Visiting Akagera National Park and Associated Costs

Visiting Akagera National Park and Associated Costs

If you’re planning a wildlife safari in Rwanda, then Akagera National Park should be at the top of your list. Located in the eastern part of the country, Akagera is the only place in Rwanda where you can experience thrilling wildlife viewing and see the Big Five. With a diverse range of animals, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions and the growing population of black rhinos, Akagera offers an unforgettable safari experience.

What to Expect at Akagera National Park: Wildlife and Scenic Views

Akagera is home to a variety of animals, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to the Big Five, you’ll have the chance to spot a range of other wildlife, such as Maasai giraffes, zebras, warthogs, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, hippos, impalas and more. The park also boasts a variety of bird species, with over 500 species recorded, including the elusive shoebill and other rare water birds. Night drives are also available, where you can spot nocturnal creatures such as spotted hyenas, bush babies and owls.

Popular Activities and Costs in Akagera National Park

1. Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Experience the beauty of Lake Ihema with a scheduled boat cruise, where you can observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and various water birds. The costs for the boat cruise are:

• Day Trip (1 hour): USD 35 per person
• Sunset Cruise (1 hour): USD 45 per person

The boat cruise offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy Akagera’s abundant wildlife and scenic views. Contact us to plan your visit and make the most of this incredible experience.

2. Game Drives / Wildlife Viewing

Akagera is home to the Big Five, thanks to the successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos in recent years. Game drives are one of the best ways to experience the park’s incredible wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, topis and zebras. Here’s the cost breakdown for game drives:

• Day Game Drive: Park entrance fee of USD 100 per person (Foreign non-residents)
• Night Game Drive: USD 40 per person (additional charge for hiring guides and vehicles)

Night drives offer a unique chance to see nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas in action, adding excitement to your safari adventure.

3. Birding Experience

For birding enthusiasts, Akagera is a must-visit destination. With over 525 bird species including rare species like the shoebill and papyrus gonolek, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. You can enjoy birding by paying only the park entrance fee, with the option to hire a guide for a more immersive experience.

4. Cultural and Community Experiences

Engage with the local communities and learn about their fascinating traditions. From cattle milking and exploring local farms to visiting banana beer and honey artisans, you’ll gain unique insights into the rural lifestyle. The community experience costs:

• USD 30 per person (minimum of 3 people)

This half-day activity allows you to connect with local cultures while supporting the community directly.

5. Fishing / Sport Fishing

Enjoy a fishing experience at Lake Shakani and learn the traditional fishing techniques used by local fishermen. You’ll have the chance to fish, enjoy the beautiful scenery and savor freshly roasted fish. The cost for the fishing experience is:

• USD 25 per person (bring your own equipment or hire on-site)

Getting to Akagera National Park: Transportation and Costs

Akagera National Park is located in the northeastern region of Rwanda, about 110 kilometers from Kigali, the capital. The park is a beautiful destination, offering lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife, just a 3-hour drive from Kigali. To make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable, we provide 4×4 vehicles with open roofs for game viewing, accompanied by a professional driver-guide and drinking water.

The transportation cost includes:

• Vehicle Hire: USD 100-250 per day (depending on the type of vehicle)
• Fuel for the round trip
• Driver-guide allowance: USD 50 per day

These services ensure a comfortable and smooth ride as you explore the wonders of Akagera National Park.

Accommodation Options and Pricing in Akagera National Park

Akagera offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury to budget choices.

Luxury Lodges

• Akagera Game Lodge
• Akagera Rhino Lodge
• Ruzizi Tented Camp

Prices range from USD 200-300 per person per night. These luxury lodges provide excellent hospitality, clean rooms and VIP accommodations, along with strict health and safety protocols in place to protect guests during their stay.

Mid-Range Lodges

• Magashi Camp
• Dereva Hotel
• Akagera Bush Lodge

Mid-range accommodations range from USD 100-150 per person per night, offering comfort and convenience at a more affordable price.

Budget Options

For budget-conscious travelers, there are basic accommodations and camping options available, with prices ranging from USD 50-100 per person per night.

No matter your budget, you’ll find comfortable lodging to enhance your stay at Akagera National Park.

Why Book Your Akagera Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we’ve been providing tailored wildlife and community experiences to Akagera National Park for years. Our discounted packages come with no hidden costs and we specialize in creating custom itineraries that include gorilla trekking, birding, cultural experiences and more.

Our dedicated team, a mix of young and energetic staff, is led by experienced guides who are passionate about delivering authentic and unforgettable experiences. Trek Africa Gorillas is highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, where you can read about the experiences of travelers who have journeyed with us to Rwanda.

Contact us today to book your Akagera National Park safari and take advantage of our special offers!