Akagera National Park - Wildlife, Location, Safari Tips & Lodges

Akagera National Park, Rwanda – Location, Safari Experience, Lodges, Prices & Map

Akagera National Park Location and Size

Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, along the country’s border with Tanzania. It lies primarily within the Nyagatare District, about 110 kilometers from Kigali. The main entrance is through the Kiyonza Gate, which is near the town of Kayonza.

The park covers approximately 1,122 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Rwanda. Its size allows for a variety of landscapes including savannah, wetlands, lakes, and woodlands. The park borders the Kagera River, which gives the park its name.

Akagera National Park Safari Experience

A safari in Akagera National Park offers a unique blend of savannah wildlife and water-based viewing. Visitors can expect to see elephants, zebras, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and lions. Bird watchers can spot over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

Game drives are available in both the north and south zones of the park. You can choose between guided safaris or self-drive game drives. The park also offers boat safaris on Lake Ihema, giving visitors a chance to view hippos and crocodiles up close.

Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

Akagera National Park Lodges and Accommodation

There are several lodges in Akagera National Park, each catering to different budgets and experiences. Most lodges are located inside the park and offer easy access to safari routes.

Popular Lodges in Akagera:

• Ruzizi Tented Lodge – An eco-friendly, luxury option located on the edge of Lake Ihema.
• Akagera Game Lodge – A mid-range lodge located near the southern entrance, suitable for families and groups.
• Magashi Camp – A high-end, all-inclusive lodge located in the northeastern part of the park.

All lodges provide game drive services or can arrange guided safaris with park rangers. Accommodation options include en-suite rooms, luxury tents, and full board packages.

Akagera National Park Entry Fees and Prices

Park entry fees vary depending on nationality and residency:

• International tourists: $100 per adult per day
• East African residents: $50 per adult per day
• Rwandan citizens: 10,000 RWF per adult per day
• Children (ages 6–12): Half price
• Students and school groups: Discounted rates available

Other costs include vehicle entry fees, guide charges, and optional activity fees like boat safaris or night drives.

Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February).

Akagera National Park Map and How to Get There

Akagera National Park is accessible by road from Kigali. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather. The most direct route passes through Kayonza, leading to the Kiyonza Gate, the park’s main entrance.

Visitors receive a detailed park map at the gate. The map shows key locations, including game drive routes, picnic sites, lakes, and lodge locations.

You can also use a 4×4 vehicle to explore the park’s terrain. GPS directions are accurate, but signal may drop in remote areas. It’s advised to download offline maps or ask for a printed version at the entrance.

District Where Akagera National Park is Located

Akagera National Park lies in the Nyagatare District of Rwanda’s Eastern Province. This district shares a long border with Tanzania and is known for its agricultural communities and open landscapes.

While the park spans a large area, most of the administrative functions and visitor access points are based near Kayonza town, a regional commercial hub. This proximity to key infrastructure makes it easy to combine a trip to Akagera with other Rwanda tour destinations.

Summary of Key Information