TourismMost European travellers fly to Rwanda for one reason: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. But if you stop there, you’re missing one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories — and some of the best game driving in East Africa.
Akagera National Park, sprawling across 1,122 square kilometres of savannah, wetlands, and lakes along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania, has transformed from a neglected reserve into a thriving Big Five destination. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, rhinos followed in 2017, and today Akagera is home to all of Africa’s iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino.
Unlike the Serengeti or Masai Mara, Akagera remains refreshingly uncrowded. On a morning game drive, you might spot a herd of elephants at a waterhole with no other vehicle in sight. For British and European travellers tired of bumper-to-bumper safari convoys, this is a revelation.
The park’s diverse landscape is another draw. In a single day, you can drive through rolling savannah dotted with acacia trees, cruise past hippo pods on Lake Ihema, and watch fish eagles swoop over papyrus-lined wetlands. The scenery shifts constantly, keeping every hour of your safari fresh.
Game drives are the main attraction. The southern section around Lakes Ihema, Shakani, and Mihindi offers the best wildlife concentrations. Early morning drives (departing at 6 AM) give you the best chance of spotting predators — lions are most active at dawn, and leopards occasionally appear along the Mutumba Hills ridge.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema are Akagera’s signature experience. Gliding past pods of 30-plus hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, and dozens of waterbird species including the rare shoebill stork — it’s unlike any game drive. The 2-hour morning or afternoon cruise costs around $50 per person and is absolutely worth it.
Night game drives reveal a completely different Akagera. With a spotlight-equipped vehicle, you can spot nocturnal species like aardvarks, genets, bush babies, and the elusive leopard. This is one of the few East African parks where night drives are readily available.
Park entry fees for international visitors are $50 per person per day — significantly cheaper than Kenya’s Masai Mara ($80) or Tanzania’s Serengeti ($82). A guided game drive with a park ranger costs $40 per vehicle. For European travellers watching their budget, Akagera delivers exceptional value.
The park has accommodation ranging from budget camping ($30 per person) to the luxury Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris, where rates start around £800 per night all-inclusive. The mid-range Ruzizi Tented Lodge, perched above Lake Ihema, offers comfortable tented rooms from $150 per person — ideal for travellers who want quality without the luxury price tag.
From Kigali, Akagera is a 2.5-hour drive east. Most European visitors arrive on direct flights from London, Brussels, or Amsterdam to Kigali International Airport, making the logistics straightforward.
The smartest way for European travellers to experience Rwanda is combining Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking) with Akagera (Big Five safari). A typical 5-day itinerary looks like this:
Days 1-2: Fly into Kigali, drive to Volcanoes National Park, trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Days 3-4: Drive to Akagera for game drives and a Lake Ihema boat safari. Day 5: Return to Kigali for your flight home.
This combination gives you both of Rwanda’s headline experiences — and it’s something no other country in East Africa can match in just five days. With gorilla permits at $1,500, the total trip cost from London starts around £3,500 per person including flights, accommodation, and all activities.
The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best game viewing, as animals concentrate around water sources. June through August aligns perfectly with European summer holidays, making it ideal for British and continental travellers. The wet season (March to May) brings lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, with discounted accommodation rates.
Ready to combine gorilla trekking with Big Five game drives in Rwanda? Contact Nature Nest Safaris at book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912 to plan your perfect Rwanda itinerary. As East Africa safari specialists, we handle permits, accommodation, and transfers — so you just enjoy the adventure.
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