A Complete Guide To Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park  lies in North Eastern Rwanda, which borders Tanzania. The park has a total area of of 1122 km² (433sq mi). Akagera National Park was established in 1934, by the Belgian government who by then lived in Rwanda. Akagera National Park Rwanda comprises of woodland, swamps, low mountains and Savannah.

The diverse terrain is a home to wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and several bird species, like the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of Akagera National Park, is the Wide Lake Ihema, which shelters hippos and crocodiles.

Find an ultimate guide for Akagera National Park Rwanda, how to get to Akagera, best time to visit Akagera, tourist attractions to see in Akagera, Activities to do in Akagera, where to stay, Rwanda safaris and costs.

Facts About Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park got its name from Kagera River, flowing along the eastern boundaries of park, which is the major source of Lake Ihema as well as other smaller lakes, hence making it the largest preserved wetland in Central Africa.

The park is now managed by Akagera management company which was formed after an agreement was signed between Rwanda Development & African Parks. Besides the two governing bodies, the community has also been engaged to effect the conservation of the park, so as to protect the park from poaching, thus leading to its best performance in 2022.

How To Get To Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park at the extreme Northeastern Rwanda can be accessed in 2 ½ hours by road in a sturdy 4WD safari jeep for a distance of 110km from Kigali International Airport.

Kigali international Airport is the major access point into Rwanda, where most safaris depart & return. Scheduled flights can be organized by Akagera Aviation, which offers two flights daily to Akagera National park from Kigali, and It takes 25 minutes to fly from Kigali International Airport to Akagera National Park.

Best Time To Visit Akagera

June to September & December to March are two dry seasons in the Rwanda, is considered the Best time of the year to Visit Akagera National Park. Yet, Akagera National Park  is open all year round for all activities. The park can be visited anytime, depending on the clients choice of safari Itinerary.

The wet season between April to May, and October to November is also the best time to visit Akagera National Park for bird watching safaris, not forgetting the  discounted offers on accommodations.

Spending A full Day In Akagera National Park

Best Activities(Things To Do) In Akagera

The diverse expanse is now home to the Big 5, including; recently introduced 18 Eastern black Rhinos, a group of Lions from South Africa, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, African Leopards, plus Zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys and over 490 species of birds, among others, which makes it an ideal savannah wildlife gem in Rwanda for incredible day game viewing drives & night drives as well as a boat ride on Lake Ihema. Not only does the park offer wildlife safaris, but also bird watching experiences, & community safaris.

Being the biggest wildlife National park in Rwanda, Akagera National Park, has a collection of activities to do including: Day & Night Wildlife Viewing, Fishing on Lake Ihema, camping, community cultural experience, Bird watching, boat cruise among others.

Spending A full Day In Akagera National Park