Discover Akagera National Park

Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories and Rwanda’s only savannah national park. Covering approximately 1,122 square kilometers, the park offers visitors an extraordinary safari experience characterized by rolling plains, scenic lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and abundant wildlife. Following extensive conservation efforts and wildlife reintroduction programs, Akagera has reestablished itself as a thriving ecosystem and one of East Africa’s emerging safari destinations.

Named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary, the park presents a unique contrast to Rwanda’s mountainous landscapes, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional African game viewing alongside breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity.

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Activities in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers a variety of activities that allow visitors to experience its wildlife, landscapes, and unique ecosystems. Whether exploring the savannah on a game drive, cruising across Lake Ihema, or discovering the park after dark, every activity offers a different perspective of Rwanda's only Big Five national park.
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Game Drives

Explore Akagera’s open plains and woodlands on guided game drives while searching for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many other wildlife species.

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Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

A boat cruise on Lake Ihema offers a relaxing safari experience while providing close views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and a remarkable variety of water birds.

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Bird Watching

Discover more than 500 bird species across Akagera’s lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands while searching for the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, fish eagles, and many colourful birds.

Wildlife Experiences in Akagera National Park

Akagera is home to an impressive variety of wildlife species that thrive throughout its diverse habitats. Visitors can enjoy exceptional game drives while searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and the recently reintroduced black and white rhinos.

The successful return of lions and rhinos has restored Akagera’s status as a complete Big Five destination. Leopard sightings have also become increasingly common, particularly during early morning and evening game drives. Other notable wildlife species include topis, elands, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, bushbucks, and numerous primate species inhabiting the park’s woodland areas.

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Lake Mburo Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Lake Mburo National Park is a year round safari destination, with each season offering a unique experience. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are generally the best for wildlife viewing because animals gather around water sources and the shorter grass makes them easier to spot during game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises. These months also provide favourable conditions for horseback riding, cycling, and photography.

The rainy seasons from March to May and September to November transform the park into a lush green landscape filled with wildflowers and abundant birdlife. Although occasional showers occur, safari activities continue throughout the year, and the quieter atmosphere makes this an excellent time for travellers looking to avoid larger crowds while enjoying beautiful scenery.

Getting There

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest savannah national park to Kampala, making it one of the most accessible wildlife destinations in Uganda. Located about 240 kilometres west of the capital, the journey by road takes approximately three and a half to four hours along the Kampala to Mbarara highway, passing through scenic countryside and the famous Uganda Equator.

Visitors can enter the park through Sanga Gate, Nshara Gate, or Kyanyanshara Gate, depending on their travel route and accommodation. The park’s convenient location also makes it an excellent overnight stop for travellers heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Park Entrance Gates

Lake Mburo National Park has several entrance gates that provide easy access to different areas of the park. Sanga Gate is the main entrance used by most visitors arriving from Kampala, while Nshara Gate and Kyanyanshara Gate offer convenient access to nearby lodges, game drive circuits, and other visitor facilities.

Clear signposts and well maintained roads make navigating the park straightforward, whether arriving independently or as part of an organised safari. Choosing the appropriate entrance gate can also reduce travel time to your lodge or planned activities.