Akagera National Park
Highlight
The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. In partnership with African Parks, we aim to transform the National Park into a world-class location to experience a safari.
The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing, and we are taking steps to ensure the Big Five roam the park in greater numbers over the course of time.
Since 2010 we have cut poaching to an all-time low, with the introduction of a helicopter, a canine unit and rhino trackers.
A family of lions from South Africa is settling in well, and breeding successfully, and 18 eastern black rhinos have also been reintroduced.
Visitors can also encounter buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant water birds on the island in the middle of the lake.
The only way to explore the park is by vehicle, whether through a tour operator or self-drive. The National Park also has a vehicle to hire, with individual spaces available on night drives.
It is recommended to take up the services of a guide, which can be booked through the park.
Sleeping within the park is possible, at various lodges, a bush camp in the north at select periods, or camping in specific sites.
TThe government body responsible for managing the Akagera National Park is the Rwanda Development Board with support from several wildlife conservation Agencies. In case you are organizing a safari by yourself own, you need to know that the entrance fee per day is $50 and for those interested in the boat cruise during the morning its $35 and $45 during sunset.
Akagera has no specific visiting time although we would recommend that it’s better to visit this pure wonder National park during the dry season (June to September) during this time there is a lot of wildlife concentration around the lake making it easier to spot as many wild Animals and Birds as possible.
While in Akagera National park avoid wearing blue, which attracts tse tse flies, and take sensible precautions against mosquitos and other bites.
The greatest health risks in Rwanda are accidents and malaria. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.
Travellers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider, and should consider bringing a small first aid kit. A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required.
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders.
Akagera can be reached by air and road. The nearest airport and link to the park is Kigali international airport in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. RwandAir Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM all have flights to Kigali international Airport. Rwanda being a small country we don’t advise any domestic flight to any of the Rwandese National Parks. Road transport is the best way one can enjoy the full beauty of this magnificent Country
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Costs
A single entry tourist visa costs US $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 30 days.
A single entry conference visa costs US $30 and is valid for 30 days.
A multiple entry business visa costs US $50 and is valid for one year.
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs US $100 and is valid for 90 days.