Akagera National Park represents one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories, this is Rwanda’s only savannah park that is located in the eastern part of the country. This sprawling landscape of scenic savannas, acacia woodlands, and shimmering wetlands is Rwanda’s only protected area where the “Big Five” roam freely. While the forests of the western region tend to be foggy, Akagera is known for its traditional safari setting, which involves vast landscapes dotted with many lakes and joined together by the Akagera River. This safari destination combines the rawness of the African bush with the peacefulness of the lake region, which makes it an indispensable part of Rwanda’s tourism sector.
Rwanda’s Akagera National Park : Only savannah Park
What to see in Akagera National Park?
Big Five animals.
The highest honor for any animal lover in the park lies in the fact that the Big Five namely the lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhinoceros roam freely inside the protected area. Lions have returned to the park after their absence for years in 2015, while rhinoceroses came back to Akagera National Park in 2017.The northern plains are especially known for lion sightings and rhino grazing, whereas buffalo herds and lone elephants are often spotted around the lake waters.
Lake Ihema
Being the largest among several other lakes found in the park, Lake Ihema is a significant habitat for marine species and an attractive sight in the park. The lake is surrounded by papyrus-lined shores where there is an abundance of hippos and large Nile crocodiles basking idly along the shores. The wetland areas around the lake provide a maze of biodiversity for the region, offering a relaxing habitat in contrast to the harsh savannah surroundings.
Bird species.
Akagera National Park is one of the best spots for bird lovers, hosting around 480 different types of birds. Diverse landforms such as mountain ranges, savannahs, swamps, and lakes are home to diverse birdlife. Of all the bird species, the Shoebill Stork stands out as one with a distinctive appearance. The Shoebill Stork is easily spotted in the swamps. Some other popular birds are Papyrus Gonolek, African Fish Eagle, and Red-faced Barbet.
Activities to Do in Akagera National Park.
Game Drives.
A game drive is the most authentic safari experience at Akagera National Park. The drive runs from the southern to the northern boundary, allowing you to explore different landscapes within the park. Game drives are conducted during the day where we track animals such as giraffe, zebra, and antelope species like Topi and Eland. Game drives during the evening are more exhilarating because of predator hunts. With the help of strong lights and experienced park rangers, visitors can encounter nocturnal predators such as leopards and hyenas, bushbabies, and owls.
Relaxing Safari Boat Tours.
A boat tour on Lake Ihema provides an entirely new angle of viewing the park without having to deal with dust on trails. Gliding smoothly through the lake, one gets the opportunity to come quite close to groups of hippos and observing crocodiles without frightening them away. This tour is also considered one of the best for bird watching since many birds have made their nests in trees at the lake. Sunsets on boat tours are especially popular among visitors.
Sport Fishing and Cultural Tours.
For tourists who prefer to be actively engaged, there is regulated sport fishing for anglers at Lake Shakani, where one can pit their angling skills against the indigenous tilapia and catfish. In addition to the animal life, the park promotes community-based tourism by organizing cultural tours, during which visitors can visit local cattle ranches to see the indigenous “Inyambo” cattle, join honey collection, or watch the traditional arts and crafts of Rwanda.
Best Time to visit Akagera National Park.
The best time to travel here would be the Long Dry Season, from June to September, which is generally considered to be the best season for game watching. This is when there is minimal vegetation and animals come together at the water bodies, making them easily visible. The Short Dry Season of January and February is also an ideal time to visit.
As a birder, the wet seasons of March to May and October to November will be very enchanting indeed, as the environment is filled with fresh, green vegetation and migratory birds are in abundance. Although some paths might be muddy and need a robust 4×4 vehicle, you’ll enjoy an undisturbed environment amid the breathtaking scenery.
Where to stay in Akagera National Park.
The park is fascinating that offers tourists who come to visit with different accommodation options that includes the following;
Luxury: One of the luxury lodges includes the Magashi Camp, that is situated in the northern part of the park within a private concession, it has six luxurious tents overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge is perfect mid-range option this is a tented accommodation overlooking Lake Ihema, and then Akagera Game Lodge offers traditional hotel accommodation complete with a swimming pool.
Budget: if you are looking to connect with Mother Nature, various camp sites, such as Shakani, Mutumba, and Muyumbu campsites offer travelers the opportunity to set up their tents to experience life in the bush while enjoying facilities like electricity.
How to Get to Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park is very easy to access because it lies about 110km from the capital city, Kigali.
Road Transport: The travel time by road is around 2.5 to 3 hours. Travelers have the option to travel to Akagera National Park through the eastern towns of Kayonza and Rwamagana. It is advisable that you travel using a 4×4 safari vehicle because the park roads are unpaved and difficult during the rains. Visitors usually access the park through the southern Kiyonza gate and exit through the northern Nyagatare gate.
Air transport: For a very luxurious and quick entry into the national park, Akagera Aviation provides helicopter transport from Kigali International Airport to Akagera National Park in only 20 minutes. You will enjoy magnificent views of the various terrains in Rwanda before reaching the destination.
Book a safari with Wilder Africa Holidays to Akagera National Park
Wilder Africa Holidays offers amazing experiences to Rwanda’s best Park, that is Akagera National Park, Nyungwe national Park and volcanoes national park. Plan/Contact us today on info@wilderafricasafaris.com for our discounted packages, tailor-made trips. We organize authentic safari experience, get in touch today with our professional tour consultants to plan your trip.
