Akagera National Park is the largest (1,122 sq km) and oldest (established in 1934) of the four national parks in Rwanda, and it is the only Savannah game park.
Visitors to the park can enjoy various tourist activities, including game drives, boat rides, bird watching, sport fishing, guided walking safaris, and hot air balloon safaris.
To ensure the safety of visitors and the protection of the park’s flora and fauna, the Rwanda Development Board, in partnership with African Parks, has established rules and regulations that must be followed by anyone entering Akagera National Park.
Rules & Regulations of Akagera National Park
The Akagera National Park safety rules and regulations include:
- Payment of an entry fee is required before accessing Akagera National Park. This fee supports the park’s operations and conservation efforts.
- The park premises are open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. All day visitors must exit the park by 6:00 pm.
- Maintain a speed limit of 40 km/hour while driving in the park. Avoid over-speeding, as animals may use the park tracks and stand within them. Adhering to the speed limit prevents accidental harm to the animals.
- During game drives, stay inside your safari vehicle at all times to avoid potential wildlife attacks, as their behavior can be unpredictable.
- Stick to designated park tracks during game drives to prevent damage to the park’s flora and vegetation and to avoid getting lost, especially for those on self-drive safaris. Driving off-track can result in fines, and if you get lost, you’ll be responsible for the costs of a rescue search party.
- Avoid making unnecessary noise in the park, such as hooting or revving your motor engine, as this disrupts the peace and natural behavior of the wild animals. Practice patience and appreciate the natural surroundings.
- Wildlife in the park has the right of way. Always stop and wait for them to move before proceeding when you encounter animals on the tracks.
- Maintain a safe distance from animals, even when in a safari vehicle, especially when animals have young offspring. Some animals, like herds of elephants with young ones, can be protective and defensive.
- Do not feed the wild animals in the park under any circumstances.
- Do not litter in the park. Keep it clean and leave it in better condition than you found it. Preserve the park for future generations and the safety of the wildlife, as your litter can pose choking hazards.
- Bush camping is not allowed within the park. Camp only at designated campsites and stay near your vehicles.
- Visitors staying in safari lodges or camps within the park are advised to avoid unnecessary movements, especially at night. Stay within your respective facilities.
- During guided walking safaris, walk in a single file and follow the guidelines provided by your guides. Look out for each other while on walking safaris within the park.
- Do not collect or disturb anything in the park, including rocks, plants, flowers, or animal remains and bones.
- Pets are not allowed in the park.
- Show respect for the wild animals, as you are in their home.
By following these park rules and regulations, you will contribute to your own safety and that of the wildlife and vegetation in Akagera National Park, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable wildlife safari experience.
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