Akagera National Park Entry Fees, Safari Prices & Costs

Akagera National Park Entry Fees, Safari Prices & Costs

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable safari experience in Rwanda? Akagera National Park, nestled in the country’s eastern region, is the only park in Rwanda where you can enjoy classic African wildlife viewing—including the chance to see the Big Five. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about visiting Akagera, including safari activities, entrance fees, transport, accommodation, and cultural add-ons to enrich your experience.

Why Visit Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park is a scenic blend of savannah, swamps, lakes, and rolling hills—and a haven for Rwanda’s most diverse wildlife. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, it is now home once again to all of Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

But that’s just the beginning. Visitors may also encounter Maasai giraffes, zebras, warthogs, elands, topis, roan antelopes, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and even the elusive sitatunga antelope. Night game drives offer sightings of spotted hyenas, genets, bush babies, and owls, while birders will appreciate the park’s checklist of over 500 species.

Akagera Safari Activity Costs and Experiences

Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing

Game drives are the highlight of any Akagera safari. Whether you opt for a self-drive or guided experience, you’ll get the chance to explore Rwanda’s rewilded savannahs and encounter a variety of wildlife.

• Day Game Drive:

  • Park Entry: $100 per person (Foreign Non-Residents)

  • Optional: Guide, park vehicle or private driver (additional cost)

• Night Game Drive:

  • $40 per person

  • Offers great chances to spot nocturnal wildlife like leopards, civets, and bush babies

Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda, and spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and an abundance of water birds.

• Scheduled Boat Cruise (1 hour): $35 per person

• Sunset Cruise (1 hour): $45 per person

Bird Watching

Akagera is a birding paradise with over 525 species, including the iconic shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and red-faced barbet. Birding is excellent around Lake Ihema, wetlands, and the Akagera Game Lodge area.

• Birding Cost:

  • Included in Park entry fee

  • Optional guide: Additional cost

Fishing at Lake Shakani

Join local fishermen on Lake Shakani for a peaceful sport fishing experience surrounded by birds and hippos. You can even grill your catch right at the lakeshore.

• Fishing Fee: $25 per person

  • Bring your own gear or hire it locally

Cultural & Community Experiences

Enrich your visit with a hands-on cultural tour in the Eastern Province. Participate in traditional cow milking, visit banana beer brewers or honey artisans, and learn about the everyday life of Rwandans.

• Cost: $30 per person (minimum of 3 participants)

  • Half-day activity

  • All proceeds support the local communities

Transport Costs to Akagera National Park

Akagera is located about 110 km (a 2.5–3-hour drive) from Kigali. The journey takes you through scenic countryside, and the park is easily accessible by road.

Trek Africa Expeditions offers comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with open roofs, experienced driver-guides, and bottled drinking water.

• Vehicle Hire: $100–$250 per day (depends on vehicle type)

• Driver/Guide Allowance: $50 per day

• Fuel: Included in most packages

Accommodation Options in Akagera National Park

Akagera has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Whether you’re after a luxury tented camp or a simple campsite, there’s something for everyone:

Luxury Lodges ($200–$300 per person/night)

• Ruzizi Tented Lodge

• Akagera Game Lodge

• Akagera Rhino Lodge

Expect excellent hospitality, private rooms, and well-maintained COVID-19 safety protocols.

Midrange Lodges ($100–$150 per person/night)

• Magashi Camp

• Akagera Bush Lodge

• Dereva Hotel

Budget Options ($50–$100 per person/night)

• Basic lodges and camping facilities

• Ideal for backpackers and adventurous travelers

Why Book Your Akagera Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted partner for tailor-made safaris in Rwanda and beyond. We specialize in authentic wildlife, birding, and cultural experiences, offering personalized itineraries at transparent, competitive rates.

• Highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings

• No hidden fees

• Expert local guides and passionate staff

• Custom tours combining Akagera with gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and more

Ready to Explore Akagera?

Let Trek Africa Expeditions help you plan your perfect Rwandan safari. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, birding, cultural encounters, or a relaxing boat ride, Akagera National Park offers it all.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable journey into Rwanda’s wild heart.