Lions are the few big cats found in Rwanda, the lions are one of the most sought-after safari species, and one of the most impressive to observe. Lions have been extinct in Rwanda since 1994, a fate of many populations in recent decades. Akagera National Park is the best place to see Lions in Rwanda.
Due to poaching and little conservation measures across the park boundaries, Lions, which numbered more than 300 before the 1990s, were gone by 2002. Poachers continued to infiltrate the park boundaries to pull thousands of pounds of fish out of the area’s several lakes every night. However, in 2015 five females and two males for a total of seven lions were reintroduced to Akagera National Park from South Africa and in 2017 two more males were added. Over the last three years, 15 cubs were born and the park has actually a population of 22 lions.
Places to see lions in Rwanda
Lions can only be sighted in Akagera national park in Rwanda. The Park is located in North Eastern region and gives you the opportunity to spot the Big Five wildlife in Rwanda. Buffaloes and elephants are most common, but leopards are observed with increasing frequency on night game drives, plus lion and black rhino’s population is growing. Other wildlife that you can view includes Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, roan antelope, klipspringer and the secretive semi-aquatic sitatunga. Spotted hyena, genet, civet, white-tailed mongoose, bush baby, elephant-shrew and various species of owl and nightjar are often seen on night drives which you can opt to have in the night as well.
Game drives are done with in the park tracks strictly allocated as a way of conservation and we cannot promise 100% chance of seeing the Lions because nature dictates, but you can plan and spend more days, do more game drives in the Park for Better chances. Other animals found in Akagera include Leopard, hyena and side-striped jackal make up the larger predators in the park. Notable plains game include elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelope are duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala. Primates can also be seen in the Park such as olive baboons, vervets and the secretive blue monkey are seen during the day, with bush babies often seen on night drives.
How to get to Akagera National Park.
Akagera national park is located in the north Eastern region of Rwanda about 110 Kilometers from Kigali the capital of Rwanda, which is approximately 3-4hour drive. It is beautiful park with lush green scenery and lots of wildlife and birds to see. We do provide 4×4 Vehicles with open roof, having professional driver guide and drinking water for your great game safari in Akagera National Park
Where to stay in Akagera National Park
Lodges in Akagera National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options, Luxury options include Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge and Ruzizi Tented Camp. The prices range from USD200 to USD300 per person per night. They have great hospitality, clean rooms, VIP rooms and all have put in place the set SOPs for prevention and safety for the health of their clients.
The Midrange lodge options at Akagera National Park include Magashi camp, Dereva Hotel and Akagera Bush Lodge. For budge travelers the options are many from basic accommodation to camping.
Why book with Wilder Africa Holidays to see Lions in Akagera National Park
Wilder Africa Holidays offers amazing wildlife experiences to Akagera National Park and Rwanda as a destination for the past years. W also tailor budget gorilla trips, birding, cultural experiences and golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, Wildlife viewing among others. our experienced ad well knowledgeable consultants are always alert to answer timely and respond to clients’ inquiries for a memorable and well customized trip. Feel free to contact us at any moment.
