How to get to Akagera national park?
Akagera national park was a forest reserve before it being gazetted into a national park. the park had rich bio-diversity in flora and fauna species. In 1934 the once forest was given its status as Akagera national park by the Belgian government. Initially the national park had an area cover of 2,500 square kilometres and had quiet a big population of wildlife species such as elephants, buffalos, rhinos, leopards and wild cats, antelopes, Topi and so many more.
The national park had so many wildcats and it was named the “park of wildcats” which were called Lycanos. However, many were killed during the epidemic which spread into the national park. after the Rwandan genocide, most of the refugees returned and occupied most of the park’s land thus reducing its area cover to 1,122 square kilometres since most of the land was used for farming and grazing animals.
But in 2009 a joint management agreement was signed between an NGO called African parks and the Rwanda development board in order to manage the park of which it was a success.
The following is how to get to akagera national park
ARRIVING IN RWANDA
Many of the travellers to Rwanda start their journey to Akagera national park by flying into Kigali international airport which is Rwanda’s main international gateway. The international airport is well connected with many of the major cities across Africa, Europe and the middle east serviced by airlines such as Rwanda Air, Ethiopian airlines and Kenya airways. The international airport is located 10 kilometres away from Kigali city centre. Thus, the airport provides easy access to various transportation options to the national park.
Traveling by road from Kigali to akagera
The national park is located about 110 kilometres east of Kigali city. Depending on the traffic and road conditions the approximated time to reach is 2hr 30 minutes or 3hours.
- Self-drive
For the travellers seeking for flexibility, self-driving is a better option.
The route from Kigali involves:
- Setting off from Kigali and head east towards Rwamagana
- Proceed through kayonza to kabarondo
- Then from kabarondo to rwinkwavu where the sign posts will direct you to the Kiyonza gate which is the main entrance to the national park.
The many roads are paved and in good conditions, however the final road that stretches to the park is not and it’s a bit challenging during the rainy season. Therefore, a 4*4 safari vehicle is recommended for the segment.
- Private transfers and guided safaris.
Many of the tour operators and companies offer private transfers and guided Rwanda safaris to travellers. The services often include hotel pick-ups, park entrance fees as well as game drives and boat cruises thus offering a very amazing experience to the tourists.
Prices vary based on the packages and group size with options ranging from budget to luxury safaris.
- Public transportation
The budget conscious tourists, public transportation is available as well.
The tourist will take a bus from Kigali to kayonza or Rwamagana
From there, get a motorcycle taxi or private taxi to reach the entrance of the park.
However public transport may not be the most convenient option especially from those carrying luggage or travelling during the rainy season.
Traveling by Air or Helicopter transfers
For a quicker and more scenic route, helicopters transfers are available.
Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopters from Kigali to akagera national park thus reducing the time to approximately 25 minutes.
This option offers a unique aerial perspective of Rwanda’s landscape and is ideal for travellers with limited or those with a luxurious experience.
Entry points to akagera national park.
The national park has two major entry points.
- Kiyonza gate (southern entrance)
This is the primary entry point located in the southern part of the park and it’s located at the park’s headquarters. The gate is mostly used by the tourists to the park except those staying at Magashi tented camp accommodation since their trip is private and exclusive. For those having a short game drive or having a night at the south can as well use the get to exit. Though many tourists use the northern gate to exit after their long day game drives.
- Nyungwe gate (northern exit)
The gate is located in the northern and always used as an exit out of the park. the gate is located far away at the edge of the park. while exiting the park, you will have to register or while entering. At the entrance, the driver should always register the vehicle as well as exiting the park. a receipt is proof of payment and it’s presented at the gate before exit.
Therefore, visitors are advised to enter through the kiyonza gate for access to the park facilities and information.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO THE PARK
Akagera national park has requirements that one should carry as they have access to the national park and these include;
- A valid visa
A visa is a necessity that is required to access Rwanda as the country and as well have access to the national park to participate in the activities with ease. As a tourist you can purchase a visa online or at the Rwandese embassy within your country of residence and receive it upon arrival in Rwanda at the airport. Most residents from countries like Sweden, Germany, Congo, Mauritius, south Africa, hongkong, Kenya and Uganda are exempted from having the visa to visit the country. The cost of a visa in Rwanda is 50 dollars for single entry and its for 30 days stay.
- A valid passport
For the foreigners entering into Rwanda or any other country, a valid passport is a must. This shows all the persons details and should at least have many of the blank pages.
- Yellow fever vaccination card.
A tourist needs to have an updated yellow fever card that shows that he was vaccinated of the yellow fever.
- Park entrance and activity payment.
Before one enters into the national park, they need to pay for the park entrance fees as well those using private cars have to pay parking fees. The fees are paid to the akagera national park headquarters. The fees vary from residents and non-residents as well as EastAfrican community.
In conclusion, whether you choose to fly or drive or use a combination of transportation, reaching Akagera national park is relatively accessible thus offering an amazing experience in Rwanda’s most diverse and scenic wildlife reserves.
