Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and for its incredible mountain gorilla trekking experiences, has also emerged as a genuine Big Five safari destination, thanks to dedicated and successful conservation efforts.
Where to See the Big Five in Rwanda:
Akagera National Park is the only national park in Rwanda where you can see all of the Big Five:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Rhinoceros (both Black and White)
For many years, some of the Big Five species (especially lions and rhinos) were heavily impacted by poaching and habitat loss. However, through strong partnerships between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, these iconic animals have been successfully reintroduced and are now thriving.
- Lions: Reintroduced in 2015, the lion population has steadily grown, and sightings are now common, particularly in the northern plains of the park during early morning or late afternoon game drives.
- Rhinoceros: Eastern black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017, followed by the arrival of white rhinos in 2021. This has completed the Big Five ensemble in Akagera. While still critically endangered, seeing a rhino in Rwanda is a testament to the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
- Elephants: Akagera has a healthy population of African savannah elephants, often seen near water sources like Lake Ihema.
- Buffalo: Large herds of Cape buffalo are commonly sighted throughout the park.
- Leopards: As with most safari destinations, leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five due to their solitary and nocturnal nature. Sightings require patience and a bit of luck, often in wooded areas, rocky outcrops, or riverbanks. Night game drives increase your chances of spotting them.
Why Akagera is Unique for Big Five Safaris:
- Conservation Success Story: Akagera’s transformation from a depleted park to a thriving Big Five destination is a remarkable achievement in conservation.
- Diverse Landscape: The park offers a unique blend of savannah, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes, providing diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife beyond the Big Five, including giraffes, zebras, various antelopes (like impalas and topis), hippos, and crocodiles.
- Boat Safaris: A highlight of Akagera is a boat safari on Lake Ihema, which offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes from a different perspective, along with an abundance of waterbirds.
- Less Crowded: Compared to the more famous safari destinations in East Africa (like the Serengeti or Maasai Mara), Akagera is relatively less crowded, offering a more intimate and exclusive game-viewing experience.
- Accessibility: Akagera National Park is easily accessible by road from Kigali (approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive), making it convenient to combine a Big Five safari with other Rwandan experiences like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
Tips for Seeing the Big Five in Akagera:
- Game Drives: Day game drives are the primary activity. Morning and late afternoon are generally best for animal activity.
- Night Game Drives: Offered by some lodges, these are excellent for spotting nocturnal animals, including leopards and lions when they are more active.
- Patience and Persistence: While Akagera offers good chances of seeing the Big Five, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The more time you spend on game drives, and the more vigilant you are, the higher your chances.
- Experienced Guides: Hiring an experienced local guide significantly increases your chances of spotting elusive animals and provides valuable insights into the park’s ecosystem.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to September and December to February) is generally considered ideal for wildlife viewing as vegetation is thinner and animals congregate around water sources.
While Rwanda is widely celebrated for its primate experiences, a safari in Akagera National Park provides a complete and rewarding Big Five safari experience, showcasing the country’s impressive commitment to wildlife conservation.