Akagera National Park: Location, Attractions, Activities & Best Time

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the eastern regions of Rwanda, approximately 120 kilometers from Kigali, along the border with Tanzania. It is the largest park in Rwanda, covering an area of about 1,122 square kilometers.

Established in 1934, Akagera National Park is one of the oldest parks in Africa and was named after the River Kagera, which flows along its eastern boundary. This park is home to the Big Five animals of Rwanda.

The river attracts and gives life to a variety of wildlife species found in the park. It also feeds different lakes found both within and outside of the park, namely Lake Gishanju, Lake Ihema, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, and Lake Shakani. 

Akagera National Park is characterized by diverse landscapes, changing from rolling highlands, forests, and Savannah grasslands to lakes and swamps, offering stunning scenic views

Despite its current success, Akagera National Park has had a very challenging history, especially during and after the tragic 1994 Rwanda genocide. 

The park was used as a hideout during the war, and many citizens fled to it, leading to severe poaching.

After the war, the park was encroached upon for settlement and agriculture by returning refugees, leading to severe deforestation for timber and firewood.

The government became concerned and couldn’t chase away the people who had nowhere to go. Therefore, it decided to allocate a portion of the park to these people to start a new life.

The remaining land was strictly reserved to protect the wildlife, and strict laws were established to prevent any kind of encroachment and poaching.

The Rwanda Development Board made significant efforts to restore the park’s ecosystem. In 2010, it partnered with African Parks, an NGO, in support of the Howard Buffet Foundation and other organizations to manage the park.

They developed strategies to restore the park’s ecosystem, including reintroducing animal species that had gone extinct, such as lions and rhinoceros.

Rhinos of Akagera National Park
Rhinos in Akagera National Park

The program has been a great success and Akagera National Park, which had deteriorated, underwent remarkable transformations, leading to the diverse ecosystem it now supports.

The park is now home to the Big 5 animals of Rwanda namely the lion, leopard, African elephant, rhino, and African buffalo. Besides the Big 5, it is also a habitat for various plants, birds, and animal species.

It is home to over 8,000 wild animals namely topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyenas, waterbuck, bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer, Sitatunga Antelopes and roan antelope, mongoose, eland, zebra, serval cats, duiker, impala, black-masked civet, reedbuck, among others. primate species include olive baboons, bush babies vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.

It is documented to hold over 480 bird species inclusive of the notable species such as the shoebill and papyrus gonolek, sighted around swamps and marsh lands during boat safaris.

Other species commonly sighted around the park include African fish eagles, egrets, Herons, marabou stork, cormorants, crowned cranes,  and open-billed stork.

Attractions of Akagera National Park

The Big 5

Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where the Big 5 animals can be sighted. Its diverse ecosystem has made it one of Rwanda’s iconic destinations, attracting hundreds of visitors on wildlife safaris annually who come to embrace its beauty and have a great time.

Lakes and Wetlands:

In these natural habitats, different aquatic life is spotted such as crocodiles, Hippos, different fish species, amphibians, different wading birds such as the notable shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and herons. The teaming up of wildlife and these water bodies offers the best breathtaking scenery.

Scenic landscapes:

Akagera National Park features diverse landscapes, including rolling highlands, forests, Savannah grasslands, and lush vegetation, providing stunning views and backgrounds for photography.

Diverse wildlife:

In addition to the Big Five animals, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species spread across different habitats. The best way to see them is with the help of an experienced park guide or ranger, who can accompany you on game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks.

Things to do in Akagera National Park

Game drives:

Game drives are an ideal way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem. These drives are best done in the morning or in the afternoon when the wildlife is active and spread throughout their habitats.

 To ensure the best experience and safety, tourists are accompanied by armed and experienced wildlife rangers to help them spot different animals during the drives.

Akagera National Park animals commonly sighted during game drives include topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs,
zebras, hyenas, Elands, impalas, black-masked civets, reedbuck, bush pigs,
giraffe, side-stripped jackal, waterbuck, mongoose, eland, zebra, serval cats,
duiker, , Klipspringer, Sitatunga Antelopes, and roan antelopes.

The car trails of Akagera are well maintained to offer visitors the best experience. Akagera also offers night game drives to give visitors the experience of observing nocturnal animals, which are difficult to spot during the day. Animals such as genets, mongooses, bush babies, owls, nightjars, leopards, and hyenas are often spotted during these drives.

Bird Watching;

In Akagera, birders have the opportunity to spot various bird species in different habitats including the forest, wetlands, and savannah. Some of these species include the Shoebill stork,

Arnot’s chat, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, long-tailed cisticola, red-faced barbet, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, and suaza shrike.

Sport Fishing;

Fishing tournaments in Akagera attract both local and international participants. They are organized in a highly competitive manner, with participants aiming to catch the biggest or the most fish within a set time frame.

Competitors are organized into different categories for different species of fish and different fishing methods. Winners are rewarded by preparing and eating their own catch, making it a very rewarding and unique experience.

Boat safaris;

This watch is perfect for getting a close-up view of aquatic life. Boat safaris are common on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. During the ride, you can see hippos, crocodiles, different fish species, wading birds, and other animals cooling off at the lake shores. A boat safari in Akagera costs only $40, and each boat can accommodate up to 11 people.

Nature walks;

“The park is featured with well-maintained trails leading to different sections, offering visitors many opportunities to explore its diverse ecosystem on foot. Nature walks are organized as one of the activities in the park and are led by experienced guides who are well-versed with the trail network of the park.

Cultural Visits:

Akagera National Park provides visitors with the chance to interact with local communities living around the park. 

These interactions are best scheduled for the evening or afternoon and are guided by community guides. 

During these cultural visits, guests can witness and take part in activities such as traditional music and dance,

as well as local practices like beer brewing, cattle care, milking, and food preparation. This offers a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Akagera National Park Price

Park Entry Fees

The entrance fees for Akagera National Park vary depending on the residency status of an individual. Rwandan citizen’s entrance fee is RWF 15,000 per person per day. East African Community residents RWF 25,000, and foreign nonresidents USD 100. 

This fee grants access to the park’s main areas, including game drive routes, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. Children and students often enjoy discounted rates which makes it more affordable for families and educational groups.

Game Drives and Vehicle Hire

Game drives are a highlight of any visit to Akagera National Park. Visitors can either self-drive or hire a park vehicle. 

If you opt for a self-drive experience, it’s essential to bring a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. Vehicle entry fees for personal cars range from RWF 10,000 to RWF 40,000, depending on the vehicle’s size. 

If you prefer a guided experience, the park offers vehicle hire services at approximately USD 180 per vehicle, including a knowledgeable guide. The game drive costs are additional and are usually around USD 30 per guide, per half-day.

Boat Safaris

A boat safari on Lake Ihema is another popular activity in Akagera National Park. This experience offers the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close.

 Boat trips cost around USD 40 per person for a one-hour safari. Private boat trips are also available for groups, costing USD 180.

How to get to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located 110 km from the capital, Kigali, which is approximately a 3-hour drive and can only be accessed by road transport.

 The most common route used to access the park is via the RN3 road through Rwamagana, following the signs leading up to the park. 

To ensure the best experience for visitors, we recommend hiring a car with a driver, as local drivers are very familiar with all the road networks. 

Solo travelers can also easily navigate to the park using a short direct route featured with road signs, and it doesn’t pass through remote areas.

A traveler can also choose to use public transport by boarding a bus from Kigali to Kayonza and then hire a private taxi or a motorbike for the rest of the journey to the park entrance. Motorbikes or taxis are always readily available at the bus stop to transfer visitors to the main park entrance.

Important tip for sole travelers;

The main entrance to Akagera National Park is the Southern Gate.

Park entry fees may vary depending on the travel season. It’s essential to check the Akagera official website or contact them directly for updates and any other inquiries.

Solo travelers should ensure they have enough fuel for the journey, as there are very few refueling stations along the way.

Best Time to Visit 

Akagera National Park is open for adventures all year round, but we recommend visiting during the dry seasons for the best experience. Rwanda has two dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, characterized by occasional rainfall and less dense vegetation.

During these periods, wildlife activities in the park are very enjoyable as the animals are more active, offering the best wildlife viewing as the vegetation is less dense. 

These are perfect seasons for bird watching, animal tracking, cultural encounters, and nature walks.

However, travelers should note that dry seasons come with high traffic and are advised to book permits, accommodations, and car rentals in advance to facilitate their Uganda safaris.

Travelers can also visit the park during the wet seasons.

 Although these periods are characterized by heavy rainfall, they come with numerous benefits such as potential discounts on accommodations, park permits, and car rentals. Additionally, there are fewer crowds, ensuring the availability of permits.

Accommodations in Akagera

Akagera National Park offers a variety of accommodations suiting different traveler preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best options:

Luxury Lodges of Akagera

Magashi Camp: This is a high-end luxury camp located in the northeastern regions of the park, offering stunning views of Lake Rwanyakazinga. It features spacious comfortable tents, a dining and lounge area, and a relaxing swimming pool.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge: It is an eco-friendly lodge located on the shores of Lake Ihema, featured with stunning panoramic views of the lake and luxury comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms. The lodge is eco-friendly using solar-power energy and offers a serene experience.

Mid-Range Lodges

Akagera Game Lodge: It is a comfortable lodge situated on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema. It offers a variety of well maintained rooms, a restaurant, stocked bar, swimming pool, and conference facilities for the best experience.

Budget Options

Karenge Bush Camp:  this is a seasonal camp located in the northern regions of the park, offering a simple and adventurous experience. The camp is featured with canvas tents installed with basic amenities hence it is ready to provide adventurers with an immersive wildlife experience.

Camping Sites

Mutumba Hill Campsite: Its Location on a hill offers panoramic views of the park, this campsite is an ideal sight for sole travelers looking forward to enjoying a self-camping experience.

 It has basic facilities ready to hold guests in comfort, including a shared bathroom and cooking area.

Shakani Campsite: It is located near Lake Shakani, this campsite is perfect for fishing enthusiasts and those looking for a quieter, more secluded camping experience. It also has basic amenities like shared bathrooms and a cooking area.

Muyumbu Campsite: Offers scenic views of Lake Ihema and is a good spot for bird watching and enjoying the natural surroundings. Basic facilities include a cooking area, dining, shared birth room, and spacious space.

Akagera National Park Video

Frequently Asked Questions About Activities in Akagera National Park

1. What activities can I do in Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park offers a variety of activities, including game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, birdwatching, nature walks, cultural encounters, behind-the-scenes conservation tours, and camping.

2. What is the best time for a game drive in Akagera National Park?
The best time for a game drive is early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Morning drives start around 6 AM, while evening drives begin at 4 PM.

3. Can I do a self-drive safari in Akagera National Park?
Yes, self-drive safaris are allowed, and the park provides well-marked tracks. However, hiring a park guide is recommended to enhance the experience and increase wildlife sightings.

4. What wildlife can I expect to see in Akagera National Park?
Akagera is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

5. Are guided game drives available, and how much do they cost?
Yes, guided game drives are available and conducted by experienced park rangers. Prices vary depending on the duration, typically starting from $40 per person for a half-day drive.

6. What can I expect during a boat safari on Lake Ihema?
A boat safari offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. It lasts about 1–2 hours and provides a relaxing experience on the water.

7. Can I go on a night game drive in Akagera National Park?
Yes, night game drives are available, offering a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. Night drives usually start around 6:30 PM and last for about 2–3 hours.

8. Is Akagera National Park good for birdwatching?
Absolutely! Akagera is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 recorded species, including raptors, water birds, and savannah species. Popular birding areas include Lake Ihema and the park’s diverse landscapes.

9. Are there cultural experiences available in Akagera National Park?
Yes, visitors can engage in cultural encounters with local communities, including traditional dances, storytelling, and learning about Rwandan heritage through guided village visits.

10. Is camping allowed in Akagera National Park?
Yes, camping is allowed, with designated campsites offering basic facilities. Guests must bring their own camping gear or rent it from the park.

11. How long does a typical visit to Akagera National Park take?
A typical visit can range from a one-day safari to a 2–3-day stay, allowing ample time to explore different areas of the park and engage in various activities.

12. Are there accommodation options inside Akagera National Park?
Yes, the park offers a range of accommodations, including luxury lodges, mid-range camps, and budget-friendly campsites. Options include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, and Karenge Bush Camp.

13. Do I need to book activities in advance?
It is recommended to book activities in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure slots for guided tours, boat safaris, and accommodations.

14. Is Akagera National Park safe for visitors?
Yes, the park is safe for visitors, with well-maintained infrastructure and experienced rangers ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.

15. How do I get to Akagera National Park?
Akagera is about a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali. Visitors can use private vehicles, tour operator services, or public transport to reach the park entrance.

Akagera National Park Map