Akagera National Park

Rwanda, Africa

Akagera National Park is a stunning haven for wildlife enthusiasts, known for its diverse ecosystems ranging from savannah and wetlands to mountains and rivers. The park is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, and rhinoceros, alongside incredible birdwatching opportunities with over 500 species recorded. The shimmering Lake Akagera adds to the park's beauty, making for exceptional boat safaris. With its unique mix of landscapes and rich biodiversity, Akagera offers adventurous travelers an unforgettable African safari experience.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Kigali

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Akagera National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Game Drive

Explore diverse wildlife on a thrilling safari.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Boat Safari

Enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Ihema.

Booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Bird Watching

Spot over 500 bird species in natural habitats.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Guided Nature Walk

Experience the park's flora and fauna up close.

Booking required
5

Est. 24 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Camping

Spend a night under the stars in the wild.

Booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Park Headquarters

Learn about the park's history and conservation efforts.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Fishing

Catch tilapia in Lake Ihema's rich waters.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Scenic Drive

Enjoy breathtaking views along the park's roads.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Rwanda Franc

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kinyarwanda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Brochettes

Grilled meat skewers, popular snack. (National dish)

Ugali

VE

Starchy maize porridge, staple food.

Isombe

VE

Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts.

Matoke

VE

Steamed green bananas, often served with sauce.

Ibihaza

VE

Pumpkin pieces, often cooked or mashed.

Phrases to learn

English

Kinyarwanda

Hello

Muraho

(Moo-rah-ho)

Yes/No

Yego / Oya

(Yeh-go / Oh-yah)

Thank you

Urakoze

(Oo-rah-koh-zeh)

Excuse me

Mbabarira

(M-bah-bah-ree-rah)

How much?

Angahe?

(Ahn-gah-heh)