Akagera National Park
Overview
Things to Do
Safari Drives: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including savannah, lakes, and wetlands, on a guided safari drive. Look out for the Big Five and other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema and enjoy views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the shoreline.
Bird Watching: Akagera is a birding paradise, with over 500 bird species to spot, including the rare shoebill stork.
Nature Walks: Join a guided nature walk to learn about the park’s flora and fauna, as well as its conservation efforts.
Cultural Encounters: Visit nearby communities to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions, including dance performances and craft demonstrations.
What to See
Wildlife: Akagera is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos (which have been reintroduced to the park).
Lakes: The park is dotted with several lakes, including Lake Ihema, which attract a wealth of wildlife and birdlife.
Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Akagera, from rolling hills to vast plains, against the backdrop of the distant mountains.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February, when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season (March to May and October to November) offers lush greenery and birdlife.
Getting there
By Road: Akagera National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, and there are several tour operators that offer transportation services to the park.
By Air: The nearest airport to the park is Kigali International Airport, from where you can take a domestic flight to Akagera Aviation airstrip near the park.
Where to Stay
Mid-range accommodation
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Located in Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge offers mid-range accommodations with views of Lake Ihema. The lodge features comfortable tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant serving a variety of dishes, and guided game drives.
Akagera Game Lodge
Situated within the park, Akagera Game Lodge offers mid-range accommodations overlooking Lake Ihema. The lodge features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a swimming pool.
Dereva Hotel
Located near the park entrance, Dereva Hotel offers mid-range accommodations with easy access to Akagera National Park. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving a variety of dishes, and guided safari tours.
Luxury accommodation
Magashi Camp
Situated in a private concession within Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the park. The camp features spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, a dining area serving gourmet meals, and guided game drives.
Rwakobo Rock
Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Lake Mburo National Park, Rwakobo Rock offers mid-range accommodations in a tranquil setting. The lodge features comfortable cottages, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a swimming pool.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Located in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers luxury accommodations in a pristine wilderness area. The camp features spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, a dining area serving gourmet meals, and guided game drives.
Other Attractions in Namibia
Ethnographic Museum
Volcanoes National Park
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Nyungwe National Park
General Knowledge Base
General information about Akagera National Park, Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest protected wetland and savannah ecosystem, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
The park covers an area of approximately 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles), encompassing rolling hills, savannah plains, and marshlands.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and various antelope species.
Yes, Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded, including the rare shoebill stork.
Yes, visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and boat cruises in the park, offering excellent opportunities to view wildlife up close.
Yes, the park is home to several cultural sites, including ancient rock paintings and the remains of traditional Rwandan villages.
The park is actively involved in conservation efforts to protect its wildlife and habitat, including anti-poaching patrols and community development programs.
The park is actively involved in conservation efforts to protect its wildlife and habitat, including anti-poaching patrols and community development programs.
