Did you know National Geographic has featured Akagera National Park in Rwanda as of one the best places to travel to in 2026? Yes, National Geographic now thinks Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is one of the places you can enjoy a wonderful safari in Africa, watching plenty of game and enjoy the African savanna.

Well, Akagera National Park has not been on the radar of safari seekers or travelers. I mean, with the likes of Masai Mara in Kenya, Serengeti in Tanzania, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, what can one expect to find in Akagera National Park?

For the last 2 decades or so, Akagera National Park has been undergoing recovery, after have gone through the civil wars of the 90’s and losing a lot of her territory to settlers and lots of wildlife to poachers and human-wildlife conflict. Iconic animals like Lions and rhinos had gone extirpated, while numbers of several other big game had dwindled so much that seeing a herd of elephants or one giraffe was considered a lucky day in the park.

Fast forward, the lost animals such as lions and rhinos have been re-introduced back into the park and are flourishing. Populations of several wildlife have greatly increased, and the park boundary is well protected with an electric fence and daily patrols. It is probably one of the most protected game parks in Africa.

Akagera National Park can now capture the attention of National Geographic and has actually made it on their list of places to travel to in the year 2026.

National Geographic recognizes the abundant wildlife and interesting activities to do in this beautiful park.

In a nutshell, here are top things from National Geographic to do in Akagera National Park

  • Game drives into the bushes. You can take the day long game drive to see lots of big game. Night drives are also permitted to spot animals
  • Boat safari on the Lake Ihema to watch hippos, crocodiles, and lots waterfowl
  • Balloon safari to explore deep into the savannah and savor the breathtaking landscape

Walking safari in the bush to feel and see nature up-close

What National Geographic did not you about Akagera National Park

Here is what else you need to know why Akagera National Park stands out

Easy to visit

Akagera National Park is only two hours drive from the capital Kigali and the International Airport. This makes it one of the easiest parks to visit upon landing in the capital. It is very popular for day trips from Kigali, leaving Kigali at 5am and by 7am are at the park gate for a full day’s safari, exiting the park by 4pm and you will be back in Kigali by 6.30pm

No crowds

Akagera National Park is still to be discovered as a safari destination hence there are no crowds. This is a good thing if you visit now as you will not be competing for sightings of iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes. Etc…

Impeccable birdlife

Akagera National Park is birdwatching heaven with more than 500 bird species in such a small territory. A lot of birdwatchers visiting Rwanda come for the Albertine rift endemics and forest species in western regions of the country, and yet will add other countries in the region for the savannah species which can be found in Akagera National Park. One of the key species is the Red-faced Barbet. There have also been sightings of the iconic Shoebill in the wetlands of the park.

Combine a big game experience with the amazing gorilla trek

Akagera National Park gives you a perfect opportunity to combine a satisfying big game experience with the ultimate gorilla tracking adventure. While a travelers book a gorilla trip in Rwanda and a big game safari in Kenya or Tanzania, Akagera National Park flourishing wildlife and improving big game experience present a chance to book both the wildlife safari and gorilla trek in Rwanda. This would greatly cut on costs of the trip.

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