4.7(1,480)
Akagera National Park
Eastern Province
Rwanda's Big Five savannah, about 2.5 hours from Kigali.
The place
Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania — rolling savannah, lakes and wetlands.
A little history
Founded in 1934. Since 2010, conservation work reintroduced lions (2015) and rhinos (2017), making it one of Africa's great comeback stories.
The vibe
Wide-open, golden and wild.
What it costs
Park entry about $100 per person per day. Guided game drives and boat safaris are extra. Lodges from ~$120 a night.
The experience
Sunrise game drive, a boat safari on Lake Ihema with hippos and crocodiles, and night drives with rangers.
Recommended time: 1–2 days
What travellers say
"Saw lions, elephants and giraffes on day one. A real safari without the crowds."
"The boat safari was the highlight — hippos everywhere!"