Where to stay in Akagera National Park
3 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Akagera National Park guide
Overview
Akagera National Park covers about 1,122 km² in eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania. It was established in 1934 and is the country’s only savannah park. Since 2010 it has been managed by African Parks together with the Rwanda Development Board.
The park is named after the Akagera River, which feeds a chain of lakes and papyrus swamps along its eastern edge. To the west, rolling hills of grass and acacia woodland rise towards the Mutumba Hills. Lake Ihema, the largest of the lakes, is the place for boat trips.
Akagera lost much of its wildlife and land after 1994, but it has made a remarkable recovery. Lions were brought back in 2015 and rhino in 2017, and today it’s home to the Big Five again. Only about two and a half hours from Kigali, it pairs well with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
The Big Five
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both black and white rhino live in the park.
Other wildlife
Giraffe, zebra, topi, eland, impala and roan antelope graze the northern plains. Hippo and crocodile live in the lakes.
Birds
More than 480 bird species have been recorded, including the shoebill, which lives in the swamps, and the papyrus gonolek.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to September, during the long dry season, when animals gather near water.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Sep | Long dry season | The best game viewing. |
| Oct – Nov | Short rains | Green and quiet. |
| Dec – Feb | Short dry season | Good game viewing and birding. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Lush and green, with fewer visitors. |
Book a boat trip on Lake Ihema for hippo, crocodile and waterbirds.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali International (KGL) | International arrivals | About 2.5 hours by road to the southern gate. |
By road
From Kigali, drive east via Kayonza to the main gate in the south of the park. Self-drive is allowed, and a 4×4 is recommended for the northern tracks. You can also exit through the northern gate.
Entrance & Fees
African Parks charges a park entry fee per person, depending on how long you stay. The rates below apply in 2026 and 2027.
| Visitor | Adult | Child (6–12) |
|---|---|---|
| International visitor, 1 day or night | US$100 | US$50 |
| International visitor, 2 nights | US$150 | – |
| International visitor, 3 nights | US$200 | – |
| Foreign resident (Rwanda/EAC) | US$50 | – |
| Pan-African citizen | US$50 | – |
| Rwandan / EAC citizen | RWF 15,000 | RWF 10,000 |
Children under 6 enter free. Vehicle fees, boat trips and game drives are extra.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Akagera National Park price list (2026/27).
