Akagera National Park, being the only Savannah park in the country, is the sole habitat of the iconic African Big Five animals: the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered rhino.
Initially, lions and rhinos were extinct in Akagera National Park due to poaching, where most animals were killed during the political unrest in Rwanda in the early ’90s, especially during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. After the genocide, the Rwandan people returning to their country encroached on the park’s areas, displacing the wild animals and causing harm.
However, intensive conservation efforts by the Rwandan government through the Rwanda Development Board and partnerships with non-profit organizations led to the reintroduction of these two species back into the park. Lions were reintroduced in Akagera National Park in 2015, black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017, and in 2021, white rhinos were relocated to the park. Since then, both species have reproduced and are thriving well in the national park.
The Big 5 Animals in Akagera National Park
Below are the Big 5 Animals in Akagera National Park.
Rhinos
Both black and white rhinos inhabit the national park. Black rhinos inhabit the southern part of the park, characterized by forests and acacia woodlands. White rhinos inhabit the grasslands of Akagera, especially the northern part of the park. Black rhinos are browsers, while white rhinos are grazers.
Lions
Lions inhabit both the north and south regions of the Akagera National Park. Best seen in the northern part of the park because prey is readily available to them.
Elephants
Over 100 elephants inhabit Akagera National Park. Easily seen on a safari in the park.
Buffalo
The buffalo is the most common member of the Big 5 in Akagera National Park that you are sure to encounter on your visit. There are about 4,000 individuals in the park, mostly inhabiting the northern part.
Leopards
Leopards are the most elusive among the Big 5 and rarely seen in Akagera National Park.
Requires a lot of patience to spot the leopard during day game drives.
Go on a night game drive for higher chances of seeing the leopard in Akagera National Park.
Plan your gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda with a visit to Akagera National Park to see the African Big 5 animals for an epic Rwanda safari.
Visit Akagera National Park in Rwanda with these recommended Rwanda tour companies or send us an inquiry below to book through us directly.
