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Akagera National Park

Overview

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. The park has undergone an inspiring conservation transformation, now serving as a sanctuary for lions and rhinos, making it the only Big Five park in Rwanda. With poaching nearly eliminated, the park’s wildlife populations have seen a significant resurgence. This remarkable recovery is especially notable given that just 20 years ago, Akagera was on the brink of being lost forever.

In the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, the country’s people turned to the forests for timber, the wildlife for food, and the savannahs for grazing livestock, leading to the displacement of the park’s wildlife by tens of thousands of long-horned cattle. This nearly obliterated the park’s value, making its revival story even more extraordinary. Located just a two-hour drive from Kigali, Akagera offers a stunning and convenient savannah landscape, making it an ideal addition to any itinerary before or after visiting the gorillas. The park boasts a unique diversity of habitats, including lakes, marshes, savannahs, mountains, and woodlands, all contributing to its spectacular scenery.

After years of preparation, effective law enforcement, and management, Akagera National Park saw the return of 18 Eastern black rhinoceroses in 2017 after a decade-long absence. Additionally, two new male lions were translocated to enhance the genetic diversity of the growing pride, which has since tripled in size since their reintroduction in 2015.

Wildlife and Birdlife in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions, bushbucks, topis, oribis, waterbucks, roan antelopes, duikers, bohor reedbucks, klipspringers, impalas, and Cape eland antelopes. Lake Ihema is a haven for hippos and crocodiles. The park also hosts primates such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies, which can be spotted on nocturnal drives.

The park’s diverse habitats support over 500 bird species. Notable birds include the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, African wattled plover, giant kingfisher, Senegal lapwing, squacco heron, African openbill stork, grey crowned crane, African darter, long-toed lapwing, water thick-knee, fish eagle, cattle egret, hamerkop, sacred ibis, hadada ibis, augur buzzard, long-crested eagle, and pied crow. Additionally, you can find black-headed and Viellot’s black weavers, grey-backed fiscals, fan-tailed widowbirds, and Caruther’s cisticola, among many others.

Activities

Activities/Attractions in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers a diverse range of tourism activities, some of which are unique and cannot be experienced elsewhere in any other national park in Rwanda.

Game Drives

Game drives are the highlight of visiting Akagera National Park, where you embark on a safari with a driver and guide. Despite its smaller size compared to other savannah parks in Africa, Akagera is a gem of Rwanda, offering stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife sightings within a short drive. The park boasts a diverse array of animals including giraffes, impalas, topis, zebras, bushbucks, African swallows, elands, vervet monkeys, warthogs, baboons, mongooses, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, defassa waterbucks, oribis, reedbucks, roan antelopes, sables, buffalos, and more.

Safari Nocturnal Drive

Guided night drives starting at sunset provide a thrilling opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife. These drives offer the best chances to spot elusive animals such as lions and leopards, making for an exciting conclusion to your day in the park.

Safari Boat Trips

For a unique safari experience, consider taking a boat trip on Lake Ihema. Drift along the forest-fringed lake amidst hippos and crocodiles, with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Scheduled boat trips depart four times a day at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm. Private trips can also be arranged upon request, offering a more personalized experience.

Fishing

Lake Shakani provides excellent opportunities for sportfishing enthusiasts. Spend a relaxing day fishing from the shores of the lake, and if successful, you can cook your catch over an open fire at your campsite. Visitors are advised to bring their own fishing equipment for this activity.

Cultural Experiences

Akagera offers unique cultural experiences facilitated by Community Guides. Learn about local traditions and practices, such as milking cows and the significance of cattle in the Eastern Province. You can also engage with artisans involved in producing local products like banana beer and honey, gaining insights into traditional methods and practices.

These activities not only enrich your visit to Akagera National Park but also provide opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rwanda in a meaningful way.

alk the Line – Nature Walk

Experience a unique adventure by taking on the role of one of Akagera’s fence attendants, who patrol a section of the park’s 120-kilometer perimeter fence daily to ensure it remains intact and fully operational. This activity allows you to immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of Akagera National Park, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of wildlife protection. At the end of the walk, you’ll ascend to a ridge that offers breathtaking panoramic views in every direction, rewarding you with spectacular scenery and a deeper appreciation for the park’s conservation efforts.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Despite not attracting the same crowds as Volcanoes National Park, which is renowned for its mountain gorillas, Akagera National Park offers a selection of lodges and camps to cater to visitors. Here are some recommended accommodations for your stay:

Akagera Game Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Camp
Magashi Lodge
Karenge Bush Camp (Seasonal)

Best Time to Visit

Best Time of the Year to Visit Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a year-round destination due to its stable climate. However, specific times of the year offer unique experiences:

Long Dry Season (June – September): This period brings warmer temperatures and shorter grass, making it ideal for game viewing as animals are more visible throughout the park.
Cooler Weather After Rains (October – November and March – May): Characterized by regular rainfall, this time sees clear blue skies and lush green landscapes, providing excellent photographic opportunities. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during these months, as many migratory species pass through Akagera National Park.

Visiting during these seasons ensures varied wildlife sightings and the chance to witness the park’s natural beauty in different contexts, catering to diverse interests from wildlife enthusiasts to photography enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

How to Get There

How to Get to Akagera National Park

By Road

From Kigali, you can drive through Rwamagana town to Akagera National Park via the southern gate. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, offering scenic views along the way before arriving at the park entrance.

By Air

For those preferring to avoid the drive, Akagera Aviation offers flights to the park, providing a convenient alternative to reach Akagera National Park.

Location/ Map

Gallery

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