Akagera National Park Prices; Thrilling Rwanda Safaris 2024

Akagera National Park prices 2024 for international visitors start at $100 per person for a one-day/night stay, $150 for two nights, and $200 for three nights. Foreign residents can enjoy rates starting at $50 per person for one day/night, $75 for two nights, and $100 for three nights.

Nestled in the northeastern regions of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is an iconic tourist destination of Rwanda, much sought after by nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Spread over 1,200 square kilometers, Akagera is home to a diverse of wildlife such the Big Five of Rwanda, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species spread across its range of habitats which include savannas, wetlands, forests, and lakes.

Beyond its beauty, one of the most frequent questions potential visitors have when planning a trip to Akagera revolves around the costs associated with the experience.

Akagera offers a variety of activities ranging from thrilling Akagera game drives, birding, hiking, nature walks to boat cruises. Each of this activity comes with a unique price set basing on various factors.

Akagera national park prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board in collaboration with the Park’s management, African Park.

The entrance fees are structured differently for foreign tourists, East African Community (EAC) residents, and Rwandan citizens, with rates being adjusted in favor of locals and EAC citizens.

While foreign visitors to Akagera national park literally pay high fees than the locals, the management ensures that the fees remain pocket-friendly given the rich experiences that the park offers, taking them scenic game drives featured with a diverse of wildlife inclusive of the Big Fives of Rwanda to scenic boat safaris specifically on lake Ihema. Rwandees and other East African Citizen enjoy affordable rates the park offers them, ensuring access to both local and international visitors.

In this article, we’ll break down the pricing structure of Akagera National park, covering entry fees, guided tours, activities, accommodation, and transportation options, ensuring you have all the information you need to budget for your Akagera adventure.

Akagera National Park Entrance Fees 2024

As of 2024, Akagera National Park Entrance fees are as follows; Foreign nonresidents (FNR) are charged $100 per person for one  day/night, $150 for two nights and $200 for Three nights in the park. Foreign Residents pay $50 per person for 1 day/night,$75 for two nights and $100 for three nights in the park.

Rwanda citizens/EAC are charged  $16 (RWF 15,000) per person per day/night, $24(RWF 22,500) for 2 nights and $32(RWF 30,000) for three nights.

Rwanda children or East African Children  between six to 12 years of age pay $11 (RWF 10,000), For one day/night, $16 for 2 nights and $21 for 3 nights.international children between the age of 6 and 12 years $50 for one day or night, $75 for two nights and $100 for three nights in the park.

Akagera National Park entrance is free for children under the age of six. Additionally, school groups, research teams, and student organizations often benefit from discounted rates when booked in advance.

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Akagera National Park Vehicle Entrance Fees

Most visitors to Akagera National Park prefer exploring the park in the comfort of their vehicles, either rented or driver guided vehicles as the park is large and travelling by car is the efficient and fast way to cover most of park’s region and see wild animals.

• Vehicle / Minibus (Rwandan/EAC registered) vehicles are charged $10 per day
• Omnibus / bus / overlander (Rwa/EAC reg.) charged $20 per day
• Vehicle / Minibus (Foreign registered) vehicles pay $40 per day
• Omnibus / bus / overlander (Foreign reg.) vehicles  $100 per day.

In addition, a Guided Safari vehicle hire at the park costs $180 per day.The guided safari vehicle hire is a convenient option for visitors who don’t have their own vehicles or prefer to leave the driving to experienced guides. These vehicles are well-suited for the park’s terrain, and the guides provide valuable insights into the flora and fauna you’ll encounter.

Guided Tours and Activities

For an informative and a more immersive experience in Akagera National Park, the park offers guided tours around the park basing on the type of activity a visitor who would to engage in. Although these add up to your overall expense,they are highly recommended most especially if you are a first time visitor for an immersive and enjoyable.

Guided tours in the park come a knowledgeable, hospitable and English speaking guide who has adequate knowledge about all the activities happening in the park. The activity costs in the park are as follows;

Game Drives; A game drive is the best to explore Akagera National Park’s diverse wildlife. While it’s possible to do a self-drive game safari,a guided game drive offers an exceptional experience as it comes with an expertise of a park guide/ranger who is well versed with habitats of different wildlife thriving in the park hence lead you according to your person interests. Therefore, a Guide for self-drive game drive for ahalf day costs $25 and $40 for a full day.

Night Game Drive; Night games drives in Akagera national park offer visitors an opportunity to catch glimpse of nocturnal animals that are hardly seen during day such as leopards and bush-babies. A night game drive in the park costs $40 per person (minimum 2 people).

Walking Safaris; For those seeking a more intimate and personal encounter with the park’s wildlife, a walking safari is an ideal option. Accompanied by an armed ranger, visitors can explore the park on foot, learning about the flora and fauna, animal tracks, and the ecosystem. Walking safaris offer a chance to connect with nature in a way that vehicle-based safaris cannot match.

A 2 hours guided walking safari in Akagera National Park costs $40 per person and a half day costs $75. It’s important to note that walking safaris are subject to availability and weather conditions, as certain areas of the park may be inaccessible during the rainy season.

Boat Safari;  Akagera is famous for its expansive water bodies such as Lake Ihema which offer adventurers an opportunity to go on exciting boat safaris featured with sightings semi aquatic animals such as hippos and crocodiles, and different water wading bird species.

Rhino Tracking; Akagera is one of the few places in Rwanda where visitors can track white rhinos in their natural habitat. As part of a conservation effort, rhinos were reintroduced to Akagera in 2017, and today they are a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts. Tracking rhinos involves a guided walk to specific areas of the park where rhinos are known to frequent, providing a rare and exciting experience.

Therefore, a half day rhino tracking in Akagera National Park costs $75 per person. Note that Rhino tracking requires a higher level of physical activity as it involves walking in the park, so it’s best suited for visitors who are physically fit.

A scheduled boat trip in Akagera on its lake Ihema costs $35 per person for adults who are 13 years and above, and $20 for children from 6 to 12 years. A private boat costs $180 per person per trip and a boat carries up-to a maximum of eleven passengers.Boat safaris are available throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are particularly great times for spotting wildlife.

Fishing Experience; These are designed for those adventurers who enjoy fishing. They are carried out on  Lake Shanani under the expertise of a fishing guide. At the lake, one gets a chance to catch the popular fish species such as tilapia and catfish.

A fish experience in Akagera per person, per day, with use of your own fishing equipment costs $25 for adults from 13 years to above and $15 to children of 6 to 12 years.

Behind the scenes Tour; This unique experience takes visitors behind the scenes and get an insider’s view of the park’s conservation efforts. It’s a great way to learn more about the work being done to protect Akagera’s wildlife. a behind the scenes tour costs $25 per adult and $15 for children. It taakes a maximum of 4 passengers and lasts for about 1.5 hours. A group behinfd the scene tour costs taking upto to 8 passengers costs $180.

Cultural experience for a half day costs $30 for adults and $20 for children.

Camping;  For the budget-conscious travelers who are seeking for a more immersive experience is an ideal choice, the park offers three camping sites where you can setup your own tents and enjoy the wilderness up-close. These campsites include Mutumba Campsite, Shakani, and Muyumbu Campsite.

They all costs $25 per person, per night, and require an individual to carry his/her own personal equipment. This is an economical way of exploring the park coming with a unique experience.

Conservation Fees and Optional Extras

Akagera National Park has a strong focus on conservation, and your visit helps support the park’s efforts to protect its wildlife and ecosystems. In addition to the standard park entry fee, there are also optional conservation donations you can make. The suggested amount for a conservation donation for visitors is $10 per person.

Additionally, you may incur costs for other services such as refreshments, tips for guides, or additional services like private vehicle rentals or photography permits. Always inquire in advance to ensure you understand the full scope of potential costs.

OTHER FEES

• Tent hire, Per 6-man (3m x 3m) canvas tent costs $20
• Recovery fee  which includes getting  Breakdown or assistance from the park costs $70
• Recovery fee for coasters requiring a  Breakdown or assistance from the park costs $150
• Fines coming as a result for breaking any park rules & regulations cost $150
• Landing fee- Per landing within Akagera costs $50
• Research fee- Contact the management prior to any research $200
• Ranger assistance fee For researchers / per day / conditions apply costs $25

Please Note that;

• The Akagera National Park entry fee, payable by all visitors to this destination, includes a self-game drive experience. This fee is paid per person per day or night. If a visitor is planning to spend more than one or two nights in the park, the cost is reduced by 50% for those second or third nights and free for the following nights, taking you up to a one-week stay in the park.
• Entrance fees for Akagera National Park are waived for children aged five and under. These children are not charged park entry or activity fees. Fees apply for children aged 6 to 13, while those aged 13 and older are considered adults and will be charged the adult rate.
• Rwandan nationals visiting Akagera National Park in groups of more than 20 individuals are eligible for a 20% discount on the standard park entry fee. Children aged 6 to 13 will be charged 8,000 RWF, while adults will pay 12,000 RWF.