Here is how to get to Akagera National Park. Hugging Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park covers about 1,120km² and is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, first gazetted in 1934. The main entry point into Rwanda is Kigali international airport, the airport is about 10 km out Kigali and it is where your journey to Kagera starts.
Akagera National Park is located in the north Eastern region of Rwanda about 110 kn from Kigali the capital of Rwanda, a comfortable 2-3 hour drive from Kigali and can be visited on a long day trip if you’re short of time.
The only entry to Akagera National Park is via Kiyonza Gate in the south, close to the Park Headquarters and Akagera’s best lodge. (Nyungwe Gate in the north is currently only available to exit the Park).
Most favored and used means of transport to the park is by a 4×4 safari car. For the most part the road is relatively quite good. There might be a few bumpy spots along the way, that spices the journey and gives you a total taste of the African massage, but that shouldn’t stop you from making the trip.
The last 28km of the 110km from Kigali are mostly marram roads, and so are all the roads inside the park. 4X4 safari vehicles are recommended especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.
In case you need a safari company to run your tour or a car hire with an experienced safari guide, Rwan da Eco Company and Safaris can make all the necessary arrangement for your wonderful memorable safari in this beautiful land of a thousand hills including securing for you, your gorilla permits at Volcano National Park.
NOTE: Driving in Rwanda is on the right hand side in case you are on the self drive.
Reaching Akagera using public transport is to some extent challenging.
The minibus taxis go to and fro Kibungo and Kayonza will take you up to the junction. From there the only available option is to use a motorbike-taxi in case you are lucky to find one.
With the exception of those staying at the Game lodge, guests are not allowed to walk even if you have a guide inside the park, and actually you will not find any safari vehicles available to take you for game drives.
Directions
This is how to get to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, After getting to Kigali either by air or bus road, you can start of your Akagera safari from the city center. From Kigali drive out of town towards the airport. Just before you reach the airport, about 100m out, take a left turn.
You will then be heading east towards Rwamagana.
Drive through Rwamagana and on to Kayonza.
When you get to Kayonza, take the right turn at the roundabout and drive on till you get to a Discentre station on the left side of the road as you get into the town of Kabarondo. There is a dirt immediately after the petrol station.
Take a left turn onto that road and drive on for about 15km till you come to a junction at Rwinkwavu. You will see a signpost that reads Akagera National Park on the left.
The park gates are about 13km ahead after the signpost.
In case you are from Uganda through Katuna boarder, drive up to Kigali town, From Kigali drive out of town towards the airport. Just before you reach the airport, about 100m out, take a left turn.
You will then be heading east towards Rwamagana.
Drive through Rwamagana and on to Kayonza.
When you get to Kayonza, take the right turn at the roundabout and drive on till you get to a Discentre station on the left side of the road as you get into the town of Kabarondo.
There is a dirt immediately after the petrol station.
Take a left turn onto that road and drive on for about 15km till you come to a junction at Rwinkwavu.
You will see a signpost that reads Akagera National Park on the left.
The park gates are about 13km ahead after the signpost.
In case you have booked with us as your tour company to handle your safari, you do not need to worry, sit back on your sit, and relax s you enjoy our cool ride and take a look of the beautiful country side of a thousand hills as we descend valley to valley.
You only need to put a smile on your face as you get out your camera and take a few shots of amazing attractions you meet on your way to Akagera. Contact us for any more information about how to get to Akagera National Park in Rwanda.