Akagera National Park is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda, covering an area of 2,500 square kilometers.
Akagera National Park is a unique destination in Rwanda, especially if you have already visited other parks in the country, as it is the only Savannah national park in Rwanda.
The park derives its name from the Kagera River, which runs through the park to Lake Ihema.
Visit Akagera with these recommended Rwanda tour operators.
Recommended Akagera Safari Itineraries
Akagera Entry Fees
- Entry fee for East African residents is 6,500 RWF for adults, and East African children pay 3,500 RWF.
- Foreign residents pay $35 for adults and $20 for children.
- Foreign non-residents pay an average of $100 – $200 for one to three days, and foreign non-resident children pay slightly lower than that.
- Small Rwandan-registered vehicles pay an entry fee of $12, and larger vehicles pay $24.
- Foreign-registered small vehicles pay $40, and large foreign vehicles pay $100 for entry.
History
While peace returned to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, it was a difficult time for Akagera National Park, as returning refugees turned to the park for deforestation, grazing, and bushmeat.
In 2010, African Parks, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, took steps to revive the park.
The project saw the return of black rhinoceroses, with five captive-bred black rhinoceroses transferred from Europe to the park in 2019.
Lions were also reintroduced in 2015, after having been hunted down in the 1990s.
To reduce human-wildlife conflict, a solar-powered predator fence was built.
Nearly 2,000 students and pupils visit the park for free every year as part of the environmental education program.
Location
Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, bordering Tanzania.
The Rwanda safari park can be accessed within a two-hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Visitors planning to fly to the park can use Akagera Aviation.
Best Time to Visit
Akagera National Park can be visited all year round, but some months are better than others.
The best time to visit is during the drier months of June to August and December to February when the trails are accessible, and the vegetation is short, making it easier to see wildlife.
For birding enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present.
Accommodation
There aren’t many accommodation options within the park, but visitors can stay at lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Rhino Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp (seasonal), and Magashi Camp.
Animals of Akagera
Akagera National Park is the only place in Rwanda where you can see large mammals. Some of the animals in the park include zebras, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, oribis, topis, bushbucks, duikers, klipspringers, roan antelopes, impalas, waterbucks, elands, hippos, crocodiles, and various species of primates such as vervet monkeys, olive baboons, bush-babies, and blue monkeys. Lions were recently reintroduced in the park.
Night game drives can also be arranged at Akagera National Park, costing $40 for adults and $25 for children.
These night game drives usually last 2-3 hours with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 7.
They offer visitors the opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Birding in Akagera
Akagera National Park offers an authentic birding experience, with over 500 species of birds recorded.
Some of the birds you can spot include the rare shoebill stork, grey crowned crane, squacco herons, African darter, long-tailed and water thick-knee, papyrus gonolek, African wattled plover, Senegal lapwing, giant kingfisher, African openbill stork, cattle egret, grey-backed fiscals, fan-tailed widowbird, and many others.
Sport Fishing in Akagera
Sport fishing at Akagera National Park can be done at Lake Shakani. However, visitors are required to bring their own fishing gear.
The policy is catch-and-release, but sometimes you can request to keep your catch for a meal at your respective lodge.
Lake Ihema Boat Rides
You can enjoy a boat ride on the stunning Lake Ihema, where the cruise gives you a chance to spot aquatic animals and water birds.
There is also plenty of wildlife to be seen along the lake shores during the boat cruise.
Cultural Encounters & Community Tours
Visitors can engage with local communities living near the park borders and enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience through dance performances, learning about their cultural values and beliefs, or even participating in their day-to-day activities such as cattle grazing.
Hiking & Nature Walks in Akagera
Various hiking trails have been established in Akagera National Park, allowing visitors to explore the park’s flora and fauna, including wildlife, birds, butterflies, trees, and insects.
Visit Akagera with these recommended Rwanda tour operators.