Lion Safaris in Rwanda – Explore Akagera National Park’s Wildlife

Many people think of Rwanda for lion safaris, but few experience it because they think Rwanda’s wildlife viewing experience is not worth it compared to Kenya and Tanzania. This mindset has slowed conservation efforts.

The only place to go for a lion safari in Rwanda is Akagera National Park.

This park, separated by Lake Ihema at the border of Rwanda and Tanzania, is home to other carnivores like leopards and cheetahs, herbivores such as zebras, giraffes, and antelope, and reptiles like snakes, turtles, and crocodiles. It also hosts birds, monkeys, and gorillas, among others.

Popular activities in the park include:

• Camping: Tourists camp to watch animals at night and enjoy the atmosphere by a campfire with wooden chairs. Most people prefer camping in groups because some fear staying alone.
• Fishing: Visitors use traditional fishing methods unfamiliar to them, learning the craft of making baskets, spears, and nets. Common fish species include tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, found in Lakes Shani and Ihema.
• Bird-watching: The park has many bird species like the African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, Marabou Stork, and Sooty Chat. Their unique calls make the experience enjoyable, even if it feels like they are speaking a strange language.

Preparing for a Rwanda Lion Safari

Before heading out, tourists should prepare:

• Safari shoes: Light, earth-colored hiking boots are ideal for trekking and won’t attract insects. Avoid high heels in muddy or hilly areas, but bring classy shoes for dinners at hotels.
• Safari hats: Hats in black or brown protect tourists from the sun during treks.
• Safari clothes: Light clothing is best for hot areas, as sweaters may feel uncomfortable.
• Raincoat: Waterproof coats are useful for camping or trekking to stay dry during rain.

Night Game Drives

Night drives in Akagera begin at 5:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm. Tourists film nocturnal animals seeking safe shelter for the night.

Drives take place in safari vehicles with security personnel to ensure safety.

Transport to the Park

• Road transport: From Kigali, it takes 2–3 hours to reach the park via the Kiyonza Gate, where entry fees are paid. Exiting the park is through Nyungwe Gate to avoid congestion.
• Air transport: Flights from Kigali take 20 minutes and are ideal for tourists wanting aerial views.

Accommodation – Where to Stay

Akagera offers accommodations like Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, and Karenge Bush Camp. Entry fees are USD 150 per adult for three days and USD 100 per child for three days.

Best Time to See Lions in Rwanda

The best time to see lions is during periods of water adequacy when animals gather at water sources. Lions, needing water despite drinking blood, are active early in the morning. Tourists aiming to spot them should rise early or join night drives to see nocturnal animals.

Planning Your Visit

Tourists should budget for their trip based on their preferences—luxury, moderate, or humble. Examples include:

• 10-Day Explore Uganda and Rwanda: This tour allows visitors aged 15–85 to explore Kigali or Entebbe.
• 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari: This tour visits Akagera National Park, Butare, Rubavu, Kibuye, and Musanze. Guides fluent in English or French are available, and the cost is about $640 per person per day.

Tourists need a visa, obtainable online, at an embassy, or on arrival. An East African Tourist Visa allows entry to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Requirements include a passport, photo, and supporting documents. Contact the Rwanda Immigration Office for assistance.

Luxury options include stays at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge, Wilderness Bisate, and Wilderness Magashi, among others.

A life enriched by new experiences leaves no regrets. Visit Akagera National Park for a memorable lion safari in Rwanda.

Popular Rwanda Lion Safari Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular Rwanda lion safari questions and answers. They will help you plan your trip even better.

1. Why don’t many people go on lion safaris in Rwanda? They think Rwanda’s wildlife is not as good as Kenya’s or Tanzania’s.
2. What has this belief caused? It has slowed conservation efforts.
3. Where can you go for a lion safari in Rwanda? Akagera National Park.
4. Where is Akagera National Park located? It is near Lake Ihema at the border of Rwanda and Tanzania.
5. What other carnivores live in Akagera National Park? Leopards and cheetahs.
6. What herbivores can you find in the park? Zebras, giraffes, and antelope.
7. What reptiles are in the park? Snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
8. What other animals live in Akagera? Birds, monkeys, and gorillas.
9. What activities can tourists do in the park? Camping, fishing, bird-watching, and game drives.
10. What is camping in Akagera like? Tourists camp at night near a campfire with wooden chairs, often in groups.
11. Why do some tourists prefer group camping? Because some people fear camping alone.
12. What is special about fishing in Akagera? Tourists use traditional fishing methods and learn to make nets and spears.
13. Which fish species are found in Akagera? Tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch.
14. Where can you fish in Akagera? In Lakes Shakani and Ihema.
15. What bird species can you see in the park? African Fish Eagle, Marabou Stork, Black-headed Gonolek, and others.
16. Why is bird-watching enjoyable in Akagera? Birds have unique calls that sound like a strange language.
17. What shoes should tourists wear on safari? Light, earth-colored hiking boots for trekking.
18. What types of shoes should tourists avoid? High-heeled shoes in muddy or hilly areas.
19. Why do tourists need safari hats? To protect themselves from the sun.
20. What kind of clothes are best for a safari? Light clothes for hot areas.
21. Why is a raincoat necessary? To stay dry during rain when camping or trekking.
22. What are night game drives in Akagera? They are evening drives to see nocturnal animals.
23. When do night drives take place? From 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
24. How long does it take to reach Akagera by road from Kigali? 2–3 hours.
25. How long does it take to reach Akagera by air from Kigali? 20 minutes.
26. What are some accommodation options in Akagera? Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
27. How much is the park entry fee? Adults pay USD 150 for three days, and children pay USD 75.
28. When is the best time to see lions in Akagera? During water-abundant times when animals gather at water sources.
29. What tours are available for visiting Akagera? Options include “10 Days Explore Uganda and Rwanda” or “10 Days Best of Rwanda Safari.”
30. Do tourists need a visa to visit Rwanda? Yes, visas can be obtained online, at an embassy, or on arrival.