1 / 4Akagera National Park
Size
1,200 km²
Elevation
1,200 m
Entry fee
$82
Ideal stay
3 days
Established
1934
Nearest airport
Kigali International Airport (KGL), 110 km south (approximately 2-hour drive); also accessible by charter helicopter to airstrips within the park; <a href="/destinations/arusha-airport">Arusha Airport (ARK)</a>, 335 km south in Tanzania
About Akagera National Park
Best time to visit
Wildlife highlights
Things to do
Getting there
Nearest town: Kayonza Town, 30 km south; Kigali (Rwanda's capital), 110 km southwest — main gateway for international flights and city amenities; Gitarama, 80 km southwest
Safari packages visiting Akagera National Park
10 giorniRwandaRwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Expedition
Da 6280 USD a persona
10 giorniRwandaRwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure
Da 6280 USD a persona
10 giorniRwanda
Serengeti ToursRwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure
Da 6280 USD a persona
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Akagera National Park?
Park entry fees are approximately $82 USD per person. Daily safari costs typically range from $200–$300 per person when including accommodation, guided game drives, and meals. Budget camping options start at $25 per night with basic facilities, while mid-range tented lodges cost $150–$250 per night, and luxury properties exceed $400 nightly. Multi-day package deals offer better value; compare options on SafariFind.com to find pricing that fits your budget.
What is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?
The best time to visit Akagera National Park is November through April during the dry season, when temperatures are warm during the day (21–28°C) and cool at night, wildlife congregates near permanent water sources, and shorter grass provides excellent visibility for game drives. December–February sees peak visitor numbers. The wet season (May–October) offers fewer tourists, lower prices, and abundant birdlife, though afternoon visibility decreases and some roads require 4WD vehicles.
What wildlife can you see at Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is home to all five Big Five mammals: lions (reintroduced 2015), leopards, buffalo, elephants, and black rhinos (reintroduced 2017). Additional wildlife includes white rhinos (introduced 2021), giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse antelope species. The park hosts over 480 recorded bird species including shoebill storks, malachite kingfishers, and ibis species. Wildlife is most visible during dry season (November–April) when animals concentrate near water sources.
How do you get to Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is located 110 kilometers northeast of Kigali, Rwanda's capital, accessible by a 2-hour drive from Kigali International Airport (KGL). Self-drive access is available through the southern Mutumba Gate via paved and gravel roads; 4WD vehicles are recommended during wet season (May–October). Charter helicopter flights are available directly to airstrips within the park. From Tanzania, the park is approximately 5–6 hours from Arusha via the Ntungamo-Mirama Hills border post.
Sources
- Akagera National Park Official Tourism Site — Wildlife, climate, access information, and community experiences
- National Geographic — Akagera National Park 2026 Guide — Wildlife restoration, accommodation options, activity recommendations
- Wikivoyage Akagera National Park — Park history, habitat diversity, Big Five reintroduction timeline, camping and trekking details




