Gates of Akagera National Park

Looking for the Gates of Akagera National Park in Rwanda? Usually all the parks have got park entrance gates, and these allow in and out the visitors who come to visit and explore the national park. Akagera National Park is the top destination for a wildlife safari in Rwanda and it is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. In 1934, the park was designated a national park by the Belgian colonial government. Although much of the park was destroyed during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, much effort has been made to restore Akagera to its former glory.

Today, Akagera National Park is managed by Akagera Management Company under a joint partnership agreement signed in 2009 between the Rwanda Development Agency and African Parks. Akagera National Park takes its name from the Kagera River, which flows through the park.

The following are the gates of Akagera National Park; The South Gate of Akagera National Park is located in the Kayonza area and serves as the entrance to the national park, while the North Gate is used only as an exit from Akagera. The northern gate is located in Nyagatare District.

The Akagera National Park gate is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM for day visitors. Day visitors are essentially those who stay outside of Akagera National Park, and as such, must pay an entrance fee for each day they enter the national park. Akagera National Park is the perfect national park for travelers who want to see savanna wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, antelopes, topi, hyenas, and a variety of bird species including papyrus gonolek, jacana, herons, snipes, malachite kingfishers, hawks, and rare buzzards.

It is also a great place for visitors who want to observe Rwanda’s Big Five African wildlife, including the African elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and lion. This is a remarkable accomplishment, as the park’s black rhino population has increased following the reintroduction of 18 rhinos from South Africa into the park in 2017.

Akagera National Park is home to more than 482 bird species, 100 savanna elephants, 15 lions, and 25 giraffes. There are also approximately 8,000 registered land animals that can be seen roaming the savanna plains of the national park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including morning and evening guided game drives; boat cruises on beautiful Lake Ihema; sport fishing on Lake Shakani; camping; behind-the-scenes tours; community cultural tours; bird watching; and walk-the-line experiences. All activities in the park are recommended for groups or families traveling together.

Those who wish to stay overnight in Akagera National Park can stay at facilities such as Akagera Game Lodge, Magasi Safari Camp, Kalenge Bush Camp, and Ruzizi Tented Camp. For those interested in camping, several campsites are also available, including Shakani Akagera Campsite, Mutumba Campsite, and Muyumbu Campsite. Akagera National Park has introduced anti-poaching units, helicopters for aerial surveillance of the national park, solar-powered electric fencing to prevent intruders and wildlife from entering the national park, and finally, enforcement of park regulations and monitoring of all activities that take place within the national park. Many improvements have been made, including the hiring of park rangers.

It is recommended that visitors to Akagera National Park visit between June and September and December and February. These are the best times to view wildlife, as the park is in its dry season. Roads in the park are not muddy during this time of year, making it easy to navigate game drive trails. During this time of year, the grass in the national park is shorter, making wildlife viewing easier. Wildlife can also be easily observed as they frequently congregate near puddles in designated areas of the national park.

Akagera National Park can be reached by car from the city of Kigali. It is about 110 km from Kigali, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Tourists are advised to hire a 4×4-wheel drive vehicle for their safari as the roads leading into the national park are characterized by murrum, or rather dirt roads. You can also use a helicopter to get to the national park. Akagera Aviation offers charter flights to the national park. Book a wildlife tour to Akagera National Park and get the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery of the park and its amazing wildlife.