Road trip from Kigali
Kigali to Akagera National Park by car
Rwanda's savanna park allows self drive, so you can safari in your own rental car.
- Drive time
- About 2.5 hours to the southern entrance
- Distance
- About 150 km
- Car to rent
- A 4x4 or SUV is strongly advised
Drive times are approximate, on a good road without long stops.
Which car
A 4x4 or SUV is strongly advised
Self drive is allowed in Akagera, but the tracks inside the park are unpaved. A 4x4 or SUV is strongly advised, especially in the rainy seasons (roughly March to May and October to November).
Many SUVs listed are not four wheel drive. If you want 4x4, confirm it with the host before you book.
Every Vumvum rental is self drive and picked up from the host in Kigali, so your trip starts in the city.
Available now in Kigali
SUVs and 7 seaters you can rent in Kigali
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Prices are daily rates in US dollars (USD), set by each host.
Tips
Before you go
Park fees are per person
Akagera charges entry per person, per day. International visitors pay roughly USD 100 a day. Check the current African Parks price list before you go.
Consider a guide
Optional guides can ride along in your car for a fee, which helps with spotting wildlife and finding your way.
Start early
It is about 2.5 hours from Kigali to the southern entrance, so leaving early gives you more time in the park.
Plan around Umuganda
Umuganda, the national community work day, is the last Saturday of each month, roughly 7 to 11 am. Most services close and driving is restricted, so don't plan to set off then.
Official sources
Fees, permits and rules change. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
FAQ
Akagera National Park road trip questions
Can I drive myself in Akagera National Park?
Yes, self drive is allowed. A 4x4 or SUV is strongly advised, especially in the wet seasons, and you can hire an optional guide to ride along for a fee.
How far is Akagera from Kigali?
About 150 km, roughly 2.5 hours on a good road without long stops, to the southern entrance.
How much are Akagera park fees?
Fees are charged per person. International visitors pay roughly USD 100 per day. Check the current African Parks price list, since fees change.
Where do I pick up the car?
From the host at their location in Kigali. Vumvum rentals are self drive with no delivery, so plan to start your safari from Kigali.
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Rent your car for Akagera National Park
Choose your dates, pick a car, and message the host to arrange pickup in Kigali.