Akagera (Rwanda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | July to August | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Akagera | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in August to September
- you want game drives, boat safaris, night drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, elephants, black rhino and white rhino
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in June and November to April
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in August to September. Volcanoes is stronger in June and November to April.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.