"The perfect complement to the forested habitats the dominate Rwanda’s other national parks, Akagera protects all the Big Five in a scenic mosaic of wetlands, moist savannah and rolling hills abutting the border with Tanzania. ”

- Philip Briggs

Akagera National Park

Emblematic of Rwanda post-millennial resurgence is the reemergence of the once-degraded Akagera National Park as a top-notch Big Five safari destination. Already home to growing numbers of elephant, buffalo and leopard, this ecologically diverse reserve also witnessed the successful reintroduction of lion in 2015 and black rhino in 2017. Other conspicuous wildlife includes giraffe, zebra and a dozen species of antelope.

Guided boat trips into a labyrinthine network of lakes, swamps and channels fed by the Kagera River offer an opportunity to see an abundance of hippos, the secretive swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope, and immense breeding colonies of herons, egrets and cormorants. An astonishing checklist of 520 birds includes the eagerly-sought shoebill – a hulking prehistoric-looking papyrus-dweller regularly observed on Lake Birengero.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRIER PERIOD

A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

DRIER PERIOD

A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

DRY SEASON

A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

DRY SEASON

A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

DRY SEASON

A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

DRIER PERIOD

A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in October.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

WET SEASON

Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.

Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.

Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.

The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.

Experiences

A Birders Paradise

Rwanda offers some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Rwanda has over 700 bird species and is home to the second-highest number of Albertine endemics in the Albertine region. Each location offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.

Enjoy a boating safari on the pristine waterways of Akagera National Park

immerse yourself in the Rwanda wilderness with a walking safari

An impressive diversity of wildlife, and a true Big 5 safari destination

Explore Akagera National Park Properties

Magashi Camp

Magashi Camp

Magashi Camp is a brand-new addition to the Wilderness Safaris ‘Classic Camp’ portfolio set within Akagera National Park. Like all of the Wilderness Safaris highly reputable properties, the luxury camp is rooted in the core ..

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Lodge is an intimate tented retreat nestled amid one of Rwanda’s flourishing wilderness areas. Located on the forested shores of Lake Ilhema and designed to inspire harmony with its natural surroundings, the lodge is one ..

Explore our itineraries

FROM USD $15,550 PP

Great Plains & Great Apes

An 11 night safari and gorilla trekking itinerary, staying in some breathtaking locations and remarkable properties!

FROM USD $10,731 PP

The Rwandan Wilderness Safari

This luxury 5 night Rwanda itinerary offers both the opportunity for a gorilla trek as well as a safari in Akagera National Park.

FROM USD $6,985 PP

Volcanoes, Clouds and Gorillas

This 6 night Rwanda and Uganda itineraries offers the chance to trek gorillas in two very different yet remarkable locations.

Explore our sample itineraries for a little inspiration

ITINERARIES

What People Say

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

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