Rwanda’s Reclaimed Wilderness
Akagera National Park, situated in the northeastern corner of Rwanda, is a stunning expanse of diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and shimmering lakes. Established in 1934, the park is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary. Once decimated by poaching and habitat loss, Akagera has undergone a remarkable revival thanks to conservation efforts led by African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. Today, it is celebrated as a haven for wildlife, boasting the iconic "Big Five" – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – alongside giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
Visitors to Akagera can enjoy activities like game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and guided walks that showcase its vibrant biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The park also fosters local community engagement through revenue-sharing and cultural tourism, offering immersive experiences that connect visitors with Rwanda's rich heritage. Akagera stands as a testament to the power of sustainable tourism and conservation, blending natural beauty with a commitment to ecological and community well-being.
Game drives
Game drives at Akagera National Park offer an exhilarating way to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Rwanda's premier safari destination. With its rolling savannahs, lush woodlands, and shimmering wetlands, Akagera is a perfect setting to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Guided by experienced rangers, visitors can traverse well-mapped trails that wind through the park, encountering iconic species such as lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Akagera is also home to the renowned "Big Five," making each drive a chance to witness these majestic creatures in a thriving ecosystem.
Nocturnal Game Drive
Night Safari
Night drives at Akagera National Park offer an exciting glimpse into the park's nocturnal world. Under a starlit sky, visitors can spot elusive species like bush babies, leopards, and civets as they emerge to hunt and explore. Guided by rangers and spotlights, these drives provide a unique and intimate perspective on the park's vibrant nighttime ecosystem, adding a touch of mystery and adventure to the safari experience.
Boat Safari
An Akagera boat safari offers a tranquil yet thrilling way to experience the park's rich aquatic ecosystems. Cruising along the serene waters of Lake Ihema, one of Akagera’s largest lakes, visitors can observe hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking on the banks, and a stunning variety of birdlife.
The boat ride provides a unique vantage point to witness the park’s wildlife from a different perspective, with the chance to spot waterbirds like the African jacana, herons, and kingfishers. Guided by local experts, these safaris offer both relaxation and discovery, making it a perfect complement to the park's land-based game drives.
Sunset Boat rides
The quiet of the evening is punctuated by the sounds of nature, with hippos and crocodiles visible in the fading light, while a variety of bird species take flight against the colorful sky. Guided by experienced rangers, this safari offers a peaceful and reflective way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Akagera, making it the perfect end to a day of adventure.
Day Access Charges
The park welcomes day visitors from 06:00 to 18:00.
Day visitor fees are as follows:
Rwandan nationals: RWF 15,000 or US$15
Rwandan residents: US$50
International visitors: US$100
Vehicle charges:
Rwandan-registered vehicles: US$10
Rwandan-registered buses: US$20
Additional fees apply for vehicles not registered in the East African Community (EAC).
Rental Transport Charges:
4x4 Toyota Landcruiser V8: US$300
Custom Made - Open Roof Safari Vehicle : US$350 (Recommended)
The open roof Safari Car acommodates upto 7pax comfortably
*Costs include driver guide, water, pick-up and drop-of any where in Kigali or Eastern Province
Experiences
Akagera provides a range of tourism experiences, some of which have minimum participant requirements. For more information, you can reach out via the email provided below, inquire with park staff upon arrival, or consult your lodge of choice.
Boat Excursions
For a unique alternative to the traditional safari, consider a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. Glide across its forest-lined waters, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles. Bird enthusiasts will find this experience indispensable. Scheduled trips run four times daily—at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm. Private, non-scheduled trips can also be arranged.
Fishing
Lake Shakani offers an ideal spot for sport fishing. Enjoy a tranquil day casting your line from the lakeshore, followed by cooking your catch over an open fire at your campsite. Please note, you’ll need to bring your own fishing gear.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Gain a deeper understanding of Akagera through a behind-the-scenes tour at the park headquarters. Meet the dedicated team managing the park and learn about their innovative conservation projects.
Night Safari
Evening guided safaris starting at sunset provide an incredible way to end your day. These tours offer the best opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife, including elusive predators like lions and leopards. Night safaris are conducted using the park’s safari vehicle, which accommodates up to seven guests.
Perimeter Walk
Step into the role of Akagera’s fence attendants with a morning perimeter walk. Traverse a portion of the 120-km boundary fence, inspecting its functionality while enjoying scenic views. The seven-kilometer route begins at the park entrance and concludes atop a ridge with breathtaking vistas. These two-hour walks are led by freelance community guides.
Cultural Immersion
Through collaboration with local communities, Akagera offers several cultural immersion experiences. Learn about traditional cattle milking and the cultural significance of milk on a farm in the Eastern Province. Alternatively, spend time with local artisans crafting banana beer and honey. Proceeds from these visits directly support the communities involved.
Planning Your Visit
The park operates daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Akagera experiences relatively consistent temperatures year-round, typically ranging between 20°C and 30°C. The long dry season (June to September) is warmer, while cooler temperatures follow the rainy periods (October to November and March to May).
Short Dry Season (December – February)
Rainfall is minimal during this time, and any showers are usually brief. By February, the park becomes noticeably dry.
Long Wet Season (March – May)
This period is marked by consistent rainfall and lush, green landscapes. Clear skies and vibrant scenery create ideal conditions for photography.
Long Dry Season (June – September)
This is the warmest time of the year, with dry and dusty conditions. Game-viewing is excellent, as shorter grasses make wildlife easier to spot, and animals are drawn to the lakes along Akagera’s eastern edge.
Short Wet Season (October – November)
The first rains clear the haze, transforming the park into a vibrant green landscape. This season is also a prime time for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through Akagera.
Safety Tips and Advice
Vaccinations
Travelers to Rwanda may need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry. It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least eight weeks prior to your trip for the latest advice on vaccinations and health precautions. Additionally, ensure you have adequate medical insurance for your visit.
Malaria
Although malaria cases in Akagera are uncommon, Rwanda is considered a malaria zone. Travelers should consult their doctor about preventive medication and take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers during early mornings and evenings.
Tsetse Flies
Certain areas of the park may have tsetse flies, which, although they deliver a painful bite, are not known to transmit sleeping sickness in Akagera. To minimize bites, avoid dark clothing and opt for khaki or lighter colors, and consider using insect repellents.
Drinking Water
It is advisable not to drink tap water unless it has been boiled or filtered. Bottled water is readily available throughout Rwanda. Akagera, however, does not sell plastic bottled water. Guests are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, which can be refilled at the park’s coffee shops.
General Safety
Rwanda is widely recognized as one of Africa’s safest countries, with low crime rates. Nevertheless, visitors should exercise common sense by avoiding carrying large sums of money and being cautious when walking at night.
Important Considerations
Language
Kinyarwanda is the primary language spoken in Rwanda, while English has been an official language since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009. Although many Rwandans speak some English, French is still widely used, particularly among those who were educated in French before 2009.
Visas
Since 2018, citizens of all countries can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival in Rwanda. Nationals from Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, East African Community member states, Mauritius, Singapore, and the Philippines are eligible for a free 90-day visa upon arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For the latest visa requirements, please consult the immigration website.
Currency
The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Foreign currencies can be exchanged in Kigali or at local banks, with varying exchange rates depending on the institution. Notes issued before 2005 are not accepted. Traveler’s cheques can be cashed in Kigali, provided you have the original purchase receipts. Major credit cards are accepted at large hotels, and cash withdrawals are possible at some ATMs in Kigali, though they may not always be reliable. Akagera National Park operates a cashless system, with payment options including MTN MOMO, Direct Pay Online (DPO), bank transfers, and credit cards (Visa or MasterCard).
Travel Insights
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are prohibited in Rwanda, and visitors will be required to surrender any upon arrival at the airport, including those from duty-free shopping. Supermarkets provide brown paper bags as an alternative. The Ministry of Environment is also working to minimize the use of single-use plastics, such as straws, water bottles, and cups.
Umuganda
On the last Saturday morning of each month, Rwandans observe Umuganda, a community service day aimed at improving local areas through activities like street cleaning, grass trimming, and road repairs. While participation is not mandatory for international visitors, some tour operators offer opportunities to join in. Please note that during Umuganda, shops and public transport are typically closed in the morning.
Car-Free Day
Kigali observes car-free days twice a month, on the first and third Sundays. During these days, major roads are closed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to allow for cycling, jogging, and other physical activities. A public exercise class is also available for all to join. While road closures may impact travel in and out of Kigali, local drivers are generally aware of alternative routes, and disruptions are minimal.