Are you planning to safari to Rwanda Akagera National Park? If yes, you need to know what to carry to Akagera National Park/Packing list. You will need them when embarking on your Kagera National Park safari in 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.