How to reach Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park is a top tourist destination in Rwanda, located in the north eastern part of the country, bordering Tanzania. the park covers an area of about 1, the park features a diverse ecosystem characterized by 1,122 square seasonal and perennial swamps, montane and swamp vegetation.

Tourists to Akagera national park can enjoy a variety of exciting safari activities, including nature walks, game drive that is day and night, boat rides and bird watching. These experiences offer unforgettable opportunities to explore the park’s rich flora and fauna.

The park is easily accessible thanks to well-maintained routes that facilitates travel from different regions within Rwanda and internationally. For travelers arriving from abroad, Kigali International Airport serves as the main gateway into Rwanda. Located in the suburb of kanombe on the eastern edge of Kigali capital town approximately 5 kilometers from the city center.  From Kigali international airport it is a distance of 98.1 kilometers a drive of 2-3 hours’ drive to Akagera national park.

The distance from Kigali city to Akagera national park is approximately 135 kilometers, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to drive. From Uganda, Kampala city, the park is about 624.4 kilometers away, with an estimated driving of 10 to 11 hours. From Rwamagana or kibungo, the journey to the park is roughly a 1-hour drive. The park is accessed using north and southern main gates and can reached using both road and air transport mean

Travelling to Akagera National Park by road

By road transport, you can reach Akagera National Park using either public or private transportation. From Kigali town, several public bus companies operates routes to kayonza and kibungo.  However, once you arrive at kayonza or kibungo, there are no public means of transport leading to the park instead you board a private means of transport to the park’s headquarters, regardless of which gate they choose to access.

Many tourists find using public means of transportation to be tiring and somewhat hectic, which is why they often opt for private transport. They hire cars and either self-drive to the park or also hire a car with a game driver. Several tour operators, such as achieve global safaris, often comprehensive safari packages in Rwanda that includes complimentary safari van to take visitors to the park. Travelling in the private safari van provides ample privacy, spacious setting, comfort and dust-free journey, allowing tourists to enjoy scenic views as they approach the park gate.

By air means of transport

By air means of transport to the Akagera national park, Akagera aviation offers flights to the park.

Amazing things to do at Akagera National Park

Day game drives 

A day game drives are among the most popular activities in Akagera national park, offering tourists the chance to explore the park with an experienced guide. These drives typically take place in the northern part of the park. While on a daytime game drive, you’ll be driven along the tracks through lush savannah plains, past expansive woodlands and into the habitat of teeming with diverse mammal species. Other animals that can be spotted include Defassa Waterbuck, Topes, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga, Eland, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants and Lions

Bird watching

Akagera Park stands out as the only savannah park in the country of a thousand hills. It is home to over 480 bird species, including both migratory and resident birds, which thrive amidst the diverse landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, forests, seasonal and permanent swamps, lakes, savannah vegetation, and the shifting landscape within and around the park. During your birding safari in Akagera National Park, expect to spot other interesting species like the Carruthers’s Cisticola, Grey-crowned Cranes, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Olive back and White-Winged Swamp Warbler. The African Starling is arguably the most beautiful bird in Akagera. They have amazing feathers which change color and glitter in the mid-day sun. Spotting this bird is one of the highlights of a birding safari in Akagera.

Boat cruises

Boat cruises along the shores of Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake, offer spectacular sightings of aquatic birds, making it the most enjoyable way to explore the park. During the cruise, you’ll have the chance to observe various wildlife inhabiting the lake’s waters, providing an excellent opportunity to enhance your animal sightings from the safari game drives. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, buffaloes, and hippos, as well as vibrant kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, egrets, hamerkop nests, and even the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. The journey also offers glimpses of endangered species such as jacanas, ibises, plovers, herons, malachite kingfishers, and hawks. The boat trip lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, delivering an unforgettable experience of Rwanda’s national park. Departures are scheduled at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., with options for day, morning, and sundown rides that allow visitors to experience the park from the water’s perspective, surrounded by crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife.

Nature walk

Akagera National Park offers an abundance of stunning sights that are best appreciated up close. Taking a nature walk allows you to observe the intricate details of exotic plants, colorful butterfly species, and the tranquil waters of some lakes. You can also get a closer look at water birds and smaller animals that might be difficult to spot during a game drive. These walks provide a peaceful experience and a wonderful chance to connect with nature at a relaxed and gentle pace.

Sportfishing

The park provides a chance for sport fishing on Lake Shakani. You are required to make a booking with the park for sport fishing on this lake. While the primary approach is catch and release, there is an option to keep one fish for a meal if you wish.

Night Drive

Guided night drives that commence at sunset are a fantastic way to cap off your day in the park. Night drives offer the best chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife such as wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, leopards. guided by your flashlight and an experienced ranger, these night safaris typically last between 2 to 3 hours.