Akagera National Park (park guide)

Where Akagera is

Akagera National Park lies in the east of Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania. It follows the Akagera River, which feeds a chain of lakes and swamps and gives the park its shape. Lake Ihema is the largest of these, and it is where most boat trips leave from. The rest of the landscape is open savanna, acacia woodland and rolling hills, a very different picture from the volcanic highlands most visitors see in the northwest.

It is Rwanda's only savanna park, and its lakes and swamps make it an important wetland for birds.

The park has been rebuilt over the past two decades after losing much of its land and wildlife in the 1990s. Rhinos and lions have since been reintroduced, and that recovery is part of why a visit today feels so different from ten years ago. Our articles on the return of lions to Akagera and the rhino comeback tell the story in detail.

This page is a neutral guide to the park. If you are ready to book, our Akagera safari page describes the tours we run.

Getting there from Kigali

The drive from Kigali to the southern gate at Kabiro takes about two to two and a half hours on tarmac, depending on traffic leaving the city. The road heads east through Rwamagana and Kayonza, then turns towards the park. The last stretch is a gravel road, but it is usually manageable for a normal car in the dry season.

If you plan to stay at Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge, allow extra time to reach them once inside, because tracks inside the park are slow. A second gate in the north, near Gabiro, exists but adds driving time, so most visitors use the southern gate. Our guide to Kigali to Akagera covers the route, the timing and the fuel stops.

If you are short on time, a day trip from Kigali works, though it leaves limited time in the park. Most travellers find one night makes a much better visit.

What you can see

Akagera holds a wide range of species. On a typical drive you may see:

• Zebra, giraffe, buffalo, impala, topi and waterbuck in large numbers
• Elephants, most often near the lakes and river
• Hippos and Nile crocodiles on Lake Ihema
• Lions, which are present but not seen on every drive
• Black rhinos, which are rare and seen by only a minority of visitors
• More than 400 bird species, including the shoebill, which is a specialist sighting

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. A guide with local knowledge greatly increases your chances, and our notes on big five sighting odds are honest about what to expect. Birders should read our list of birds of Akagera, and anyone hoping to see the shoebill should read where to see the shoebill in Rwanda.

Things to do in Akagera

Game drives

The core activity is a morning or afternoon drive along the park's network of tracks. Sunrise is the most active time, because predators are moving and animals are at the water. Vehicles with a pop-up roof make photography easier.

Boat trips on Lake Ihema

A boat trip shows you hippo pods, crocodiles and water birds at close range, with the light at its best in the late afternoon. Our Lake Ihema boat safari guide explains what to expect.

Night drives

Night drives leave from the park and use spotlights to find nocturnal animals such as genets, civets and bush babies. See our night game drive guide.

Specialist experiences

Some seasons offer a hot air balloon flight or rhino tracking on foot. These are run by specialist providers and cost much more than a standard drive.

Where to stay

Accommodation runs from campsites to tented camps and comfortable lodges, both inside the park and outside the gates. A stay inside the park saves travel time and gives you more game viewing per day. Our page on Akagera lodges describes each option, and our comparison of Magashi, Ruzizi and Akagera Game Lodge helps you choose.

Best time to visit

The park is open all year. The dry months of June to September give the best game viewing, because animals gather near water and the grass is shorter. December to February is a second, shorter dry period. The rainy months of March to May and October to November are greener and quieter, with lower rates, but some tracks turn slippery. Our article on the best time to visit Akagera covers each season.

Fees and costs

Akagera charges park entry per person per day and a separate fee for the vehicle. Rates depend on your residency and change from time to time. We do not print a table here, because it would date quickly. See our guide to Akagera National Park fees and confirm the current rates before you travel.

Self-drive or guided

You can drive yourself in Akagera in a suitable vehicle. A guide, however, finds animals faster and explains what you are seeing. Our Akagera self-drive guide sets out the trade-offs. If you would like a driver-guide, we offer one on request, and our 2-day Akagera safari and 3-day Akagera safari include one.

Combining Akagera with the rest of Rwanda

Akagera pairs well with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and a stay by Lake Kivu. Many travellers start with the savanna and finish in the forest. See our Rwanda safari and Rwanda wildlife tours pages for combinations.

Practical notes

Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Malaria is present in the east of Rwanda, so speak to a doctor about prophylaxis before you travel, and read our Rwanda travel health guide. Fuel up before you enter the park, and carry water. Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, which surprises some visitors, and you can read why in our note on the plastic bag ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Akagera from Kigali?

It is about two to two and a half hours by road to the southern gate, depending on traffic and where you begin in the city.

Can you see the Big Five in Akagera?

Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos all live in the park, but leopards and rhinos are seen far less often. A guide improves your chances, though sightings are never guaranteed.

How many days do you need in Akagera?

Two days and one night is the most popular option. It gives you a sunrise drive, a boat trip and an afternoon drive without a long day in the car.

Is Akagera safe for families?

Yes, with common sense. Stay in your vehicle on drives, follow your guide, and take malaria advice before travelling with children.

Can I do Akagera in one day?

Yes, as a day trip from Kigali, but you will spend around five hours travelling. Most visitors prefer one night inside or near the park.

Do I need a 4x4 for Akagera?

A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain, because the park tracks are unpaved. Our 4x4 rental page explains the options.