How to get to Akagera National Park from Kigali

Akagera National Park is located in North-Eastern Rwanda, close to the border with Tanzania. It is dominated by wetlands and small lakes that flow in the banks of the Kagera River. The network of water sources, the distinctive environment, and stunning landscapes create a wonderful ecosystem. The park was named after the Kagera River, which supplies various bodies, including Lake Ihema, one of the main tourist attractions in the park.

The landscape of Akagera National Park, enveloped by the cultivated hills characteristic of Rwanda, is undeniably exquisite. The environment is predominantly flat, featuring expansive grasslands, Euphorbia candelabra shrubs, and varying densities of trees, while yet reflecting the typical harsh scenery characteristic of Rwanda.

Getting to Akagera by road

The main entry point to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport.  The journey to Akagera National Park starts in Kigali city, which is just 10 km from the airport. The park is located about 100 km from Kigali with a comfortable 2–3-hour drive.

A 4×4 safari car is the most preferred kind of transportation for travel to the park. The road to the park is well-paved for flexible movement. There is a possibility that there could be a few rough patches along the way, as a little spice to the adventure and taste of the African massage; nonetheless, this should not prevent you from making the trip. The last 28km and the roads within the park are marram roads; thus, the use of 4×4 safari vehicles is strongly recommended, especially when traveling during the wet season.

Directions to Akagera

From the Kigali international Airport, embark on your journey to the Akagera national park, where you will pass through towns like Rwamagana to Kayonza to Kabarondo town, and then to Rwinkwavu, where you can then access the park. The distance between Kigali international airport and Akagera national park is approximately 100kilometers.

Drive from Kigali town towards the airport, just 100m before you reach the airport,  take a left turn. You will then be heading east towards Rwamagana.

From Rwamagana, continue driving to Kayonza. When you get to Kayonza, turn right at the roundabout and drive till you reach the Discenter fuel station, which is on the left side as you enter Kabarondo. after the fuel station.  Turn left and follow the dirt road for about 15 kilometers to the Rwinkwavu junction.

At Rwinwavu junction is a signpost that directs you to Akagera National Park. Following the signpost guide, drive  13kilometers  to Kiyonza gate. This is the southern gate and the main entrance to Akagera National Park.

Note: Driving in Rwanda is on the right-hand side in case you are on the self-drive.

Accessing Akagera via public transport presents certain challenges. The minibus taxis travel back and forth between Kibungo and Kayonza, taking you right up to the junction. The only option available from that point is to use a motorbike taxi, provided you are fortunate enough to find one. Guests, except for those at the Game lodge, are not permitted to walk within the park, even with a guide. Additionally, there will be no safari vehicles available for game drives.

The best option is to reach the park in your vehicle, either on self self-drive or with your driver guide.

Getting to Akagera by air

Akagera Aviation provides scheduled flights to Akagera National Park in the morning and evening. If these schedules do not match your preferred time,  you can request a private transfer depending on the weather and aircraft availability.

The helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Akagera National Park is about 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. You can book the flight through a tour operator,  including all transfers to the airport, to the park, and back to your hotel.

Park Gates into Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park has only 2 gates.

1. Kiyonza gate (South gate)

This is the main entry point to Akagera National Park, located in the southern end of the park, and is accessed by all visitors to the park. It’s found in Kayonza district and is reached after a 2 -3-hour drive from Kigali.

This park can also be used as an exit.

2. Nyungwe / Nyagatare gate (Northern gate)

This is the main exit point from Akagera National Park, found in the northern part of the park in Nyagatare district.

This gate acts as an entrance only to visitors who have their first day-night bookings in the park with Magashi Tented Luxury camp.

The park gates are open from 6 am to 6 pm. On arrival, register your vehicle and pay personal entry fees.  The receipts will act as proof of payment as you exit the park.

For an authentic African safari, travel to Akagera National Park, which is home to several wildlife creatures, including aquatic life, birds, and the highly sought-after big five of Africa: lion,  elephant, leopard, buffalo, and the endangered rhino.

If you’ve chosen Active African Vacations as your tour company for your Akagera safari, put a smile on your face, sit back, relax, and enjoy our comfortable ride.  Reach out for your camera and take a few shots of the amazing attractions in the countryside of the land of a thousand hills as we journey to Rwanda’s only savanna park, Akagera National Park.