Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a beautiful Rwanda National Park located in the Eastern region of Rwanda; about 3 hours away from Kigali - Rwanda's Capital City driving on paved scenic roads. Approximately 1,100km large, Akagera National Park is home to different mammals, birds, butterflies and variety of tree species all very fascinating to the visitor. Thanks to the Akagera river flowing along the eastern boundary feeding into several lakes hence creating a biodiversity of habitats.

In Akagera National Park, one can enjoy the different activities within the park such as game safari; nature walks, or even takes a boat cruise on the beautiful Ihema Lake.

Game safaris start early morning from either the south or north of the Akagera Park depending on your accommodation location. For a pleasurable game safari, it’s better to take a whole day drive such that you can visit both the north and south of the park.  However it should be noted that it’s about 100km taking about 3 hours’ drive from the south to the north while exploring the impressive wildlife resident in Akagera National Park.

During the game safari, you may have an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife such as elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, water buck, impala, hyena, lion, leopard and on the lake shore drives you can also see hippo and crocodile among other sightings. For those in love with birds, there are nearly 500 species not to be missed.

Do you love breathtaking scenery? If yes try out the western boundary loop…formulated with views of green rolling hills, mountain back drops, lakes and some of the most picturesque scenery seen nowhere else in Akagera National Park. Please note; a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver is a must.

It should also be noted that game safaris only start in the south of the park and this is where the park offices are located, it’s about 100km to drive across approximately 3hrs from the south to the north where there are open plains and more game to see. One can exit here or return to the southern gate. The park gate opens at 6am and closes at 6pm.

Scheduled boat trips are done in the south at Lake Ihema and one needs an advance booking with the park offices.

In Akagera National Park, visitors can have options to different accommodations either in the south or north of the park such as Akagera Game Lodge (south) and Karenge camp (north) or even camp in either mutumba hills campsite, shakani campsite and Muyumbu campsite, however all campsites are self-catering. You can also drive from Kigali city or nearby towns and come for just a day visit to Akagera National Park.