How to Access Akagera National Park.
Are you planning a safari in Akagera and wondering how to access Akagera National Park? Worry not, this article will give you various ways to access the park. It is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, covering an area of about 1,122 square kilometers. The park is famous for travellers seeking Big Five safaris as it’s the only park in the country where visitors can see the African Big Five mammals, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and elephants and these can by spotted while on a guided game drives. It’s not only known for the African Big Five, but also for its rich biodiversity. Akagera National Park host up to 500 bird species making it the only park in Rwanda with the highest number of bird species including water birds, savannah birds, woodland species, migratory birds and the park’s endemic species. It also hosts over 85 other mammal species like oribis, hippos, crocodiles, elands, impalas, giraffes, waterbucks, bush babies, hyenas, blue monkeys, olive baboons, civets among others. The park’s rich biodiversity is supported by its unique ecosystems, which include savannah grasslands, woodlands, lakes and swamps that provides habitats to various wildlife and bird species.
How to Access Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park can be accessed by either road or air transport, depending on the client’s budget and preference. Air transport is the fastest way to reach Akagera and is often chosen by luxury travelers.
One option is to use a chartered helicopter, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the park. The helicopter can land directly at your booked accommodation or at the nearest helipad, with transfers arranged to your accommodation. This service is provided by Akagera Aviation.
You can access Akagera National Park by road, either by self-driving or using a licensed travel company to handle all the arrangements. This is the best option for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, as it is also cost-effective. The distance from Kigali to the park is approximately 110 km, which takes about 2 to 3 hours via Rwamagana and Kayonza to reach the Kiyonza gate. The roads are well-maintained and paved, offering beautiful views of Rwanda’s hilly landscape as you travel east.
Best Time to Visit the Park
After discussing how to access Akagera National Park, let’s explore the best times to visit the park. It is open to travelers year-round, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and again from December to February. During this period, there is little to no rainfall, the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the park experiences cooler temperatures, making it easier to navigate the forest.
You can also visit the park during the wet season, which is marked by heavy rainfall. While the trails can become slippery and muddy, making it more challenging to explore the forest, this season is favorable for budget travelers, as many accommodations and local travel companies offer discounts.
