Akagera is a national park in eastern Rwanda of relatively warm, low-lying plains with savannah, woodland, wetland and about a dozen lakes. It has been managed by African Parks with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010.
- Country
- Rwanda
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 1,122 km²
- Best time
- July to August
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kigali International Airport (KGL)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Akagera
- Rwanda's only savannah park, with a chance of the Big Five
- Lions and rhinos reintroduced in partnership with African Parks
- Boat trips on Lake Ihema
- About a dozen lakes and bird-rich wetlands
- Easy to combine with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Best time to visit Akagera
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Akagera is July to August.
Dry season; animals gather around the lakes and wetlands and viewing is at its best.
Long rains, the wettest period, often with cloudy skies.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 16–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 16–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 16–26 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 16–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 16–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 16–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 16–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 16–26 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 16–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Akagera includes lions, leopards, elephants, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
In eastern Rwanda on the Tanzanian border, about 2-3 hours by road from Kigali to the southern gate.
Trips to Akagera
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Akagera for families
- Akagera for a honeymoon
- Akagera for photographers
- Akagera for a first safari
- Akagera on a budget
- Akagera for luxury travel
Compare with
- Akagera vs Volcanoes
- Akagera vs Nyerere
- Akagera vs Tarangire
- Akagera vs Amboseli
- Akagera vs Lake Manyara
- Akagera vs Lake Nakuru
Travelling to Akagera from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Akagera?
Generally July to August. Dry season; animals gather around the lakes and wetlands and viewing is at its best.
How many days do I need in Akagera?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Akagera?
In eastern Rwanda on the Tanzanian border, about 2-3 hours by road from Kigali to the southern gate.
Is there malaria in Akagera?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.