Akagera National Park

Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, the only savannah national park and Big Safari Destination in Rwanda is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The park is the only place in Rwanda where visitors can see wildlife species including all the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos.

Akagera National Park gets its name from the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera National Park amongst the most scenic reserve in Africa. The park has an exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in Central Africa.

Akagera was founded as national park in 1934, however much of the park was re-allocated as farms and in 1997 the park was reduced in size from more than 2,500 square kilometers (nearly 10% of the surface area of Rwanda) to its current extent of 1,122 square kilometers. Since 2010, a joint venture with African Parks has seen Akagera National Park return to its former glories.

Historically, Akagera was home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. However, the park has faced significant challenges over the decades due to poaching and habitat loss. By the late 20^th Century, many species had drastically decline or disappeared altogether. For instance, African wild dogs were last seen in 1984 following a disease outbreak, while black rhinos were last sighted in 2007 due to severe poaching pressures. In recent years, conservation efforts have led to the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos into the park, restoring 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, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and elephants), giraffes, zebras, various antelope species such as bushbucks and topis. There are also several primate species live olive baboons, bush babies and vervet monkeys.

Akagera National Park also supports populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in its chain of lakes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species thriving in the different habitats including savannah, wetlands and woodlands.

Birdlife in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise boasting over 520 bird species including the remarkable shoebill stork, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings. Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed, 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.

What to do in Akagera National park

Safari activities to do in Akagera National Park

Game Drives

Akagera National Park is the best place for game viewing in Rwanda as well as Africa, this experience offers visitors a chance to explore Akagera National Park and enjoy incredible sightings of the stunning landscape and wildlife including buffaloes, antelopes including elands, topis, Maasai giraffes, Monkeys, savannah birds, civets, leopards, hyenas as well as the serval cats.

On game drives, visitors are accompanied by a guide who is so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna thriving in the park. These game drives are offered as morning, afternoon and night game drives. The night game drives offer a chance to see predators on the prowl as they hunt for dinner. Also, you will see leopards, lions, civets, serval cats, hyenas as well as bush babies with their large eyes.

Birding

Akagera National Park is one of the important birding areas in Rwanda and a haven for birders. The forest harbors 520 bird species and birders are always impressed by a sight of these colorful birds.

Some of the birds to lookout for on a birding safari in Akagera National Park include the remarkable shoebill stork, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings. Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed, 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 among others.

Fishing on Lake Shakani

This extra ordinary safari experience is carried out along the shores of Lake Shakani, here you will hear the snorts of the hippos as well as the water birds plus the sounds of the fish in the water. Lake Shakani is the only destination in Rwanda designated for this activity, the lake is known for its gentle slopes, making it accessible for fishing while providing a scenic backdrop of the surrounding landscapes.

Fishing in Akagera National Park also offers a chance of catching some of the most famous fish species including tilapia and catfish which are abundant in Lake Shakani, providing ample opportunities for successful catches.

Visitors can engage in various fishing methods including Gill Net Method, Cast Net Method, Scoop Net Method, Spearing and Shooting and Lampara Method. Visitors also get a chance to engage with local fishermen who share stories, folk songs and traditional tales. This cultural exchange enriches the fishing experience, allowing visitors to gain insights into local customs and practices.

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Boat safari is the main highlight of any safari visit in Akagera National Park and is conducted on Lake Ihema, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in East Africa. The lake is also home to several bird species which as you sail on the calm waters of the late, you will also see several animals like the elephants as the come to the shores to drink water and bathe.

Getting There

By Air – The main entry to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport, open to various international flights such as SN Brussels, Ethiopian airlines, Kenya Airways,Air Burundi and the RwandAir express. The airport is about 10km out Kigali and it is where your journey to Akagera National Park starts.

The Akagera Aviation offers charter flights to Akagera National Park.

By Road – This is the most used mode of transport to get to Akagera National Park. It is approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles). The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours. The road is well-maintained tamarc for the most of the journey, transitioning to a 280kilometer dirt road leading directly to the park headquarters.

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park can be visited year-round, however the dry season is generally the best time for wildlife viewing and offers easy accessibility. In the Dry season (June to early September and December to February), animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Also the vegetation is short, providing clearer views of wildlife.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

There are several accommodation options in Akagera National Park ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. These include

Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Magashi Camp
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Karenge Bush Camp
Akagera Game Lodge