Game drives in Akagera National Park offer the best animal sightings in this only savannah park of Rwanda- home to the African Big Five. These include Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Rhinos and Leopards.

Akagera safari game drives in are mostly done in 4×4 tour vehicles with a rooftop up. During the drive, you’ll explore various fascinating trails holding numerous vegetation zones such as savannah woodlands, and stunning savannah plains.

Many animals are hard to miss as well! You should be expectant to spot big herds of Zebras, Uganda kobs, Impalas, Bush bucks, Elands, Topis, Masai Giraffes, Spotted Hyenas, Cheetahs, plus Olive baboons. The Waterbucks are common near lakes and even within woodland areas.

Depending on your choice, you can choose to undertake a day game drive or night game drive but, most travelers on wildlife viewing safaris in Akagera park do day game drives. Game viewing safaris in Akagera are open for visitors year-round and can be added to other safari activities such as Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and Kigali city tours are possible also.

A number of the safari game drives in Rwanda Akagera park mostly take place in the northern part due to its undulating terrain. However, wild animals are all over this protected area. Akagera park entrance is in the south but, the northern gate is the only one for an exit.

Categories of Akagera Park Game Drives;

These are the various types of Park Akagera game drives;

Day Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Morning game drives are the most popular in Akagera Park. Usually, these game drives happen from 6:30 am to 5 pm and can last for 3-4 hours.

While on the morning game drive, be expectant to spot game animals very active, getting out of their hideouts to feed especially the grazers. Likewise, in the morning the views of the sunrise offer a great background for photography.

It’s hard for travelers on this fantastic drive to miss spotting Cape Buffalos, Zebras, Giraffes, Spotted Hyenas, Topis, Rhinos, Elephants, and Elands, to mention but a few. Several bird species can’t be missed out for example; the Bare-faced go-away-bird, Blue-headed coucal, Crested barbet, Martial eagle, etc.

Predators like Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs are occasionally spotted but, our professional tour guide will help you to search for them. It’s possible to spot them as they hunt for their breakfast.

Half-day drives are from 6:30 am – 11:30 am and 12-5 pm.

Full-day drives are from 6.30 am – 5 pm.

Cost For Day Game Drives in Akagera Park;

• Half-day game drive (5hrs) costs $180
• Full day game drive costs $280

Safari drives operated by Akagera Management Company- (AMC) include the vehicle, driver, and guide.

The pick-up and drop-off locations are only within the south of the park.

Night Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Akagera safari night game drives are mainly organized for visitors to explore Akagera park in another wonderful dimension. Night drives in this only savannah-protected area of Rwanda start around 5:30 pm and go up to 8 to 8:30 pm.  The night drive usually runs for 2 hours.

Travelers on the night drive have a great opportunity of spotting nocturnal species not usually seen during the day. Among these include; Lions, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Genets, Bush babies, and Civets however, other several mammals can be encountered resting for example, Impalas, Elands, Giraffes, and Topis.

At night, you will also be able to hear the startling noises of the jungle creatures including Lions and Hyenas cry to one another!

Have it in mind that, visibility during the night drives can be limited. Furthermore, the cool night temperature could make the experience quite chilly, thus it’s advisable to dress appropriately.

Fees for night game drive in Akagera National Park;

• Adults: $40
• Children: $ 35

The fees are per person and exclude park entry fees. They are operated also by Akagera Management Company.

You will be picked up & dropped off at your lodge within the park.

The night drives are only available on the southern side of the park.

Self-Game Drives in Akagera Park

Though not so common, safari drives can be done in your own vehicle! The most exciting safari drives are from the south of the park to the north in a day and these offer great time to spot different animals. Also, you’ll enjoy the most spectacular sights from the top of the mountain across Lake Ihema towards Tanzania.

• Per guide /half day cost $25
• Per guide /full day cost $40

Other Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park to Do On Top Of Game Drives

Apart from enjoying a drive in the scenic grasslands and woodlands, visitors in Rwanda Akagera park can enjoy other interesting activities such as;

• Lake Ihema boat cruise
• Sport fishing on Lake Shakani
• Bird watching
• Undertaking guided nature walks
• Cultural experience to adjacent areas around the park

Best Time for Game Drives in Akagera National Park in Eastern Rwanda

The dry season, running from June through September as well as December to February offers the most favorable conditions for safari drives in Akagera park.

During this time of year, the foliage is generally less dense, which makes it simpler to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, the animals have a tendency to congregate around water sources, which increases the likelihood of getting to view a different animal species. In addition, it is recommended that you go on a drive during the morning or afternoon when animals are more active.

Travelers visiting Rwanda in the dry months should expect to find many safari cars in the dry season because it’s a peak season. Safari vehicles in Akagera are few during the wet months- March-May.

In Rwanda, the best time for gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes NP or chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda Nyungwe National Park are dry months also.

Packing List For Rwanda Akagera National Park Game Drives

The following is the best packing list for Rwanda in Akagera park- one of the best savannah national parks in East Africa;

1. Good camera for photoshoots
2. Sunhat & sunscreens
3. Wildlife guide books
4. Flashlight if you are to do a night game drive
5. Insect repellents
6. A refillable water bottle
7. Personal toiletries
8. Binoculars
9. Medical kit with personal medication specifically
10. Light backpack

Best Akagera National Park Accommodation for Tourists on Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

When going on a game drive safari in Akagera National Park, guests shouldn’t worry about where they will stay. This is because this park offers a wide range of lodging alternatives to accommodate various classes of people on Rwanda safaris. These accommodations range from luxurious to moderately priced.

Budget Lodges in Akagera National Park

• Lake Shakani campsite
• Dereva Hotel
• Muyumba Campsites
• Mutamba Akagera Campsite

Midrange Lodges in Akagera Park

• Akagera Game Lodge
• Karenge Bush Camp
• Akagera Ihema lodges
• Rutete Eco Lodge
• Eastern Country Hotel

Luxury Hotels in Akagera National Park

• Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Magashi Safari Camp

Getting to Akagera National Park- How to Get to Akagera National Park in Rwanda?

A number of visitors traveling to Akagera Park start their journey from Kigali. This beautiful park, Akagera is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali International Airport. Travelers visiting this savannah park in eastern Rwanda normally arrive by 4×4 safari vehicles however, a helicopter flight to Akagera is possible as well.

FAQs About Akagera National Park Game Drives

1. What Are the Big Five Animals in Akagera National Park?

Akagera’s Big Five include; Lion, Cape Buffalo, Elephants, Leopard, and Rhino. These can be spotted within savannah plains and in woodlands. As you search for these remarkable game animals, it’s hard to miss other mammals such as; Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas Topis, Uganda kobs, and other antelope species.

2. Are there Gorillas in Akagera?

There are no Mountain gorillas in Akagera NP. These magnificent creatures can only be spotted in Volcanoes NP found in the northwestern part of the country.

3. Are there Rhinos in Akagera?

Yes, it’s possible for Travelers on Rwanda wildlife safaris to spot Rhinos. Great thanks to the African Parks that reintroduced the Rhinos in Akagera protected area in 2017. 18 Eastern Black Rhinos were translocated from South Africa to this area after a period of 10 years of nonexistence.

For an unforgettable safari experience in Rwanda, travelers should complement Akagera game drives with other activities. Among these include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Nyungwe forest canopy walk and a Kigali city tour where you’ll get a chance to explore the Kigali genocide memorial centre.

If you have any inquiries about Rwanda safari tours, endeavor to contact our team to tailor for you a memorable trip.