FAQ

SALT of Akagera sits on a hill, overlooking the Akagera savannah and offering exceptional views of Lake Ihema. The lodge is located within the southern part of the Akagera National Park, approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali International Airport. The hotel can assist in arranging a private road transfer upon request, or guests may choose to self-drive to the lodge via the well-maintained road leading to Akagera National Park. View directions here.

Park Entry fees: Access to the lodge requires entry into Akagera National Park. On the day of check-in, all guests are required to pay the applicable park entry fee directly to the authorities at the entrance gate of Akagera National Park, in accordance with regulations.  

Please refer to the current rates for both international visitors and residents here. 

Conservation Levy fee: Payable at the hotel on the day of check-in, this contribution directly supports wildlife protection and conservation efforts within Akagera National Park. The 2026 fee is USD 20 for international guests and USD 7 for locals. 

Get in touch with us at info@saltofakagera.com and we'll be happy to provide pricing tailored to your stay. 

Gate closure: We strictly follow the park’s regulation of closing gates at 6:00 PM. Entry is not permitted after this time, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated. We kindly ask you to plan your journey accordingly. 

Visa requirements: Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, with a single-entry tourist visa costing USD 50. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date.

Plastic-free policy: Rwanda has a strong environmental policy and is a plastic-free country. There is a strict national ban on plastic bags, non-biodegradable plastic packaging and various single-use plastic items. Travelers entering the country are strictly inspected and are advised not to bring plastic items, as they will be confiscated upon arrival.

Safety and security: Known as one of Africa’s safest destinations, Rwanda is known for its stability, cleanliness and welcoming hospitality.

Currency and payments: The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), though US Dollars are widely accepted in select hotels and tourist establishments. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted, and mobile payments are also widely used across the country.

Language: Rwanda’s official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili with English widely spoken throughout the tourism sector.

Time zone: Rwanda operates on Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2).

Internet and phone usage: SIM cards are easily available at Kigali International Airport and in major towns, requiring a passport for registration. Mobile connectivity is generally reliable, and Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges across the country.

Vaccinations: Guests visiting Akagera National Park are advised to take anti-malaria precautions and consult their healthcare provider regarding recommended vaccinations before travelling. Travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with a Yellow Fever risk must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Rwanda has a pleasant climate all year, with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The best time to visit SALT of Akagera is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when it is easier to see wildlife because animals gather around water and the vegetation is thinner. However, Akagera National Park is good for game viewing all year. The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring occasional showers that make the park green and are great for birdwatching. 

SALT of Akagera has 60 rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, and a large swimming pool overlooking Lake Ihema.

It also offers a kids’ pool, playground, and playroom, as well as a gym, tennis court, conference and meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and secure parking. Guests can enjoy activities in Akagera National Park such as game drives, boat safaris, and birdwatching, making it suitable for both leisure and business stays.

Rooms and suites at SALT of Akagera are thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring comfortable beds with quality linen, en-suite bathrooms with shower facilities, hair dryers, mini fridges, local and international adaptors, telephones, air conditioning, satellite TV, business desks, tea and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms also include private balconies or terraces overlooking the savannah or Lake Ihema, offering a peaceful and scenic stay within Akagera National Park.

While not all rooms at SALT of Akagera offer direct views over Akagera National Park, the lodge provides a peaceful and secure setting fully immersed in nature. The property is safely protected by an electric fence, ensuring comfort and peace of mind, while the surrounding wilderness remains preserved within the park. Occasionally, baboons may be seen around the lodge area, though they do not come close to guest rooms.

A world of Rwanda’s safari awaits during your stay at SALT of Akagera. You can look forward to rich experiences including game drives where you may see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, and more than 480 bird species. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema also offer exceptional sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, along with excellent opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography across the savannah.

For a comfortable stay, we recommend packing light, neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a warm layer for early mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a camera or binoculars. A light jacket is also advisable during cooler or rainy periods.

Yes, Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Sightings of all Big 5 are not guaranteed as wildlife moves freely in the park. Beyond game drives, guests can also enjoy a range of immersive experiences such as fishing, camping, and more. Full details and rates can be found here. Our team will be happy to assist in organising your experiences and provide you with all the information you need.

Important note: All game drives conclude by 17:00. Any drive beyond this time is considered a night game drive, conducted by the park authorities.

Yes, the resort can assist in arranging gorilla trekking experiences through licensed operators, including permits and transport. However, the activity takes place in Volcanoes National Park, which is approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive from SALT of Akagera in Akagera National Park. For this reason, guests will typically need to stay in lodges closer to Volcanoes National. Gorilla trekking requires a pre-booked permit, a good level of fitness due to challenging terrain, and strict adherence to conservation guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas. Appropriate hiking gear such as sturdy boots, long trousers, and a waterproof jacket is strongly recommended.

Children can join safari and game drives in Akagera National Park, although some activities may have age guidelines depending on the operator and safety requirements. Game drives are typically very family-friendly and enjoyable for children under adult supervision.

However, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is restricted to guests aged 15 years and above due to the physical demands of the hike and strict conservation regulations in place to protect both visitors and the gorillas.

Check-in at SALT of Akagera is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Early check-in or late check-out may be arranged subject to availability.

Important notice: We strictly follow the park’s regulation of closing gates at 18:00. Entry is not permitted after this time, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated. We kindly ask you to plan your journey accordingly.

SALT of Akagera is the only family-friendly lodge located inside Akagera National Park and is also the largest lodge in the park. It is a 5-star retreat offering conference and meeting facilities, making it ideal for both leisure safaris and business events. Located on a hillside overlooking the savannah and Lake Ihema, the lodge combines comfort with an authentic wilderness experience. Its privileged location offers effortless access to game drives, boat safaris, and exceptional wildlife experiences.