Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park in Rwanda, located in eastern Rwanda. This beautiful park is named after Kagera River that flows along Rwanda’s easern boundary with Tanzania, the river feeds into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes in and around the park.
The park protects an African savannah landscape of acacia and bush with patches of open grassland and a dozen swampy lakes making it the largest protected wetland in Eastern – Central Africa. Established in 1934 by the Belgian colonial government, Akagera National Park was created to protect the region’s wildlife amid increasing threats.
Historically, Akagera National Park was home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. Over the years the park has faced significant challenges due to poaching and habitat loss. By the late 20th Century, many species had drastically declined or disappeared altogether. For example, African wild dogs were last seen in 1984 following a disease outbreak, while black rhinos were last sighted in 2007 due to several poaching pressures. Thanks to the conservation efforts in the recent years, conservation efforts have led to the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos into the park restoring it to its former glory and its status as a vital wildlife refuge.
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including the Big Five – lion, elephants, leopards, cape buffaloes and rhinos. Other wildlife species include giraffes, zebras, various species of antelopes such as waterbucks, topis, Roan Antelopes, sitatunga (semi-aquatic), klipspringers, bushbucks, elands, and the graceful impalas as well as primates such as olive baboons and vervet monkeys.
Also the park supports populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in its lakes. Akagera National Park hosts a variety of wildlife species across different inhabits including savannahs, wetlands, and woodlands.
Birdlife in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise boasting over 520 bird species, including the notable Shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek and various raptors as well as migratory bird species.
Birds in Akagera National Park include the remarkable shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings. Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee, fish eagles, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Black-headed and Viellot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Caruther’s Cisticola among others.
Safari Activities to Do in Akagera National Park
Game Drives
Akagera National Park is the best place in Rwanda to see wildlife which is done on game drives offered as morning game drives, afternoon game drives, full day game drives and night game drives.
Early morning game drives are a perfect to see the predators such as leopards, hyenas and lions as they prefer to hunt at night or early morning and usually go into hiding during the day. In additional to carnivores, enjoy the scenery of the park’s scenic landscape and several other big mammals like elephants, buffalos, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes.
Night game drives are also available in Akagera National Park lasting for about 2 hours from 6pm to 8:30 pm in the night. With a help of a spot light you will be able to watch different nocturnal animals and predators such as the leopards while on their hunt.
Bird watching
Akagera National Park is one of the Important Birding Areas in Rwanda as well as Africa, with over 520 recorded bird species making it haven for bird watchers.
A birding safari in Akagera National Park is very rewarding offering a chance to see several bird species including the endangered species like papyrus gonolek and shoebill, as well as other bird species including Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings. Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee, fish eagles, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Black-headed and Viellot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Caruther’s Cisticola among others.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Boat excursion on the beautiful Lake Ihema is the best way to spend an afternoon in Akagera National Park, as you sail on the calm waters of the lake you will enjoy excellent sightings of schools of hippos and crocodiles in the waters, and herds of elephants and buffaloes along the shores as well as water bird species.
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema are offered as scheduled boat trips and private unscheduled boat trips offers at their own timing.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park is offered on Lake Shakani, however prior booking is required. Even though the expectation is catch and release, you are given an opportunity to take one catch for a meal if interested.
Cultural Tours
Cultural tours in Akagera National Park offer you a chance to experience the rural life of the locals whose lives are around the cattle keeping communities. During your visit you will observe and participate in traditional cattle grazing, milking, traditional milk storing in calabashes for preservation.
You will also participate in the local process of converting milk into different products like traditional yogurt, ghee and lastly take part in preparing a meal with some of the ingredients from the milk products.
Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a year-round destination, meaning it can be visited at any time of the year. However, the dry season is generally recommended for the best game viewing and accessibility. This season runs from June to Early September and December to February, during this season animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Also the vegetation is sparse and shorter, providing clearer views of the wildlife.
How to Get to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park can be reached by road or air from Kigali City.
By Road – it is approximately 110 kilometers (86 miles) from Kigali to Akagera National Park taking about 2 to 3 hours. The route used is a well-maintained tarmac road for most the journey, transitioning to a 28-kilometer dirt road leading directly to the park headquarters.
By Air – This is the quickest way to get to Akagera National Park, there are chartered from to the park provided by Akagera Aviation.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers a range of accommodation options ranging from budget, midrange to luxury and they include
· Magashi Camp
· Ruzizi Tented Lodge
· Karenge Bush Camp
· Akagera Game Lodge
