Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda features a classic African safari experience in a unique landscape of hills and lakes. After years of restoration, the park is now home to the famous 'Big Five': lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The terrain varies from open plains to dense acacia forests and the extensive wetlands of Lake Ihema, creating an enormous variety of habitats. Visitors can participate in classic game drives or take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to observe hippos, giant crocodiles, and countless water birds such as the rare shoebill stork. The landscape is exceptionally green and hilly compared to many other savannah parks, providing dramatic photographic motifs. Night game drives also offer the chance to see nocturnal animals like hyenas and bushbabies. In the region, there are both exclusive luxury camps and more affordable lodges that work closely with local communities. The park is easily reachable from Kigali in about two to three hours. The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season from June to September, when animals gather at the remaining water holes, but the rainy season also has its charm with the particularly lush, green landscape.

Nearby cities

Nyagatare

The largest urban center in the northeast, characterized by cattle ranching on vast, flat savannas.

Rwamagana

The capital of the Eastern Province is characterized by a large industrial area and new solar power plants.

Ngoma

An important educational and commercial center near the Tanzanian border, surrounded by extensive banana plantations.

Kayonza

A major transport hub where the main roads to Tanzania and Uganda divide.

Nyamata

The main settlement of the Bugesera district, where a new international airport for Rwanda is being built.

Rwinkwavu

A historic tin mining center that today boasts a model hospital thanks to international support.

Rukara

The educational center of the Kayonza district has a teachers' college that trains teachers for all of Rwanda.

Kabarondo

This booming transit town connects travelers with the wildlife experiences in the Akagera National Park further east.

Nasho

Located on Lake Nasho, the city benefits from a modern solar irrigation project to increase crop yields.

Kiziguro

Once the seat of historical local rulers, this place in the Gatsibo district is now known for its important district hospital.

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Lake Muhazi

A tranquil, narrow lake located near Kigali, popular for weekend retreats, fishing, and peaceful relaxation.

Murambi

An agricultural stronghold in the east, whose name, although carrying a sad history, now symbolizes recovery.

Gatsibo

A rapidly growing rural settlement in the Eastern Province, where modern livestock farming dominates the economy.

Rukira

A community dominated by traditional agriculture, where sorghum and beans define the image of the Eastern Province.

Kirehe

A bustling town in the southeast, near the Rusumo border post, serving as a gateway for goods from Tanzania.

History & landmarks

Nyanza Christ the King Parish

A historically significant church in Nyanza closely associated with the history of the Rwandan royal family and the Christianization of t…

King's Palace Museum Nyanza

A detailed reconstruction of the traditional royal residence in Nyanza, offering insights into the pre-colonial Rwandan monarchy.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Wisdom Butare

An impressive brick cathedral and the main religious building in Butare (Huye), the historic academic capital of Rwanda.

Ethnographic Museum

An important museum in Butare (Huye) housing one of the best ethnological collections in Central Africa on traditional Rwandan culture.

Murambi Genocide Memorial

A former technical school in southern Rwanda that became a harrowing memorial for the thousands of Tutsi massacred there in 1994.

More places

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Rwamagana Solar Park

One of East Africa's largest solar plants, designed in the shape of the African continent.

Bramin Maize Processing

An industrial agricultural facility processing maize and soybeans on a large scale.

Bugesera Industrial Park

An industrial park under construction near the new international airport.

Bugesera Tin Smelting

A facility for smelting and refining Rwandan tin ores (cassiterite) for export.

Rwesero Art Museum

Originally built as a palace for King Mutara III, the building now serves as a national art museum.

Mwima Mausoleum

The resting place of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda, significant figures in recent history.

Rukari Ancient History Museum

This museum in Nyanza is dedicated to the history of pre-colonial Rwanda and the traditions of the kings.

King's Palace Nyanza

A reconstruction of the traditional royal palace that provides insight into the life of the Rwandan kings.