Rwanda has Akagera national park the only savanna national park in the country. The park is located in eastern region, gazetted with large savanna grasslands, woodlands and water bodies which shelter the big five, aquatic animals and other wildlife in the park. The big five profile is defined by the five species; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes and Rhinoceros. Beyond the big five, Akagera national park features large wetlands which hosts aquatic mammals like Masai Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles and over 450 bird species. Apart from the big five, the park hosts several wild animals such as Zebras, Antelopes, Bush babies, Warthogs among others.

How to explore Rwanda’s big five?

• Game drives: This is the premier way to explore Rwanda’s abundant wildlife in Akagera’s savanna grasslands. The park offers both day and night game drives; Morning game drives run from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This is the best time to spot wild animals since they are highly active in the cooler hours.

Afternoon game drives run from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During these hours, animals are highly spotted while gathering around water sources like Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani for drinking.

Night game drives start from 5:30 PM to around 8:30 PM. Visitors get an opportunity to spot wild predators (lions, leopards) hunting other creatures like bush babies using spotlights. These wild predators especially leopards are more active during night hours. For your own information, spotting these predators it is recommended to go for a guided tour since it is more challenging to spot them.

• Boat cruises: The park is gazetted with water bodies which support aquatic wildlife. The park has Lake Ihema and Shakani used for launching boat cruise. You can spot the aquatic animals (Hippopotamuses, crocodiles) through boat cruises. Through boat cruise, visitors get a chance to spot other wild animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebras on shores of water banks gathering for water.

Through boat cruises, explore Akagera’s water birds on the shores of water bodies (lakes) and wetlands. Popular bird species found in the park include; shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, malachite kingfishers, herons among others.

Best times for a big five safari.

Dry seasons (peak seasons) are highly recommended to travelers for a big five safari. Rwanda has two dry seasons; Long dry seasons which run from June to September and short dry seasons from December to February. During these months, animals are easier spotted since water tend to be very scarce leading large herds of wild animals to congregate around water sources. In these months, roads in remote areas near Akagera national park are easily impassable without fear of muds and floods.

What to pack for a big five safari.

For a savanna safari in Akagera national park especially game drives, travelers are recommended to move with;

• High quality binoculars: For spotting wild predators (lions, rhinos, leopards) and some bird species in long distances.
• Insect repellents: To protect against mosquitos, tsetse flies among others for health safety.
• Daypack: To hold your water bottle, camera and sunscreen in the safari vehicle.
• Lightweight raincoat: For rain protection especially during rainy seasons.
• Camera with zoom lens: To capture wildlife safely from a long distance especially the wild predators.
• Closed walking shoes: Move with comfortable sneakers or light hiking boots for walking safaris or moving around camp.

Where to stay during a big five safari.

Akagera National Park is accommodated with several safari lodges ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget. Stay in the safari lodge of your choice according to your budget. For luxury travelers, there is Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Wilderness Magashi. Mid- range accommodations; Akagera game lodge and Salt of Akagera.