Akagera National Park is set suitably in northeastern Rwanda at the border with Tanzania, approximately 2 and half-hours’ drive from Kigali capital city. Unlike other African countries, Akagera National Park is the only savanna and big five African game park in Rwanda and this makes it an outstanding wildlife safari destination. It occupies an area of about 1122 square kilometers and it is largely comprised of savanna grassland, acacia woodland, swamps and small Lakes.
Akagera National Park was designated as a national park in 1934 to offer refuge to its iconic wonders. This park is named after Akagera River which flows through it especially along the eastern boundary and emptying its water into Lake Ihema plus several other tiny lakes within and around it. If you are on Rwanda safari and you are interested in getting the best of African wilderness experience look no further than Akagera National Park.
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Discover what Akagera National Park holds when it comes to diverse wildlife species while on Rwanda wildlife safari. This wilderness area, prids itself as a home to numerous African bush elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, rhinos, antelopes (especially the Defassa waterbuck, bushbucks, cape elands, roan antelopes, topis, bohor reedbucks), giraffes, leopards, hyenas, side striped jackal, mongoose, primates such as olive baboons, blue monkeys and bush babies, vervet monkeys.
Birds in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park inhabits about 525 bird species in most of its wetlands, woodland and other habitats making it an exceptional birding safari destination in Rwanda. They include among others Augur buzzard, long rested eagle, giant kingfishers, papyrus gonoleks, African wattled plovers, created barbet, swamp flycatcher, red faced barbet, African open bill stork, Senegal lapwings, water thick knee, Squacco herons, long toed, sacred and Hadada ibis, fan tailed widowbird, Caruthers cisticola, grey backed fiscals, marabou stork, open billed stork, herons, cormorants, egrets, African fish eagles, black headed ganolex, lilac breasted roller, heuglin’s robin chat, ross’s turaco among others.
Other attractions in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is comprised of dozens of swamps, lakes including Lake Ihema-the second largest lake in Rwanda, Lake Shakani, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Gishanju. Most of these water bodies inhabits huge concentration of hippos, crocodiles and water birds which can be spotted while you are on a boat cruise.
Activities to do in Akagera National Park
Game drives/game viewing
The main reason why thousands of tourists on Rwanda safari flock into Akagera National Park is to take part in game drives or game viewing. This park is an extensive savanna wilderness area with huge concentration of wildlife including African bush elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, rhinos, antelopes (especially the Defassa waterbuck, bushbucks, cape elands, roan antelopes, topis, bohor reedbucks), giraffes, leopards, hyenas, side striped jackal, mongoose. Game drives in Akagera National Park are best conducted along the northern section and it is best done in a 4×4 safari van or land cruiser with pop up.
Boat cruise
Boat trips in Akagera National Park take you via the scenic Lake Ihema where there are numerous hippos, crocodiles and bird species for you to see. Along the shores, you will also see several elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks as they roam. This usually takes visitors about 2-3 hours.
Bird watching
Birding is one way visitors on Rwanda safari can discover Akagera National Park. The notable birds to identify in this park include Augur buzzard, long rested eagle, giant kingfishers, papyrus gonoleks, African wattled plovers, created barbet, swamp flycatcher, red faced barbet, African open bill stork, Senegal lapwings, water thick knee, Squacco herons, long toed, sacred and Hadada ibis, fan tailed widowbird, Caruthers cisticola, grey backed fiscals, marabou stork, open billed stork, herons, cormorants, egrets, African fish eagles, black headed ganolex, lilac breasted roller, heuglin’s robin chat, ross’s turaco.
Other exciting safari activities to do in Akagera National Park include sport fishing, cultural tours, helicopter tours, nature walks among others.
Accommodation options at Akagera National Park
Luxury: Rusizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Tented Camp
Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Budget: Dereva Hotel, camping in Shakani Campsite, Mutamba campsite, Muyumba campsite.
How to get to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is two and half hours’ drive from Kigali capital city. Drive via Kibungo or Rwamagana trading center. From Akagera Game Lodge, entry gate is about 500 meters. You can also fly from Kigali airport to Kamembe airport using Akagera aviation services.