen in herds grazing on the savannah or near water sources. Buffalos in Akagera are known for their resilience and strength, and while they may appear docile from a distance, they can be highly protective of their herd.
On your game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these animals as they go about their daily routines, whether grazing in the grasslands or cooling off in the park’s wetlands. Buffalos are fascinating creatures, and their sheer size and numbers make them an impressive sight.
5. Rhinoceroses
Rhinoceroses are one of the rarest members of the Big Five, and Akagera is one of the few places in Rwanda where you can see them. Both black and white rhinos have been reintroduced into the park, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. These critically endangered animals are under strict protection, and spotting them in the wild is a truly special experience.
