Akagera National Park at a glance
Akagera is Rwanda's park for savanna safaris. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all found there, which is what the term Big Five refers to. It describes the species in the park, not a promise of sightings. Wildlife viewing always depends on luck, season and time of day.
The park is run by Akagera Management Company, and this site is an independent guide with no link to the park or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). You can drive yourself in your own vehicle, take a guide along, or join a boat trip on Lake Ihema.
How a visit works
Self-drive, guide or boat. These are the options described by the park.
Drive yourself
The park states clearly that self-driving is possible. A community guide can join you as an option. Entry is through the southern Giraffe Gate or Mutumba Gate, both named on the park's day visitor information.
Take a guide
A guide in your own vehicle costs 25 USD for a half day and 40 USD for a full day (2026).
Boat on Lake Ihema
Scheduled boat trips leave at 07:30, 09:00, 15:00 and 16:30. A sunset trip runs from 16:30 to 18:00. Ask about the length when you book.
Reserve activities
Activities should be arranged with the park in advance, by email at akagera@africanparks.org or at the park reception on +250 786 182 871.
Our picks: Akagera safaris
Two day trips from Kigali, where park entry depends on the option you book.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
One-day safari in Akagera National Park
Pickup in Kigali, a driver-guide, your chosen 4x4, water and lunch. Park entry and the Ihema boat trip come only with the matching option, and without it entry costs $100 per person extra.
Check availability →
Full-day Akagera safari with optional boat ride
A private 4x4 with a driver-guide, transfer from Kigali, lunch and water. Park entry ($100 per person without the option) and the boat ride are booked as options.
Check availability →Akagera safaris and tours
Day trips and multi-day safaris to Akagera from Kigali, with live prices and availability.
Entry fees in 2026
Park fees from the Akagera price list for 2026, per person. Rwandan and EAC nationals pay in RWF.
| Category | 1 day or 1 night | 2 nights in total | 3 nights in total |
|---|---|---|---|
| International, age 13 and over | 100 USD | 150 USD | 200 USD |
| International, age 6 to 12 | 50 USD | 75 USD | 100 USD |
| Rwanda or EAC residents, adult | 50 USD | 75 USD | 100 USD |
| Rwanda or EAC nationals, adult | 15,000 RWF | 22,500 RWF | 30,000 RWF |
Children up to 5 years enter and join activities free of charge, and from 13 the adult rate applies. After 3 nights there is no further entry fee up to a total of 1 week. If you stay outside the park, you pay for each day you return. A vehicle fee comes on top: 10 USD for a Rwandan or EAC-registered car or minibus and 40 USD for a foreign-registered one. Check the fees for your category in the full 2026 list before you go.
Lake Ihema boat trips
The boat on Lake Ihema is a good complement to a drive. In 2026 a scheduled daytime trip costs 35 USD for adults and 20 USD for children, and the sunset trip costs 45 USD for adults and 30 USD for children. A private boat costs 200 USD for up to 11 people.
Departures are listed at 07:30, 09:00, 15:00 and 16:30, and the sunset trip is listed from 16:30 to 18:00. The listed trip length differs between sources, so confirm the duration with the park when you reserve. Boat trips are charged on top of the park entry fee.
Paying, timing and where to sleep
The park runs a cashless system. It accepts MTN MoMo, DPO, bank transfer and Visa or Mastercard, and you can also pay entry on arrival. Bring a payment card.
Older RDB material gives roughly 3 hours for the drive from Kigali. Roads and traffic change, so build in extra time, especially in the rains. Side roads are often unpaved and can change with the weather. The park names Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp, along with campsites and other private camps, on its website. See where to stay for areas.
From November to May, the RDB offers a 30 percent gorilla permit discount when you combine Volcanoes with Akagera or Nyungwe. It has conditions on nights and payment, which are explained on our gorilla trekking page.
Planning your day
The park opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00, so an early start gives you the longest day. If you want a boat trip, pick a departure first (07:30, 09:00, 15:00 or 16:30) and plan your drive around it. Entry through the Giraffe Gate or the Mutumba Gate is described on the park's day visitor page, so ask which gate suits your route when you reserve.
Your fees depend on how long you stay, not only on the activity. A single day costs 100 USD per international adult, but 2 nights cost 150 USD in total, so a longer stay lowers the cost per day. Add the vehicle fee and any guide or boat trip, and keep the total in mind when you compare it with a package tour.
Akagera: frequently asked questions
Can I drive myself in Akagera?
Yes. Self-driving is allowed, and a community guide is an option. A guide in your own vehicle costs 25 USD for a half day and 40 USD for a full day (2026).
Which animals can I see?
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino live in the park. Sightings are never guaranteed.
What are the opening hours?
The park is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
How much is the entry fee for an international adult?
100 USD for one day or night, 150 USD for 2 nights and 200 USD for 3 nights in total (2026). Vehicle and activity fees come on top.
How do I pay?
The park uses cashless payment: MTN MoMo, DPO, bank transfer and Visa or Mastercard. Entry can also be paid on arrival.
How much is a boat trip on Lake Ihema?
35 USD for adults and 20 USD for children on a scheduled daytime trip, and 45 USD and 30 USD at sunset (2026). A private boat costs 200 USD for up to 11 people.