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Big 5 Rwanda Safaris

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

Rwanda might be a tiny landlocked country – and it may be best known for its mountain gorillas – but it also offers fantastic Big Five safari experiences. Thanks to conservation efforts, Akagera National Park has successfully reintroduced lions and rhinoceroses, making Rwanda a genuine Big Five safari destination in East Africa.

Why Should You Go on This Experience?

See the Big Five in One Park

Akagera National Park’s vast system of lakes and swamps is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo, offering a complete Big Five safari experience in one reserve. In fact, the park aims to become a pioneer in the breeding of white rhinoceroses, with a vision to distribute these precious herbivores throughout their former East African range.

The Land of a Thousand Hills

From steep mountainside forests and papyrus-strewn wetlands to deep valleys and vast grasslands, Rwanda’s varied terrain provides stunning backdrops for wildlife encounters. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why this mountain kingdom is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Exclusive Safari Experiences

Rwanda’s safaris are less crowded than those in other parts of Africa, making for a more intimate and personalised game-viewing experience. Stay in high-end lodges that offer top-tier service, stunning views, and exclusive game drives in Akagera National Park, where you can see all of the Big Five.

Conservation Success Stories

Akagera’s transformation from a depleted park to a thriving Big Five destination is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, following in the footsteps of gorilla conservation projects in Volcanoes National Park.

Best Destinations for Big Five Safaris in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

The only Big Five park in Rwanda, Akagera features vast savannahs, lakes, and wetlands. Conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced lions and rhinos, completing the Big Five experience.

Five Tips for Big Five Safaris

1. Visit in the Dry Season

From June to September, wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings easier.

2. Take a Boat Safari

In Akagera, a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a unique way to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

3. Book a Private Safari

For a more exclusive experience, opt for a private safari vehicle with an expert guide.

4. Stay at a Luxury Lodge

Enhance your experience by staying at a lodge that offers excellent game-viewing decks and night drives.

5. Support Conservation Efforts

Choose eco-friendly safari operators that contribute to the protection of Rwanda’s wildlife.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

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What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

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Trustpilot review

"My husband and I started planning our Safari in Sept to go in May. Vihann at Discover Africa was wonderful!! He setup a video call on our timeline to ask what we wanted and actually listened. He came up with a plan that we agreed to and the rest was easy. A..."

April Wilson, United States16 Jun 2026

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Trustpilot review

"From the very beginning, Bianca was a wonderful help in planning our South African safari. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful recommendations made our trip truly exceptional. Becks Safari Lodge was, in our group’s opinion, a six-star expe..."

Leanne Morris, Australia12 Jun 2026

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Trustpilot review

"Going to south and central Africa was a bucket list item for me and booking a big and expensive trip always feels a bit risky and you hope you have made the right choice. Booking with Discover Africa was fantastic from beginning to end! Our trip coordina..."

Deanna Rozak, United States25 May 2026

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Trustpilot review

"We really enjoyed our trip from South Africa to Botswana and Zimbabwe! Sometimes a lot of whether a trip is successful comes down to the logistics. In this case, Susan Veldman and the company took care of all details related to our accommodations, transitio..."

Martha Engber, United States22 May 2026

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"Very professional; quick to respond. The trip itself was fantastic. The lodging and the game drives were great. Guide was great; he anticipated where hard-to-find animals would show up. Lodge staff were very friendly. Food was great. "

Akos Ledeczi, United States12 Nov 2025

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"Our Hwange Safari and Victoria Falls tour, expertly arranged by Cayleigh Brown from Discover Africa, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the seamless logistics to the eco-conscious charm of Insika Lodge and Sable Valley Lodge, every detail refle..."

Ainsley, United States15 Oct 2025

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Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.