Rwanda is known for its gorilla experience and primates. But this equatorial rain-forested volcanic country also includes a more 'typical' safari destination.
The last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda is Akagera National Park, bordering Tanzania in the east of the country. It is considered central Africa's largest protected wetland.
Here you can see safari's famous "big five" (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo). An area of natural varied wilderness and beauty, Akagera, has rolling hills, swamps, deep valleys, and vast savannah plains. Wetlands and lakes means plenty of differing wildlife species and spectacular birdlife, including the fascinating, rare shoebill stork, a bucket list bird for tweeters, and quite a sight for anyone, this prehistoric looking bird.
Tourism is having a positive impact in this area. Akagera was decimated during the 1994 genocide. It didn't fare much better following this time, with both an increase in poaching and returnees needing to use the parkland for cattle. But the past ten years have seen significant rehabilitation, and today, this is a genuinely excellent safari experience in Africa.
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