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Akagera National Park in the centre of Rwanda is a must-visit place for both wildlife and nature tourists. Its wide variety of habitats, from savannah plains to lush wetlands, makes the park an excellent site for a wide array of species, including the Big Five. You can visit it and hike through its virgin wildernesses, go on exciting safaris, or simply savour the natural surroundings. From a day trip to an overnight stay, Akagera caters to everyone.
Quick Details About Akagera National Park
Established: In 1934
Size: 1,122 square kilometers
Key Features: The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
Akagera National Park Ticket Price: $25 – $40
Akagera National Park Location
Photo: Braunov / Wikimedia Commons
Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda, near the Tanzanian border. Its strategic position makes it accessible to travellers visiting Kigali and other parts of the country. The park’s proximity to the Akagera River and its network of lakes enriches the local biodiversity, offering a vibrant mix of wildlife and plant species.
How To Reach Akagera National Park Rwanda
Photo: Fanny Schertzer / Wikimedia Commons
By Public Transport: Regular buses operate from Kigali to Kayonza, a nearby town. From Kayonza, you can hire a private taxi to the park entrance.
By Air: Charter flights are available from Kigali International Airport to the park’s airstrip for those seeking a quicker journey.
Places To Visit Around Akagera National Park Rwanda
Explore these gems near Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
1. Kayonza District
Photo: Vivien Henry de Frahan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation
Kayonza is the closest district to Akagera National Park and a convenient escape for visitors. Here, you will find local markets where you can buy Rwandan goods, souvenirs, and local produce. The coffee plantations in Kayonza, too, give you a chance to get a glimpse of coffee production and taste some of Rwanda’s best brews. Additionally, the district is well-liked for its community warmth and surrounding countryside and is an ideal destination for cultural exchange and recreation before or after your park visit.
Location: 30 km from Akagera
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
2. Lake Muhazi
Photo: Kchorst / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Muhazi is a peaceful freshwater lake for tourists. The calm water is great for fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching, and the beautiful shoreline provides plenty of places to picnic and unwind. A few lodges and guesthouses on the lake provide good places to spend the weekend. Families will love the tranquil setting and the outdoor activities, while couples can enjoy romantic sunsets on the water. It is close to Akagera, which makes it a perfect place to rest after wandering through the park’s wilderness.
Location: Approximately 50 km
Best Time To Visit: June to September
3. Nyungwe National Park
Photo: Jonkmania / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The forest and wildlife in Nyungwe National Park are some of Rwanda’s most iconic attractions. A birder’s heaven, it provides chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in the canopy. The park also has a collection of primates, birds of colour, and gorgeous hiking paths. The outdoorsmen will appreciate the quiet and beauty of Nyungwe’s diverse scenery, which is a welcome contrast to Akagera’s savannahs. It’s more than an hour’s drive from Akagera, but the journey is worth it for the memories it affords.
Location: Around 230 km
Best Time To Visit: June to September
4. Rwamagana District
Photo: EmmysonB / Wikimedia Commons
Rwamagana is a beautiful district which offers a combination of pastoral and cultural experiences. It is famous for its coffee farms, where you can tour the plantations, visit the coffee plantations and try freshly brewed Rwandan coffee. The district also offers the chance to interact with locals and enjoy traditional Rwandan hospitality. Rwamagana’s hills and green fields, surrounded by peaceful vistas, make it an ideal destination for a day or overnight stay. It is easily reachable from Akagera, and the area is convenient for tourists.
Location: 60 km
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
5. Kigali Genocide Memorial
Photo: Hanay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Anyone interested in Rwanda’s history would be better off at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The memorial commemorates the genocide of 1994 and provides a platform for discussion and education. It houses exhibits on the genocide and Rwanda’s grand narrative of recovery and reconciliation. It is a touching and reflective destination, too, with its graveyard, quiet gardens and library. For anyone who’s visiting Rwanda, it is a means of navigating between the past and present.
Location: Kigali, 110 km
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
6. Lake Kivu
Photo: Steve Evans / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Kivu is a beautiful freshwater lake where you can do various activities. You can kayak, swim, and take a boat trip here while enjoying spectacular views of the hills. The lakeside towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye offer quaint accommodations, local restaurants and rich cultural offerings. It’s also a great way to cool down and unwind after a safari trip. Whether visiting the island or simply enjoying its natural splendour, Lake Kivu is an idyllic getaway from the bustle.
Location: About 250 km
Best Time To Visit: June to September
7. Volcanoes National Park
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Volcanoes National Park is known for its mountain gorillas, there are guided treks that let you observe the majestic animals in their own environment. Alongside gorilla trekking, there are spectacular volcanoes, golden monkey encounters and challenging treks for the fittest. Its biodiversity and scenic beauty make the park a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Located slightly outside of Akagera, but it is worth the journey for an experience no place else in the world can beat.
Location: 270 km
Best Time To Visit: June to September.
Where To Eat
Photo: MattiPaavola / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Akagera National Park and the area around it offer an enticing mealtime experience that combines Rwandan dishes with foreign ones. A must-try restaurant at Akagera Game Lodge is the buffet restaurant, which serves many African and continental meals. If you’re looking for something a bit more private, Ruzizi Tented Lodge serves freshly cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients in a tranquil, lake-side ambience. If you head into nearby Kayonza, there are also restaurants on the outskirts where you can indulge in traditional foods like brochettes (grilled meat skewers) and isombe (cassava leaves with groundnuts). These restaurants ensure that guests have many flavours to choose from during their visit.
Where To Stay
Photo: Macieklew / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Akagera National Park accommodates any sort of traveller with multiple options for staying. For those wanting a touch of luxury, Ruzizi Tented Lodge offers green apartments with stunning Lake Ihema views and a private, tranquil setting. Akagera Game Lodge is an average hotel with nice rooms and contemporary facilities near the park entrance. Low-budget travellers can head to one of the park’s campgrounds, where you can get a bed under the stars and get a feel for nature firsthand. Whether you are looking for luxury, ease or fun, the accommodations in Akagera make an ideal starting point to start exploring.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a trip to Rwanda’s national parks, including National Park for gorilla trekking, ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 per person for a 5 to 7-day experience. This estimate includes mid-range accommodations, park permits (approximately $1,500 for gorilla trekking), meals, transportation, and guide fees. Luxury tours can exceed $8,000, while budget-friendly options are possible with local lodges. Costs vary based on travel preferences, duration, and activities like golden monkey tracking or visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Tips For Travellers
- Book hotels in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing.
- Respect the park’s wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following park regulations.
Akagera National Park Rwanda is a haven for wildlife and adventure, offering unmissable safaris, scenic tours and serene walks. Be it Lake Ihema or Volcanoes National Park, the local attractions give cultural and natural flavour to your journey and should not be missed. So pack your bags and plan your trip to Akagera with TripXL now!
Cover Photo: Louis Dewame / Wikimedia Commons
