Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is one of the beautiful spectacles that reward every traveller in Rwanda. Known alternatively as Parc National de i'Akagera in French, it is the only savanna park in Rwanda. The park was gazetted in 1934 by the Belgian government because of its conservation value. Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda covering over 2500 sq. km of savannah west of the Kagera River, which denotes the border with Tanzania.The park is named after the Kagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into Lake Ihema and many other lakes. The park protects an African savannah landscape of acacia and bush, with patches of open grassland and swampy lakes following the meandering course of Kagera River. This system of lakes and linking swamps make up nearly three quarters of the park forming the largest protected wetland in central Africa with exceptional levels of biodiversity and wildlife. The West of the park is punctuated by rolling hills while the East is decorated by River Kagera.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park

The park is home to a variety of wildlife with elephants, buffalos, giraffe, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions and several species of antelopes i.e. bushbuck, Topi, Oribi, tsessebe waterbuck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelopes are duiker, Oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala and world largest antelope: “ the Cape eland. Schools of hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun found in and near the lake. Primates include olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys with bush babies often seen on night drives. Some of this wildlife was just re-introduced into the park by African parks, an organisation that manages the park in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. The re-introduction of the animals sought to restablish the unique and high value of the park that had been depleted by the killing and hunting of animals that had happened during the genocide. Some of the animals that were re-introduced to Akagera include; a number of 7 lions and 18 eastern black rhinos among others. The lions were re-introduced in 2015 and rhinos in 2017.

For bird enthusiasts, Akagera national park is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species and a wide variety of habitats. It hosts the elusive shoebill and the papyrus Gonolek in its swampy lake fringes, both birds are a remarkable sight. Other species include,African Wattled Plover Goliath, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, and Squacco Herons, African Open bill Little Bittern, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee, Blue-headed Coucal, and Black Crake. Look out for the majestic fish eagles, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Black-headed and striking Vieillot's Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird and carruthers cisticola.

Activities in Akagera National Park

Game drives

Game drives in Akagera national park start early mornings as we search for the leopards, hyenas, and the recently re-introduced lions in the open roof safari vehicles. This is because the hunters prefer night or early morning and will usually go into hiding as the heat from the sun increases.Along the carnivores, enjoy the scenery of this beautiful park and the herbivores and grazers.

Bird watching

Akagera national park is a popular birdwatching destination in Rwanda and an Important Birding Area according Birdlife International. Birders can search for endemic species such as the near threatened papyrus Gonolek, which is restricted to papyrus swamps, the localized red-faced barbet.The boat safari on Lake Ihema is an exciting birding experience with so many water birds. More birding is done while on the game drive, opting to stop over at various interesting areas.

Boat safaris/trips

A boat ride on Lake Ihema is a good way to spend the afternoon when the animals are coming to the waters for a drink. It is also a perfect spot for water birds, schools of hippos and basking crocodiles.Boat trips scheduled 4 times per day at 7.30am; 9am, 3.30pm, and 5pm. There is an option of non-scheduled, private trips which can be arranged at other times fitting the clients schedule.

Sport fishing

Sports fishing in the parkis done at Lake Shakani, spend a relaxing day fishing off the lakeshore and then cook your catch over an open fire at the campsite. This activity is privately booked.

Nature and community walks

Akagera offers opportunities for one to walk through and enjoy the beautiful scenery while being treated to the various tunes of melodious birds. The walk through the park is refreshing and provides scenic views of landscapes and wildlife.

For a community walk, you will visit the community areas outside the park and have a taste of the traditional Kinyarwanda culture and the various actitivities associated with cattle keeping. You will witness the a number of actions associated with milk processing, storage in calabashesa and preservation.

Routes to Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park is located in Northeastern Rwanda approximately 2-3 hours and a distance of 135 kilometres from Kigali city. Drive from Kigali through Rwamagana or Kibungo to reach Akagera National Park. The Southern gate is the one used for entrance while the Northern gate is used for exit.

When to visit Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park can be visited all the time of the year. It is however important to note that there are heavy rains during the rainy season, notedly in the months of March, April and December. December to February and June to September are the dry months and provide a better environment to visit the park.