Akagera National Park is roaring back as a Big Five haven! While lion and rhino sightings have been exciting but sometimes elusive since their reintroduction, the recent arrival of 30 white rhinos promises much easier encounters with these magnificent giants. Don’t miss a fantastic boat trip on the lakes, where you’re guaranteed to see pods of hippos, enormous crocodiles basking in the sun, and perhaps even elephants playfully splashing in the shallows – an unforgettable wildlife spectacle!
Witness the captivating beauty of Akagera’s plains, teeming with graceful zebra and elegant Masai giraffe. As a haven for antelopes, you’ll encounter an impressive eleven species, with the ever-present impala often gracing the landscape. Keep an eye out for the large herds of striking topi, the water-loving Defassa waterbuck near the shimmering lakes, and the shy bushbuck within the tranquil woodlands. For a special treat, scan the rolling Mutumba Hills for the delicate pairs of oribi – a true spectacle of East African wildlife!
For the ultimate Akagera wildlife experience, plan your visit during the main Dry season (June to September). With less vegetation, spotting the abundant animals as they congregate around the park’s stunning lakes becomes much easier. Alternatively, the drier period within the Wet season (mid-December to mid-February) also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities amidst the lush, revitalized landscapes.
If you love birdwatching, Rwanda is great to visit any time! That’s because the most interesting birds live there all year round. You’ll find most of Rwanda’s special birds in Nyungwe National Park, and the best time to see them there is from January to June because they sing a lot then. Just keep in mind that April gets very rainy, which can make getting around a bit tough. The dry months, from June to September, are easier for walking in the forests. Plus, this is also the best time to go gorilla trekking!
450+
Nov to Apr
These months are very dry, so plants become less dense, drawing animals to the park’s lakes and wetlands. The weather is warm and enjoyable.
> From June to August, afternoons are usually around 26°C (79°F) with mostly sunny skies. Nights and early mornings can be cool, dropping to about 16°C (61°F).
> Early September is still dry with similar temperatures, but the short rains might begin sometime during this month.
Even during the Wet season, Akagera maintains pleasant warmth, typically reaching around 26°C (79°F) in the afternoons and cooling to about 15°C (59°F) at night. While all-day rain is uncommon, afternoon thundershowers are a possibility. Notably, there’s a respite from the heavier rains between the short and long rainy periods.
> October, November, and December usher in the ‘short rains,’ commencing potentially as early as September. Full days of rain are infrequent, with afternoon showers being more typical. Daytime temperatures generally average around 25°C (77°F), while nights and early mornings average about 16°C (61°F).
> January and February offer a drier interlude. This period, spanning roughly mid-December to mid-February, provides a break between the short and long rains, though the precise timing can vary.
> March, April, and May mark the long rains,’ the park’s wettest phase. While daily rainfall is common, it rarely persists throughout the entire day, and cloud cover is frequent. Average temperatures remain consistent with other times of the year.
Your Rwandan adventure typically begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), situated just outside the vibrant capital city.
Akagera National Park lies to the east of Rwanda, approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Kigali. The journey by road takes around two and a half hours*, with a country-wide speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour.
Many visitors experience Akagera as part of a comprehensive 4×4 tour of Rwanda, often accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide.
While there are no scheduled domestic flights directly to Akagera, Akagera Aviation provides charter helicopter services, offering swift transfers to any location within Rwanda. The flight from Kigali to Akagera is a brief 20-minute hop.
Traveling from the to Rwanda is most easily accomplished by flying with RwandAir. Other airline options include British Airways, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.
While there are no scheduled domestic flights directly to Akagera, Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter services for transfers to anywhere in Rwanda. A flight from Kigali to Akagera takes approximately 20 minutes.
Please check our Getting There – Rwanda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Akagera National Park, like other parks in Rwanda, is generally considered very safe for visitors. Many people explore the park through guided tours with a driver, ensuring a secure experience. Additionally, park staff actively prioritize your safety during activities like night drives and boat safaris.
For the latest information on safety in Akagera and Rwanda overall, it’s a good idea to check the official government travel advice (you can find a link below labeled ‘Safety & Security – Rwanda’).
Malaria is present in Akagera, so it’s important to protect yourself. This includes taking malaria pills and using a good mosquito repellent (those with DEET work best). In the evenings, wearing long pants, long sleeves, and closed shoes can also help. The risk of malaria is higher during the rainy season, from October to May. Before your trip to Rwanda, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any necessary vaccinations.
Watching wildlife in Akagera is usually very safe. Just follow your guide’s instructions, and you should be fine. You can also find extra safety tips in the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ link below.
Akagera National Park is roaring back as a Big Five haven! While lion and rhino sightings have been exciting but sometimes elusive since their reintroduction, the recent arrival of 30 white rhinos promises much easier encounters with these magnificent giants. Don’t miss a fantastic boat trip on the lakes, where you’re guaranteed to see pods of hippos, enormous crocodiles basking in the sun, and perhaps even elephants playfully splashing in the shallows – an unforgettable wildlife spectacle!
Witness the captivating beauty of Akagera’s plains, teeming with graceful zebra and elegant Masai giraffe. As a haven for antelopes, you’ll encounter an impressive eleven species, with the ever-present impala often gracing the landscape. Keep an eye out for the large herds of striking topi, the water-loving Defassa waterbuck near the shimmering lakes, and the shy bushbuck within the tranquil woodlands. For a special treat, scan the rolling Mutumba Hills for the delicate pairs of oribi – a true spectacle of East African wildlife!
For the ultimate Akagera wildlife experience, plan your visit during the main Dry season (June to September). With less vegetation, spotting the abundant animals as they congregate around the park’s stunning lakes becomes much easier. Alternatively, the drier period within the Wet season (mid-December to mid-February) also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities amidst the lush, revitalized landscapes.
If you love birdwatching, Rwanda is great to visit any time! That’s because the most interesting birds live there all year round. You’ll find most of Rwanda’s special birds in Nyungwe National Park, and the best time to see them there is from January to June because they sing a lot then. Just keep in mind that April gets very rainy, which can make getting around a bit tough. The dry months, from June to September, are easier for walking in the forests. Plus, this is also the best time to go gorilla trekking!
450+
Nov to Apr
These months are very dry, so plants become less dense, drawing animals to the park’s lakes and wetlands. The weather is warm and enjoyable.
> From June to August, afternoons are usually around 26°C (79°F) with mostly sunny skies. Nights and early mornings can be cool, dropping to about 16°C (61°F).
> Early September is still dry with similar temperatures, but the short rains might begin sometime during this month.
Even during the Wet season, Akagera maintains pleasant warmth, typically reaching around 26°C (79°F) in the afternoons and cooling to about 15°C (59°F) at night. While all-day rain is uncommon, afternoon thundershowers are a possibility. Notably, there’s a respite from the heavier rains between the short and long rainy periods.
> October, November, and December usher in the ‘short rains,’ commencing potentially as early as September. Full days of rain are infrequent, with afternoon showers being more typical. Daytime temperatures generally average around 25°C (77°F), while nights and early mornings average about 16°C (61°F).
> January and February offer a drier interlude. This period, spanning roughly mid-December to mid-February, provides a break between the short and long rains, though the precise timing can vary.
> March, April, and May mark the long rains,’ the park’s wettest phase. While daily rainfall is common, it rarely persists throughout the entire day, and cloud cover is frequent. Average temperatures remain consistent with other times of the year.
Your Rwandan adventure typically begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), situated just outside the vibrant capital city.
Akagera National Park lies to the east of Rwanda, approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Kigali. The journey by road takes around two and a half hours*, with a country-wide speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour.
Many visitors experience Akagera as part of a comprehensive 4×4 tour of Rwanda, often accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide.
While there are no scheduled domestic flights directly to Akagera, Akagera Aviation provides charter helicopter services, offering swift transfers to any location within Rwanda. The flight from Kigali to Akagera is a brief 20-minute hop.
Traveling from the to Rwanda is most easily accomplished by flying with RwandAir. Other airline options include British Airways, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.
While there are no scheduled domestic flights directly to Akagera, Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter services for transfers to anywhere in Rwanda. A flight from Kigali to Akagera takes approximately 20 minutes.
Please check our Getting There – Rwanda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Akagera National Park, like other parks in Rwanda, is generally considered very safe for visitors. Many people explore the park through guided tours with a driver, ensuring a secure experience. Additionally, park staff actively prioritize your safety during activities like night drives and boat safaris.
For the latest information on safety in Akagera and Rwanda overall, it’s a good idea to check the official government travel advice (you can find a link below labeled ‘Safety & Security – Rwanda’).
Malaria is present in Akagera, so it’s important to protect yourself. This includes taking malaria pills and using a good mosquito repellent (those with DEET work best). In the evenings, wearing long pants, long sleeves, and closed shoes can also help. The risk of malaria is higher during the rainy season, from October to May. Before your trip to Rwanda, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any necessary vaccinations.
Watching wildlife in Akagera is usually very safe. Just follow your guide’s instructions, and you should be fine. You can also find extra safety tips in the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ link below.
â’¸ B2C Adventure Ltd 2025. All Rights Reserved
