Look nowhere, we have got everything for you that you will need to wear and enjoy your ultimate safari.

As you know, every wear that you put on depends on the day or where you are going. There is wear suitable for office, culture, dinner, weddings and many occasions.

Forget all that and what you have had on what to wear while on an African safari. This is the ultimate guide on what to wear when going for a safari in Akagera National Park.

List of What To Wear In Akagera National Park On Safari

1. Light hiking Shoes or boots
2. Light Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers
3. A hat
4. Sunglasses
5. Garden Gloves
6. Light woolen Stockings
7. Sandals
8. Buff

Detail of What To Wear In Akagera National Park

Light Hiking Shoes or Shoes: Hiking shoes will protect your ankles from getting damaged and from getting wet during wet days.

They as well keep your feet safe from piercings when walking or hiking. The piercings can be of tree branches or acacia plant thorns.

Always wear shoes that are light and dependable that will make you feel comfortable during your entire safari.

Light Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: This wear will protect you from insects that may bite you and from itching plants.

The long-sleeved shirts and trousers sometimes keep you warm during early morning activities in the park.

Avoid putting on bright shirts and trousers as these attract animals which may be aggressive and cause danger.

Neutral-colored shirts and trousers are highly recommended as they at times match the dust you may get during game drives.

Shorts can be worn during your safari as well, especially on hot days. However, women should wear knee-length shorts for their safety and preserving of the African culture.

A hat or cap: The main purpose of a hat or cap is to protect you from the direct hot sun rays. Since Akagera National Park is near the equator, it is hot most of the time.

So, be vigilant to carry a hat or cap when going for longing activities in the park.

Sun Glasses: We all want a clear vision sight. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from direct contact with sunlight rays that may damage the eye’s sight.

The best sunglasses are those with UV protection as they ensure proper health of the eyes.

Garden Gloves: Since you are going to a wildlife safari park, expect to engage in many activities.

The garden cloves are used during nature walks to protect your hands from dirt and itching and piecing plants.

Light woolen Stockings: Stockings are essential wear that you need to put on before wearing your shoes.

Stockings will make you feel more comfortable in your shoes and prevent your feet from stinking since it is hot on most days.

Sandals: You won’t be wearing hiking shoes all day. In some evenings, while chilling at your lodge, you can wear your sandals.

Most lodges provide sandals or slippers though you still get to bring your feet-wear for more comfort.

Buff: You can always put on a buff on your head mostly to keep your hair back. A buff is also used for covering your mouth and nose from dust especially driving game drives.

As said earlier, most wear depends on the weather conditions in the park. Akagera National Park is a savannah park that is hot at most times, so always wear layers.

When cold especially in the mornings, carry a scarf with you or a light jacket to keep you warm.

For any questions concerning what to wear in Akagera National Park on a  safari in Rwanda, Kindly send us an email.

The post What To Wear In Akagera National Park On A Rwanda Safari appeared first on Akagera National Park Rwanda.

There are essential items that you require to enjoy a true wildlife safari in Rwanda’s savannah national park.

We have used essential! That’s right, you don’t need to pack everything, you need to travel light and simple but on point.

A list of What To Carry To Akagera National Park/Packing List For A Rwanda Wildlife Safari

1. Light Day Backpack
2. A pair of Binoculars
3. A good camera with extra batteries
4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket
5. Insect Repellent
6. Sunscreen
7. Refillable Water bottles
8. Backpack
9. Walking sticks
10. Swimming suits
11. Personal First Aid kit
12. Toiletries
13. Led torches/ Headlamps
14. Personal Medication
15. Charging Accessories
16. Wildlife Guide Books
17. Exchanged money in Rwanda’s Currency

Get to know more about each Akagera National Park Packing List item in detail and why you need to carry it.

1. Light Day Backpack

While in Akagera National Park, You will be required to move with a few essential items with you. A light backpack will help you have all your items in one place with you all the time.

Items like Insect repellent, water bottles, a first aid kit, personal medication, and guidebooks can all be put in the backpack.

2. A Pair of Binoculars

Binoculars are one of the key essentials that you should carry first before any other thing. There will be no exciting safari to Akagera National Park without Binoculars.

The equipment brings closer views of African animals that are far from you. If you have night game drives in your itinerary, night vision binoculars are highly recommended.

3. A Good Camera With Extra Batteries

Rwanda Akagera National Park has beautiful wildlife and good sceneries that are worth capturing.

Yes, I said it, a good camera!! I know phones can take nice photos but if you want to capture memorable clear photos then you will need a good camera.

However, your camera should have a loop for more protection. You can wear the loop on your neck or twist it around your arm during photography.

Anything can scare you off and lose an important item like that, so be advised, please.

Please Note;

Avoid the disappointment of your camera when it runs out of battery or memory space.

Come with extra charged batteries and memory cards for your camera. There will be plenty of memories to capture and will leave you wanting more.

Also, mind coming with waterproof bags for keeping your camera when it starts to rain.

4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket

African weather is unpredictable, rainfall is expected at any time of the day even though traveling in the dry season.

A poncho or a light rain jacket will always protect you from getting wet from the rain.

5. Insect Repellent

Yes, an Insect repellent, many tourists carry only mosquito repellent forgetting about other small insects. The repellent pursues off all insects that may bite you and cause sickness.

We are well aware that most lodges have mosquito nets but putting safety first is better than being sorry.

6. Sunscreen

The African sun is so hot, especially in the dry months yet some of our skins are too sensitive.

Apply a little sunscreen when going for game drives or nature walks in the park to keep safe.

7. Reusable-refillable Water bottles-Water Filter

Since we want to conserve the environment and our national parks, we deeply argue every one not uses disposable materials. These materials are toxic to the environment and kill nature which we all want to enjoy.

Reusable water bottles are long-lasting and can be used more than one time.

Water filters

I know that most of you have had stories of African water not being safe. Yes, that’s true if water is from taps though bottled mineral water is 100% safe and we highly recommended it.

If you are having any doughts about the water, kindly carry a personal water filter to feel safer.

8. Walking Sticks-Trekking Sticks

Walking sticks work as a third leg and increase your stability and balance when doing nature walks.

The sticks add more support, especially when walking on slippery or uneven trails. Walking sticks are a pair or one may decide to use one depending on the difficulties they are facing.

9. Swimming Suits

Since the African sun is hot and you need to cool down your body, a swim perhaps is a way to go.

Many safari lodges in Akagera National Park have swimming pools and wearing a swimming suit is a good way to enjoy the pool.

10. Personal First Aid kit

When traveling, accidents are inevitable and you can’t control them however, you can pack a first aid kit with you.

I know most safari lodges and safari vehicles have first aid kits but you are advised to always have one for yourself.

It should at least have;

• Painkillers
• Plasters
• Malaria Tablets
• Vitamins
• Gauze Bandages
• Razor Blades
• A pair of Scissors

11. Toiletries

Everyone wants to feel comfortable when using items they are familiar with. Lodges and hotels provide some of the toiletry items but some are personal and can’t be given.

These are a few toiletries you can come with;

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Toilet bag
• Facial wipes
• Shaver
• Tissue
• Comb
• Body cream- Lotion
• Deodorant
• Make-up case
• Sanitizer

12. Led torches/ Headlamps

Most African lodges cut off the power supply during the night and you don’t want to be left out in the dark.

The led torches will give you enough light that you require when moving from the restaurant to your cottage. You may as well want to have a short walk around the lodge.

13. Personal Medication

You may have a sickness that requires you to have medication 2-3 times every day.

Please! Please! Don’t forget to carry your medication with you always. You can consistently enjoy your African safari while on medication.

You can always inform your travel agent about your sickness so that he/she shares it with the lodge and your guide.

14. Charging Accessories-Universal Travel Adaptor

Rwanda as an African country perhaps has different plug sockets compared to those of your country.

The country has two commonly used plug types and those are types C and J.

Plug type C is associated with 2 round pins and type J has 3 round pins. Rwanda as a country works on a 230V supply voltage with 50Hz.

As a traveler, we advised you to carry a universal travel adaptor that you will use for charging your electronic devices.

15. Wildlife Guide Books

Wildlife guidebooks may seem off but I advise you to carry one if possible. Having a safari guide may not be enough for you so the books will teach you more about Rwanda’s wildlife.

These can be wild animal or bird guidebooks.

16. Exchanged money in Rwanda’s Currency

When visiting Akagera National Park, please be advised to carry some cash with you.

Also, exchange some money for Rwanda’s currency “Amafaranga.”

Credit cards are accepted by most safari lodges but sometimes the operator may go offline. This means that the only way to pay the bills is by cash.

Advantages of having local Currency

You may use the local currency for paying for small items like drinks or tipping.

If you decide to purchase something using foreign money, you may feel cheated because of the exchange rate.

Please Note!!

Although you are advised to carry money with you, do not move with much money with you always. This can lead to the danger of getting robbed.

There are many things you want to carry and come along with when coming to Rwanda Akagera National Park. You can carry them, however, remember to always travel light.

Let me hope that we have been of good help in assisting you to pack what to have on your safari to Akagera National Park.

If you are having any concerns about Akagera National Park/Packing List for your safari, please reach out to us for help.

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These rules are intended for the safety and enjoyment of tourists on safaris in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

For a memorable safari in Akagera national park please, strictly adhere to these park rules and regulations.

Here Is A Brief Summary Of Akagera National Park Rules And Regulations

1. You must present all necessary documents at the Akagera park entry point.
2. Firearms are prohibited in the park.
3. Pets are not allowed in the park. These include dogs, cats, snakes, etc.
4. The park opens for day visitors at 6 am and closes at 6 pm.
5. Driving off the designated trucks is prohibited. The fine is 100$.
6. Avoid making motor horns while in the park. When caught 100$
7. Drivers are strictly ordered to drive below 40km/hr. (25mph)
8. Visitors are cautioned to remain in a vehicle while in the park.
9. Littering in the park is not allowed.
10. Bush camping is prohibited. Only camp in designated areas.
11. Please, avoid feeding animals.
12. You are cautioned from plucking leaves, and flowers or uprooting plants in the park.
13. It’s your responsibility to have a stead vehicle. In case of craving help from the park, a recovery fee of $150 is payable.

Below Are The Detailed Rules And Regulations 

1. You are required to present all the necessary documents at the park entry point for the check-up. Therefore, move with all your park receipts, passports, and driver’s license for inspection if needed.
2. Firearms are forbidden in Akagera national park. Please note that you’ll be checked at the park’s gate and that’s where you’ll leave them.
3. Pets are not allowed in the park. These include dogs, cats, birds, snakes, etc. Therefore, while coming for your Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park, you should leave them at home.

Note that, accidentally, it can be eaten by wild animals in the park.

4. Akagera National Park Rwanda opens for day visitors from 6 am- 6 pm. Therefore, day visitors on Rwanda safaris in Akagera must live the park before 6 pm.

If you don’t exit by that time, a search will start straight away and you’ll be penalized.

This is done to reduce the chances of knocking off wild animals and birds which often move lazily in their natural habitat.

Reptiles such as snakes, lizards plus other slow-moving animals can simply be knocked by night and very early drivers.

Those to use lodges inside Akagera National Park must be inside by 6 pm.

5. You are cautioned from driving off the truck (off-road) while in the park. This will prevent you from getting lost, creating vague tracks, and also protects the vegetation from getting damaged.

Whoever falls victim pays a fine of $100.

6. Avoid making motor horn sounds while in the park. Unnecessary sounds disturb or scare wild animals and birds while in their natural habitat.
7. Avoid making motor horn sounds while in the park. This is so because unnecessary sounds distract (scare) wild animals in Akagera National Park in their natural habitat.

If caught doing so, you’ll be charged a fine of $100.

8. Drivers are strictly ordered to drive below a speed of 40km/hr. (25mph) while in the park. This is intended to minimize accidents that can cost human and animal lives.

Therefore, drivers are advised to keep in mind that anytime, animals are crossing and speeding raises accident chances.

9. Visitors in Akagera National park in Rwanda must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated overnight facility, picnic area, or campsite. This helps to prevent attacks from dangerous wild animals.
10. Littering in the park is not allowed. Please you’re requested to leave with all that you came in with. This is done to promote eco-tourism which aims at conserving nature.
11. Bush camping is prohibited in Akagera park. Therefore, overnight visitors are only allowed to camp in designated areas.

While in a camping place, you’re advised to light fire only in designated areas. Please don’t leave the fire unattended, and make sure that you fully extinguish the fire before leaving.

12. Please, avoid feeding animals while on your Rwanda tour in Akagera National Park. This action isn’t safe healthy wise to animals and can further result in bad character among the wildlife to park visitors.
13. You’re cautioned from plucking flowers, leaves, or uprooting plants in the park, plus any other natural material. This is against eco-tourism policies aimed at conserving nature for future generations.

Remember, the destruction of wildlife habitats can force these animals to shift to another safer place.

14. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have a steady vehicle, proper equipment, and enough fuel for your drive inside the park. In the incident of longing for assistance from the park, a recovery fee of $150 is payable.

You may be inquired to show your receipt on departure. Please keep this with you.

Please, you’re reminded that the above rules and regulations are intended to make you have an enjoyable Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park- the only savannah national park in Rwanda.

For Any Inquiries About Akagera National Park Rules And Regulations, Please Email Us.

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Akagera National Park is the only savanna park in Rwanda, often visited by tourists seeking unique Big Five safari experiences.

The park entry fees for Akagera National Park are rates paid by all tourists seeking access to the park and are set by the Rwanda Development Board to boost park management and conservation.

The Akagera park entry fees in Rwanda depend on several factors, such as nationality or residency status, time, vehicle category, and other factors.

Essential insights about the Akagera National Park fees 

• The entry fees paid in Akagera National Park are set by the Rwanda Development Board and last for only 24 hours.
• Akagera National Park offers a variety of safari experiences, including guided nature walks, safari drives, boat trips along Lake Ihema, and others, to visitors and each has a separate fee.
• The Akagera Park operates on a cashless payment system, accepting credit cards and mobile payment options, e.g., MTN MOMO, Bank transfers, and Direct Pay Online (DPO).
• Discounts on the normal entry fee price are available for local and international tourists spending more time or overnight visitors staying inside the park premises or vicinity (4 days up to one week).

Below is all the information related to the Akagera National Park fees!

Entrance Fees For Day Visitors 

The entrance costs/fees for Akagera National Park are paid by all travelers seeking access to the park and vary depending on residency status and age.

Residency status and age must be verified with proper documentation, or else international visitor fees may be charged.

These include.

ENTRANCE FEES FOR ADULTS

ENTRANCE FEES FOR CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS)

NB.

• Children aged 5 and below do not pay entry fees.
• Fees are reduced if you spend a second and third nights in the park and beyond 3 nights in the Akagera National Park, for one week (4-7 days), travelers do not pay entry fees.
• Entrance licenses or permits last for 24 hours from the time of entry and often include a self-drive game spotting experience.
• Groups of Rwandan nationals of more than 20 people receive group discounts of 20% on the normal entry fee.
• Entry fees are inclusive of a self-drive wildlife viewing experience, and these fees often reduce depending on the amount of time spent inside the park.
• It is worth noting that visitors staying outside the park are required to pay park entrance fees every day as long as they seek to enter the park.

Vehicle Entrance Fees 

The vehicle entrance fees are mainly applicable for self-drive tourists as well as respective vehicle drivers seeking to enter the park, and they are charged differently from the entrance fees per person.

These include.

Community Freelance Guide Fees 

The park Akagera guides are required for all travelers seeking to go on AMC-run game drives and self-drive safari drives.

• Guides got to provide assistance from the park are picked up from the reception before 9 am and returned to the same reception within 5 hours and will be considered as ½ day activity.
• Guides picked up from reception after 9 am will be charged for a full day, unless the guide is returned before midday.
• Guides for self-drive picked up after midday will be charged ½ day.
• Guides picked up at the reception and travelling with guests through the park, exiting from the north, will be charged for a full day, regardless of the time taken.

If you wish to exit from the north with a guide, please drop the guide off at Kayonza; they will then catch public transport back to the park (transport fees will be covered by the park for park guides).

If you cannot drop the guide at Kayonza, please cover their transport fee from the north gate to Kayonza; this does not exceed 5,000 RWF.

If a guide is requested to accompany a visitor to Karenge Bush Camp overnight, an additional fee of 20,000 RWF is applied for the guide’s accommodation and food at Karenge.

The guide fees include.

Akagera Safari Activity Park Fees 

If you are looking forward to enjoying several safari activities held in Akagera National Park, such as boat cruises along Lake Ihema, guided nature walks, camping, and safari drives, it is important to know the related costs.

These include

NB:

• Guided game drive fees are separate from fees charged for the guides, and the guides are strongly recommended for them.
• Boat cruises or trips are done at specific times i.e.

7:30-8:30 am

9:00-10:00 am

3:00-4:00 pm

4:30- 6:00 pm (sunset trip)

• Private boat trips are organized and charged for the boat and not per person and are done at non-scheduled times, starting at 10:30 am – 1:30 pm.
• Night drives in Akagera NP begin at 5:30 pm and end around 8-8:30 pm, and participants are picked up and dropped off at their accommodation. They are only available in the southern part of the park and at Karenge Bush Camp.
• Game drives done by AMC include a vehicle, driver, and guide with pick up and drop off locations within the southern part of the park only.
• Half-day safari drives are done from 6: 30 am to 11:30 am in the morning and 12:00 to 5:00 pm in the afternoon, while full-day safari drives are from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Annual Pass Fees 

Annual entry passes allow unlimited access to Akagera National Park for a one-off payment for a period of one year.

These passes are given in terms of single, couple, or family passes, and they include entry permits but not vehicle entrance fees or park activities, though a 10% discount on park activities is offered.

These include.

Other Akagera National Park Fees 

NB

• Canvas Tent hire does not include any bedding or camping equipment you must bring your own equipment
• Ranger assistance fees are only required if the research need to leave their vehicle and collect samples.
• Rangers’ food and transport are always paid by the researcher.
• Rangers are available for a single researcher for a maximum of 4 consecutive days with advance booking only.

Rwanda Entry Requirements 

• All visitors coming to Rwanda and planning to explore Akagera National Park need a valid visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport or from a Rwandan embassy in their home country.
• Some nationalities, such as Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, do not need a visa to enter Rwanda.
• All travellers, regardless of visa requirements, wishing to enter the country must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.

Importance Of Paying Akagera National Park Fees 

• Park entrance costs/fees fund park management, wildlife conservation projects including the reintroduction & protection of endangered animals (lions and rhinos) and the endangered shoebill stork, and anti-poaching patrols.
• Revenue from entrance fees to the park benefits communities near Akagera National Park, building sustainable relationships.
• Paying admission fees to Akagera National Park offers guests legal authority and access to some of the enjoyable safari events held in the park, such as safari drives to see the park’s unique wildlife species.
• Paying entry fees to Akagera National Park helps management maintain roads, support community cultural events, and maintain other infrastructure, like fencing in the park.

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park 

Akagera National Park is the only Rwanda savanna safari park that you can tour throughout the year.

The best time to visit Akagera National Park is in the dry season from June to September and mid-December to mid-February. During this period, travellers can enjoy activities such as Wildlife viewing to view the Big Five creatures, i.e., lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants and leopards.

Boat trip/cruise on Lake Ihema for viewing elephants and various bird species, including shoebill stork

Walk the line activities offer opportunities to discover the natural environment and learn about conservation initiatives by the park administration.

Contact us today via phone or email to find out more about these Akagera Park rates and arrange your own personalized safaris to this Rwandan national park!

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Created in 1934 to protect the lands surrounding the Kagera River, Akagera is one of the  oldest National parks in Africa.

From 1990 to 1994, Akagera was a battleground between the Army of Rwanda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a rebel group mostly composed of Tutsi exiles. For cilivians, much of the area was a no-go-zone.

On the age of the Park in Gabiro was located the main army base, and rebel soldiers staged some of the fiercest battles in the area.

In the immediate aftermath of the war, little was done to protect the Rwanda wildlife within the park. Many of the Rwandan staff, researchers, or conservationist working in parks had either left the country or been killed.

Led by the victorious Rwandan Patriotic Front, the new government prioritized the resettlement of ethnic Tutsi who had previously lived in exile.

Rwanda was and remains a densely populated country, and with little arable land available, the government allowed returnees and their estimated 700,000 cattle to settle in Akagera, as well as in an adjacent area formerly known as the Mutara Game Reserve. The returnees converged on the area, putting great strain on the  delicate ecosystem of the park.

So as to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, returnees were allowed to stay in the park, but in 1997, the Akagera National Park size was decreased by two-thirds from 12,800 km² to 1,120 km². This was one of the largest reductions in the size of a conservation area in the modern history of Africa.

But the problems of Akagera National Park did not end there. Local residents and park officials who worked in Akagera during that time say elephants spent less time inside the new park than outside, where they roamed their historic feeding grounds and feasted on new crops.

Setting up conflict, a single elephant can destroy up to a year’s worth of a farmer’s income in one night. Ungulates such as impalas, topis, zebras, buffalos, and warthogs continued to graze in the same areas as livestock, competing for food.

Buffalo and lions posed a severe threat to cattle and humans. Loss of a single cow could mean severe economic pain in the nearby communities, and many people reacted by hunting or poisoning the National park’s wildlife until some species were utterly wiped out.

Lions, which numbered over 300 prior to 1990s, were completely eradicated by 2002. Poachers continued to penetrate the boundaries of the park every night to pull thousands fish out of the several lakes in the area. Akagera National Park’s last black rhino was seen there in 2007.

Faced with a make-or-break moment and a nature reserve that was increasingly becoming a park on paper only, in 2009, the government of Rwanda changed directions.

They signed a 20-year contract with African Parks, a Johannesburg-based non-profit organisation that operates by taking over complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and management of conservation zones.

African Parks, together with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a Rwandan government agency, founded the Akagera Management Company, a joint for-profit business to oversee rehabilitation of the Akagera Park.

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Akagera National Park climate is usually moderate to warm. Average temperatures are relatively consistent over the year. It is advised that you wear warm clothes for early morning or night game drives.

The dry season in Akagera National Park starts from June to September. The park has two rainy seasons. The ‘short rains’ are from October to December and the ‘long rains’ are from March to May.

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For any traveller planning to visit Rwanda, Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the main entry point.

There are various international airlines that operates flights to Kigale including Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines

The aiport is located 10 kilometers from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Your local Rwanda safari tour operator will usually arrange for you to be picked at the aipor and will take care of all further transportation as park of your Rwanda safari package.

Akagera National Park is located in the east of the country, 120km  from Kigali. A trip to Rwanda’s Akagera Park by road takes about 2-3 hours and Akagera easily accessed as part of a 4×4 tour of the country, including a driver-guide.

There are no domestic flights to Akagera, but Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country. The flight from Kigali to Akagera National Park takes 22 minutes.

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