Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park's proximity to Kigali makes it a perfect day trip or two-day excursion from the Rwandan capital, offering something different from the rolling hills and dense jungle that typifies Rwanda's landscape.

While Akagera can't hope to compare to more established game-drive parks such as the Maasai Mara in Kenya or Tanzania's Serengeti, recent efforts to relocate both rhinos and lions to the park mean that Akagera is a Big Five destination. While elephant, rhino, and leopard sightings are uncommon, a day or two in Akagera is a great way to spot wildlife you wouldn't find anywhere else in Rwanda.

The park's recent renewal means that it remains a truly off-the-beaten-path destination and a great place to get away from the tourists that crowd parks like Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.

The park offers a diverse range of activities including night game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and behind the scenes tours of Park Headquarters to give visitors a greater understanding of the work that goes into maintaining a wildlife sanctuary.

Akagera is also a haven for birdwatchers.

Far from being an afterthought, Akagera National Park is a worthy addition to any Rwandan vacation.