Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More are among the most thrilling wildlife experiences in East Africa. While Rwanda is globally famous for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the country is also home to one of Africa’s fastest-growing savannah ecosystems: Akagera National Park. Here, visitors can spot the iconic Big Five animals—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos—along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 490 bird species. For travelers wanting a complete safari experience, Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More offer a perfect combination of diversity, beauty, and conservation success.

Rwanda has transformed Akagera National Park into a world-class wildlife destination, blending safe travel, exceptional guiding, luxury lodges, and dramatic savannah landscapes. This guide highlights everything you need to know about Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More, including the best areas to explore, the wildlife you can encounter, and how to plan an unforgettable safari adventure.

Why Choose Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Rwanda Has the Complete Big Five

Rwanda is one of the few African countries where you can see all the Big Five animals in a single national park. This makes Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More ideal for travelers seeking a full wildlife experience without long-distance travel.

Easily Accessible from Kigali

Akagera National Park is just 2.5 hours from Kigali, making it the closest Big Five safari destination to a major international airport in East Africa.

Safe, Clean & Well Managed

The park is co-managed by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, ensuring strong wildlife protection, community involvement, and sustainable tourism.

Where to See Lions on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Lions in Akagera National Park

Lions were reintroduced to Akagera in 2015 after several decades of local extinction. Today, the population has grown rapidly, making lion sightings a major highlight of Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More.

You can find lions in:

The southern plains
The Kilala plains
Lake Ihema area
Nyampiki zone

They are often seen during early morning game drives or late afternoon hunts.

Best Time to Spot Lions

Lions are more active during:

Sunrise (when they hunt)
Sunset (when they patrol territories)

Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best visibility.

Where to See Elephants on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Elephant Herds in Akagera

Elephants roam widely through Akagera, and the park is home to both mature bulls and breeding herds. During Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More, travelers frequently see elephants grazing near swamps, lakes, and savannah woodlands.

Popular viewing areas include:

Lake Ihema shores
Nyungwe Gate wetlands
Giraffe Plain
Mutumba Hills (elephants love the shade here)

Behavior to Look For

Elephants are social and intelligent. Watch for:

Mothers guiding calves
Bulls displaying dominance
Elephants bathing in riverbanks
Large families crossing the road

These encounters create powerful safari memories.

Where to Find Rhinos on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

White Rhinos at Akagera

In 2021, Rwanda received the largest translocation of white rhinos in history. Today, Akagera has one of Africa’s fastest-growing rhino populations.

Black Rhinos

Black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017 and can be spotted in the northern regions of the park.

Best Locations for Rhino Viewing

The best places to spot rhinos during Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More include:

Kilala Plains
The northern savannahs
The salt pans
Lake Hago area

Rhinos are best seen in the early morning or before sunset.

Where to See Buffalos on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Large Buffalo Herds

Buffalos are among the most common and exciting animals to see during Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More. They travel in massive herds that sometimes reach hundreds of individuals.

Where They Graze

Buffalos prefer:

Swamp edges
Marshy grasslands
Lake areas (especially Lake Rwanyakazinga)

Dry seasons bring them closer to water bodies, improving sighting chances.

Where to Find Leopards on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Spotting the Elusive Leopard

Leopards are the most difficult of the Big Five to see. They hide in:

Thick woodlands
Rocky hills
Grasslands with tall vegetation

Best Times for Leopard Sightings

Leopards are most active:

At night
Early morning
Late evening

Night game drives offered in Akagera increase your chances significantly.

Other Wildlife to See on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Beyond the Big Five, Akagera offers incredible wildlife diversity:

Giraffes
Zebras
Topi
Elands
Impalas
Bushbucks
Waterbucks
Hippos
Crocodiles
Baboons
Monkeys

This richness makes Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More a complete safari experience.

Birdlife on Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

With more than 490 bird species, Akagera is a paradise for bird lovers. Highlights include:

Shoebill stork
Papyrus gonolek
African fish eagle
Grey-crowned crane
Giant kingfisher
Saddle-billed stork

Birdwatching adds an extra layer of magic to Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More.

Best Time for Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Dry Season

The best time for Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More is during the dry months:

June to September
December to February

Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Wet Season Advantages

The wet season (March–May, October–November) offers:

Beautiful green landscapes
Fewer tourists
Lower dust levels

But wildlife may be more scattered.

Activities to Combine with Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema boat safaris provide close sightings of:

Hippos
Crocodiles
Elephants drinking
Rare water birds

Night Game Drives

Night drives offer your best chance to see:

Leopards
Hyenas
Civets
Nocturnal antelopes

Full-Day North Drive

The northern plains offer the highest concentration of wildlife in Rwanda.

Lodges for Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Top recommended accommodations include:

Akagera Game Lodge (midrange)
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (luxury eco-lodge)
Magashi Camp by Wilderness (ultra-luxury)
Karenge Bush Camp (seasonal eco-camp)

Each lodge offers spectacular views and direct access to game drives.

Conservation Success of Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Rwanda’s partnership with African Parks has transformed Akagera into a conservation success story:

Poaching reduced to near zero
Big cat populations increasing
Rhino populations growing
Community engagement improving livelihoods

This makes Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More both unforgettable and meaningful.

Tips for Enjoying Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Start Early

Wildlife is most active at sunrise.

Use a Professional Guide

Guides increase your chances of seeing all Big Five animals.

Carry Binoculars

Helps spot animals at long distances.

Dress Comfortably

Neutral-colored clothing is best for game drives.

Final Thoughts – Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More

Big Five Safaris in Rwanda – Where to See Lions, Elephants & More offer the perfect complement to gorilla trekking, giving travelers a classic savannah safari experience in a country known for its beauty, safety, and conservation efforts. Whether you’re photographing lions, watching elephants bathe, tracking rhinos, or exploring scenic savannah landscapes, every moment in Akagera National Park is unforgettable.