Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Where the savanna
Akagera sits in the northeast, along the border with Tanzania. It is a different world from the volcanoes: open savanna, acacia woodland, papyrus swamps and a string of lakes with some of the richest birdlife in East Africa.
The park was heavily impacted after 1994. What has happened since is one of the great conservation stories on the continent. Lions returned in 2015, black rhino in 2017. Today Akagera holds the full Big Five.
I've been coming here for years. The light over Lake Ihema in the morning is something I don't think I'll ever get used to.
Che
Every game drive is different. These are the animals people come to see.
Lake Ihema is the centrepiece of Akagera. We take a slow boat through channels lined with papyrus, past hippo pools, crocodiles in the shallows and birds you simply don't see elsewhere.
Guests who do both the game drive and the boat consistently say the boat changes the whole experience.
About two and a half to three hours from Kigali on good roads. I drive you.
Minimum two days to do it properly. I recommend two nights to cover morning and evening game drives plus the boat.
June to September is peak season with dry conditions. December to February is also excellent. Wet seasons bring lush greenery and great birdlife.
Akagera charges a daily park fee per person, included in your TourwithChe trip.
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge or Ihema Lodge, all inside the park for maximum wildlife access.
Neutral colours, long sleeves for morning drives, binoculars, sunscreen and patience. The best sightings come to those who wait.
Tell me your dates and how many people. I'll put together an itinerary and tell you exactly what to expect.
