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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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Google review

"We booked our 10-day safari in Tanzania and Kenya through Discover Africa, and it exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation through the end of our journey, everything was exceptionally well organized, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying ..."

Dwyane George, United States•04 Aug 2026•

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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 States•16 Jun 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"Chrizaan was wonderful. She took our requests to heart and created a once in a lifetime trip for us. The transportation was arranged flawlessly and the safaris were breathtaking. We saw so much and did so much but it didn’t feel rushed. I would recommend Ch..."

Jacqueline Berkebile, United States•28 May 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"Chrizaan arranged an amazing safari experience for six of us, who came from the UK and Australia. She secured our booking at a superb Lodge in the Kruger at relatively short notice, tied in the flight transfers and ensured that the whole experience ran smoo..."

Bethany Evans, United Kingdom•10 Apr 2026•

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Safari Bookings review

"Very professional in the approach of customer’s needs. Intelligent in the approach and in the design of our safari in Botswana taking into account some of the constraints that we had. We were extremely happy with all the camps that were recommended to us. T..."

Jean Francois, Portugal•16 Mar 2026•

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"Discover Africa and their trip advisor Megan Warrington did a fantastic job arranging our trip to Cape Town, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), and the Chobe River and Kwara Camp in Botswana. We originally planned this trip a few years ago, but had to cancel. Megan..."

Roger Pennifill, United States•12 Nov 2025•

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