Akagera National Park Rwanda
Akagera National Park is situated in the north eastern boundary of Rwanda covering an area of 1,022km2 which makes it the largest protected area in […]
Akagera National Park is situated in the north eastern boundary of Rwanda covering an area of 1,022km2 which makes it the largest protected area in Rwanda. The Akagera National Park borders Tanzania and is traversed by the Akagera River one of the sources of the River Nile of which the park derives its name.
Rwanda Akagera National Park was established in 1934 to protect three varied ecosystems i.e. mountain, swamp, and savannah. Akagera park is rich in water environments with a series of small lakes that characterize its floor including Lake Ihema which is the second largest in Rwanda, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Shakani, Mihindi and Lake Gishanju not forgetting the famous Akagera River that traverses the eastern border of the park.
Its terrain is marked by low-lying plains that are covered by breathtaking rolling plains dotted with acacia woodlands. This area appears in contrast to the other parts of Rwanda that are marked by a series of hills that have made Rwanda to be nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Hills.
The park is a rich habitat for wildlife with counts of Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebra, Giraffes, and several Antelope species. Lions and Black Rhinos have been recently introduced in the last decade and their population growth is promising.
Travelers on wildlife safaris in Rwanda Akagera park mostly undertake game drives and boat cruises on Lake Ihema. Bird watching and guided nature walks are also possible.
Most Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris feature Akagera safari tours and it’s possible for us to include it on your gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park.
Location of Akagera National Park in Rwanda Africa
Akagera Park Rwanda is situated on the eastern border of Rwanda and Tanzania within the Kibungi District. The drive from Kigali International Airport can take about 2-3 hours.
The History of Akagera National Park
Belgian Government established Akagera NP in 1934. In 2009, the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Network signed a 20-year renewable agreement for joint management of Akagera park. The mission of this joint management agreement- (Akagera Management Company) is to make this protected area one of the best national parks in Africa and reintroduce wildlife species that had gone into extinction due to poaching.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Akagera National Park
The tourist attractions to see during the Akagera National Park safari tour range from wild animals, to beautiful birds and even lakes.
A detail of the attractions in Akagera park- What is found in Akagera National Park?
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Game Animals in Akagera National Park
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Since this park features varied ecosystems, thousands of game animals dwell in this protected area. Travelers on Rwanda safari Akagera National Park should expect to spot savannah game animals such as Zebras, African Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalos, Rhinos, Waterbucks, Topis, and Impalas, etc. Hippos, giant Nile Crocodiles, and primates also reside in this park.
Some of the predators in Akagera NP include Hyenas, Leopards, Serval cats, Cheetahs, as well as Lions which have been recently introduced. Wild dogs have not been spotted in this park for decades.
A game drive in the rolling plains or Lake Ihema boat trips offers the best game viewing experience during the Akagera National Park tour.
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Spectacular Birds in Akagera park Rwanda
Akagera National Park is rich in birdlife, especially the savannah bird species. Out of the 480 species of birds spotted in Akagera park, around 100 bird species have never been sighted in any park in Rwanda.
Travelers on Rwanda birding safaris in Akagera park can also spot papyrus-dwelling birds as well as woodland birds.
Guests birding in Akagera will look out for; the rare Shoebill stork, Black headed gonolek, sooty chat, white browed coucal, African fish eagle, Giant kingfisher, Martial Eagle, Cattle egret, Grey backed fiscals, African Jacana, Red faced Barbet, Long crested eagle, Senegal lapwings, and the Double throated Barbet among others.
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Various Lakes in Akagera National Park
Akagera park contains an array of lakes that support a range of aquatic life including Hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, and even hundreds of water birds. Also, these lakes are drinking points for other game animals such as Elephant herds, Cape Eland, and Buffalos, to mention but a few.
Some of the main lakes in Akagera park are; Lake Mihindi, Lake Shakani, Gishanju, and Lake Ihema- the biggest of all. They are all fed by River Akagera.
Main Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park Rwanda
The following are the best activities in Akagera park for tourists on Rwanda wildlife safari tours;
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Safari Game Drives in Rwanda Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park contains enormous counts of wildlife ranging from African Elephants to Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Common Eland, Cheetahs, Zebras, Hyenas, Black Rhinos, Giraffes, Waterbuck, Impalas, Hippos, Serval cats, plus numerous primate species including Olive baboons, Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and the occasionally spotted Silver monkey.
Game drives in Akagera offer the best wildlife viewing experience during the Akagera National Park tour.
Night game drives can be arranged for travelers interested in spotting arrange of nocturnal animals like Lions, Leopards, Genets, Bush babies as well as Hyenas. The early morning game drive offers the best views of large mammals as they start their day.
During game drives, you should be expectant to explore the stunning savannah landscapes plus a series of water bodies including the largest protected wetland in Africa ideal for photography.
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Boat Rides in Akagera National Park
Akagera park offers boat safari opportunities on one of its gigantic lakes- Lake Ihema which also stands as the second largest Lake in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. These thrilling boat trips are organized by Akagera Game Lodge in conjunction with the Rwanda Tourism Office.
Several visitors on wildlife safaris in Akagera Rwanda park undertake boat safari in the afternoon which offers impressive sights of Hippos and Nile crocodiles not forgetting various wild game dinking on the lake shore.
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Bird Watching in Akagera National Park
Rwanda birding tours in Akagera park offer one of the best birding experiences in this stunning country. Within this park, over 480 birds have been recorded and 100 species are endemic in this protected area. The popular species include savannah birds, woodlands, and water birds. These can be spotted on nature walks, game drives, and even boat rides on Lake Ihema.
In most cases, travelers birding in Akagera are interested in spotting; Double toothed barbet, Lilac-breasted Roller, Shoebill stork, Martial Eagles, Viellot’s black weavers, African darter, African fish eagles, Black headed gonolek, Pied crow, Grey crowned crane, Long toed lapwing, and Squacco herons, etc.
Morning birding expeditions offer the best experience!
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Helicopter Drives in Akagera Park
Akagera National Park provides helicopter adventure tours that involve Ariel wildlife viewing. There are a series of helicopter companies that provide this service.
The aerial tours offer impressive scenic views of the Akagera plains that stretch to adjoin the beautiful plains in Tanzanian dotted with acacia woodland. While on the ride, you’ll see hundreds of game animals and explore the park’s dramatic scenery patched with breathtaking lakes, papyrus swamps, & flowing streams and Rivers that will leave you with memories of your Rwanda wildlife safari vacation
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Spot Fishing in Akagera park
Lake Shakani positioned in the south of Akagera National Park in a close range to L. Ihema offers rewarding sport fishing activity to travellers undertaking wildlife safaris in Rwanda. The common fish caught during spot fishing expeditions in Akagera include; Tilapia and Catfish.
Other things to enjoy during the Akagera National Park safari tour
- Explore local communities adjacent to Akagera park
- Undertaking guided game walks
Getting to Akagera National Park in Rwanda- How to Get to Akagera National Park Rwanda
Visiting Rwanda Akagera park is really easy! From Kigali city to Akagera park, you will drive roughly 110km (2-3 hours) passing through Rwamagana town to the lone entry, the southern gate of Akagera. The Northern Gate is currently the exit gate. Those who prefer not to travel by road can opt for helicopter flights run by Akagera Aviation.
Mind to travel using a 4×4 tour vehicle during the rainy season- in the months of March-May & late October-November.
When is the Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park Rwanda?
When should one visit Akagera park? Although visits to Akagera NP can be done any time of year, the dry months provide the best game-watching experience in this land. The short dry season of Rwanda stretches from December to February and from June to early September is the long dry season.
Safari drives in the dry season are more enjoyable game spotting is easy. Wild animals normally congregate near water holes. Also, trails for game drives are free of mud during these months and there are no rainfall interruptions normally.
Travelers should be aware that the dry season is the ideal to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
The Safari Packing List for Rwanda Tour in Akagera National Park
Below are the essential items for tourists intending to safari Akagera National Park in Rwanda Africa. Some of these can even be used during Rwanda gorilla trekking expeditions in Volcanoes National Park.
- A high-quality camera
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses and a sunhat
- A lightweight daypack
- Binoculars for birdwatchers
- Bottled water
- A medical kit
- Sunscreens
- Flashlight for night drives
- Fishing equipment for anglers
Best Safari Clothes for a Safari in Akagera National Park Rwanda- What to Wear on Safari in Rwanda Akagera Park?
Indeed, you have packed perfectly, but you should also keep in mind that you should dress adequately for your wildlife tour in Akagera park.
As you visit Akagera National Park for a trip, you should dress in environmentally friendly, usually grey, brown, green, and khaki attires since they fit within the surroundings.
While short pants and even shirts can be worn, safari attire covering the body is best since it will cover your body from bug bites & cuts during game walks, for instance.
During the early morning game drive & night game drives, sometimes a warm sweater is important to keep you warm.
Best Hotels in Akagera National Park, Accommodation in Akagera National Park
Tourists on Rwanda wildlife tours in Akagera National Park can never fail to get where to stay during their vacation. Visitors can choose affordable or deluxe safari lodges in Akagera for accommodation.
Here are the best lodges in Rwanda Akagera park for tourists on Rwanda wildlife safaris;
- Ruzizi Tent Lodge
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Shakani Campsite
- Mutamba Campsite
FAQs About Akagera National Park Safari
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Is Akagera National Park Worth Visiting for Tours?
Akagera park is worth a visit for tourists on wildlife tours in Rwanda. During your safari in Akagera, you’ll spot numerous game animals such as Lions, Cheetahs, Roan Antelope, Black Rhinos, African Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, a large population of Zebras, Water buck, Bushbucks, and many others.
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What Is Unique About Akagera National Park?
Akagera park holds all the African big five safari animals- Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffalos, and Elephants. Among the African parks in Rwanda, Akagera is the only site to spot savannah game animals for instance, the Zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Hyenas, and Cheetahs, among others.
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How Much Does It Cost to Go to Akagera National Park Rwanda?
International visitors must pay $100 to enter Akagera Park Land. The longer you stay in this protected area, the lower this tariff becomes.
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Can You See the Big 5 in Rwanda Akagera park?
Akagera is the only destination for tourists on Rwanda safari tours to spot the Big Five game animals (Lion, African Elephant, Buffalo, & Rhino). If interested in Mountain gorillas visit Volcanoes park and for chimpanzees visit Nyungwe park.
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Are There Lions in Akagera National Park Rwanda?
Yes, travelers can spot Lions in Rwanda Akagera park. Usually, they are spotted on game drives where you can also see Zebras, big Elephant herds, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and several Antelopes.
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How Much Is a Game Drive in Akagera National Park?
A game drive in Akagera Park Rwanda costs around 40 USD.
For a rewarding wildlife safari in Rwanda, don’t miss out on the Akagera National Park safari- the land of the African safari Big Five in Rwanda. On your wildlife viewing adventure, you’ll enjoy long scenic game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks among others.
It’s possible to add the Akagera National Park tour to other safari activities in Rwanda such as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes Rwanda Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
For all inquiries about African safaris in Rwanda, contact our friendly team!