Visitor Information


About Akagera National Park
Established in 1934 during the Belgian colonial era, Akagera National Park stretches along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. Spanning 433 square miles, the park is a stunning blend of open savanna, rolling hills, and lush papyrus wetlands. These varied ecosystems host an incredible range of wildlife, with over 13,000 animals calling the park home today.


However, Akagera’s story is one of remarkable recovery. Following the devastation of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, the park faced severe challenges from poaching, and many species were driven to extinction. Thanks to the management of African Parks, Akagera has made an extraordinary comeback, with the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos. Visitors can now enjoy a traditional safari experience in a country best known for its mountain rainforests.



Activities in Akagera

  • Safari Drives: Embark on guided game drives or explore in your own vehicle. Morning, afternoon, and night drives are available, with the latter offering unique views of nocturnal wildlife.
  • Lake Safaris: Take a boat trip on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. The early morning and late afternoon departures provide the best lighting for photography.
  • Conservation Experiences: Learn about Akagera’s conservation efforts through behind-the-scenes tours or join a “Walk the Line” patrol along the park’s fence.
  • Fishing: Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing on Lake Shakani, home to catfish and tilapia.
  • Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities through farm tours or banana beer-making demonstrations.



Wildlife and Birdwatching
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s sole Big Five destination, where you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Black rhinos, reintroduced in 2017, marked the species’ return to Rwanda after a decade-long absence. Other notable animals include giraffes, zebras, olive baboons, and a variety of antelope species like the rare sitatunga and roan antelope.


Bird enthusiasts will find nearly 500 species in Akagera, including unique finds like the red-faced barbet and the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. The papyrus gonolek thrives in the wetlands, while Verreaux’s eagle owl can often be seen during night safaris.



Where to Stay
For visitors on a budget or those seeking an authentic camping experience, Akagera offers three basic campsites:

  • Muyumbu Campsite: Enjoy stunning sunrise views over Lake Ihema from this fenced site in the park’s southern section.
  • Shakani Campsite: This lakeside spot is unfenced, allowing you to sleep close to hippos. It features solar showers and flush toilets.
  • Mutumba Campsite: Located in the northern grasslands, this fenced site is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.


For a more luxurious stay, consider one of these lodges:

  • Magashi Camp: This high-end camp offers six luxury tents, private game drives, and boat safaris.
  • Ruzizi Tented Lodge: An eco-friendly lodge with nine well-appointed tents connected by wooden walkways and overlooking Lake Ihema.
  • Akagera Game Lodge: A family-friendly option with 59 en-suite rooms, a pool, and guided game drives.
  • Karenge Bush Camp: A rustic retreat open for most of the year, featuring six tents with bucket showers and solar lighting.



Getting There
The park is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport (KGL). Visitors can arrange transportation through a tour operator, hire a private vehicle, or book a helicopter transfer with Akagera Aviation.


Visitor Tips

  • Akagera is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • International guests pay a $100 conservation fee per day, with discounts for extended stays.
  • The dry season (June to September) is ideal for game viewing, while birdwatching is best during the wet season (October to November).
  • Protect yourself with insect repellent and wear light-colored clothing to avoid tsetse flies.
  • Vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, and rabies are recommended, and malaria prophylaxis is advised.
  • A 30-day visa is available on arrival for all nationalities, or opt for the East Africa Tourist Visa for multi-country access to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.


Akagera National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience Rwanda’s stunning wildlife and landscapes while supporting vital conservation efforts.




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