Akagera National Park is in the east of Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border, and is the country's only savanna park. Once badly degraded, it was revived under a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, and lions, black rhinos and other species have been reintroduced, so that it now offers the Big Five alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos and a long list of birds. The landscape of acacia woodland, open plains and lakes, including Lake Ihema, is very different from the forests in the north and west. This Viator listing, a one-day wildlife safari from Kigali with about 120 reviews and a from-price around 205 US dollars, takes you in a 4x4 for a full day of game drives. The drive from Kigali is about two and a half hours each way, so many visitors choose a two-day trip with a night in or near the park, which also allows a boat trip on Lake Ihema and a sunset or night game drive. Early morning and late afternoon give the best animal activity.
Fees to know about: Akagera charges its own park fees on top of many tour prices. The published 2025 rates for international visitors are around 100 US dollars per adult for a day, with a vehicle fee for foreign-registered vehicles and separate charges for boat trips and guided game drives. Rates may have changed since, so confirm current prices with the park or your operator before you book, and check whether your tour includes the entry fee.
Choosing day or overnight: a day trip is feasible but long, and gives a rushed experience. Two days allows you to enter the park in the late afternoon, take the best light on the savanna and do a morning drive before leaving. The Ihema boat trip, an hour on the lake, is one of the best chances to see hippos, crocodiles and water birds up close. Black rhinos are rare and well protected, so sightings are a highlight and not a guarantee, and lions are present but can be hard to find.
Practicalities: the roads in the park are unpaved, so a 4x4 is needed, and tours supply one with a guide. Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light jacket for dawn. Malaria is present in Rwanda, so ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis before you go. The dry months of June to September give the easiest wildlife viewing, because animals gather near water, while the rains green the landscape and bring birds. Akagera pairs naturally with gorilla trekking and Kigali in a week-long itinerary.
What to expect
The experience
A guided game drive in a 4x4 through Akagera's savanna, woodland and lakeshore, from a Kigali pick-up.
Best time
Early morning and late afternoon for animal activity, and June to September for the easiest viewing.
How long
A full day with around five hours of driving, or two days with a night in the park.
Tips
Confirm whether park fees are included, bring binoculars, take malaria advice and consider an overnight for the boat trip and sunset drive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a classic safari alongside gorilla trekking.
- Families
- Great for children of any age; the day is long, so pack snacks and plan breaks.
- Couples
- A two-day trip with a sunset boat cruise is a highlight.
- Pair with
- Gorilla trekking in the north and a Kigali city tour.
- Time needed
- One long day, or two days for a relaxed trip.
Good questions
How far is Akagera from Kigali?+
It is about two and a half hours by road, so a day trip means a long day. A night in or near the park is more relaxed.
What are the park fees?+
Published 2025 rates for international visitors were about 100 US dollars per adult per day, plus vehicle and activity charges. Confirm current prices before booking.
Can you see the Big Five?+
The park has lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo and leopards, but sightings are never guaranteed, and leopards and rhinos are particularly elusive.
Is there a boat trip?+
Yes, boat trips on Lake Ihema are a popular add-on, with scheduled morning and sunset departures.
When is the best time to go?+
The dry months of June to September are easiest for wildlife, though the park is open all year.
