Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is the country’s only savannah park, and since the return of lions in 2015 and rhinos in 2017 it is a full Big Five destination.
Game drives. Early morning and late afternoon are best. The northern plains around Lake Rwanyakazinga are where lions, elephants and buffalo are most often seen.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema. Hippos, crocodiles and shoebill storks along the shoreline. Trips run several times a day and last about an hour.
Night drives. Akagera is one of the few parks in the region offering guided night drives, giving you a chance at leopard, hyena and bushbaby.
When to go. The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, concentrate wildlife around the lakes and make tracks easier to drive.
Distance. Two and a half hours from Kigali, which makes a two-night trip very comfortable.