Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda covering 1,122 km2 along the international border with Tanzania. It was founded in 1934 and includes savannah, montane and swamp habitats. The park is named after the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps makes up over a third of the park, which is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.
The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes.
The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing safaris, and steps are taken to ensure the Big Five roam the park in greater numbers over the course of time.
Since 2010 poaching has been cut to an all time low, with the introduction of a helicopter, a canine unit and rhino trackers.
A family of lions from South Africa is settling in well, and breeding successfully, and 18 eastern black rhinos have also been reintroduced.
Visitors can also encounter buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera national park, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.
Sleeping within the park is possible, at various lodges, a bush camp in the north at select periods, or camping in specific sites.
History of Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The park was founded in 1934 and now covers an area of 1,200 square kilometers. It was named after River Kagera which feeds several Lakes (Lake Gishanju, Lake Ihema, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, and Lake Shakani) within and around the park. These water bodies as well as the Savannah grasslands, forests, plains, and rolling hills make the park very beautiful and scenic.
After the 1994 Rwanda genocide, Akagera National Park suffered a huge blow. Many people sought refuge in the park. This was devastating for both wildlife and plants. What was formerly an amazing park was declining gradually. In 2010, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks took charge of Akagera National Park. Conservation laws and regulations against environmental degradation were passed. Since then, Akagera National Park’s glory has been restored. The park currently benefits both wildlife and human beings. In 2015 and 2017, lions were introduced in Akagera National Park. This was later on followed by the introduction of southern white rhinos in 2021. Currently, thousands of tourists converge in this amazing safari destination and engage in activities like game drives, boat cruises, birding tours, guided nature walks, and many more.
Tourist Attractions in Akagera National Park
Are you planning a trip to Akagera National Park and wondering what you are likely to see? Do not worry, the park has multiple tourist attractions that tourists can see. Below are the top tourist attractions on a safari to Akagera National Park;
The Big Five Animals
Akagera National Park is home to the big five animals; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The park has proved to be a one-stop center for tourists looking for a big five safari in East Africa (Rwanda). An exclusive wildlife safari game drive in Akagera National Park will bring you close to the big five animals. You will come across lions hunting or just taking a nap under tree shades. There is no satisfying experience like meeting the gentle giants of the savannah plains of Africa – elephants. These play a significant role in the ecosystem. If you love loners, look out for a leopard on a wildlife game drive in Akagera National Park. Spotting leopards on a game drive is a dream come true for every safari-goer.
Birds
Are you an avid bird lover and looking for the best place to see birds? Akagera National Park is one of the best places to be. Akagera National Park is home to some of the Rift Valley endemic species of birds. With the help of experienced bird guides in the park, your birding adventure will be the best. The birds thrive in an amazing range of habitats including Savannah plains, forests, and papyrus swamps. The rare Shoebill stork and Papyrus Gonolek can be spotted during a boat trip along the lakes in the park. Other species include the African fish eagles, cormorants, crowned cranes, egrets, Herons, marabou storks, and open-billed storks.
Other wildlife species
Other than the big five animals, Akagera National Park is home to multiple wildlife species. Both hunters and grazers live in the enormous savannah plains and swamps of Akagera National Park. During a game drive in this park, tourists get an opportunity to see animals like warthogs, giraffes, kudus, gazelles, Jackson’s hartebeests, zebras, and many more. These animals play a important role in the food chain. The majority of these animals feed on plants and help control plants in the park. More so, they act as food for predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Lake Ihema
Akagera National Park is home to many lakes both within and around. The major lake in this park is Lake Ihema. Other lakes include; Lake Shakani, Lake Rwanyakazinga, Lake Mihindi, and Lake Gishanju. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park enjoy boat cruise trips on these lakes. On Lake Ihema, tourists see many hippos and crocodiles.
Activities to do in Akagera National Park
If you take a trip to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, you will take part in at least two of the following activities;
Wildlife and safari game drives; Here, travelers drive in 4×4 safari vehicles in search of wildlife. It is during such ventures that you get to see animals like lions, leopards, elephants, and many more. Game drives in Akagera National Park take place at different times of the day. The park offers morning game drives, afternoon game drives, and night game drives.
Birding tours; Birding tours in Akagera National Park allow travelers to see several bird species. Some of the birds seen in this park include; the African fish eagles, cormorants, crowned cranes, egrets, Herons, marabou storks, and open-billed storks.
Boat cruise trips; Boat trips in Akagera National Park take place on Lake Ihema. Here, travelers enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the waters of the park. They get a chance to interact with the locals and see multiple fish species, and many water birds.
The best time to visit Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park can be visited any time of the year including weekends and public holidays. However, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) stand out.
Book your Akagera national park wildlife adventure during you Rwanda trip
If you are interested visiting in Akagera National Park, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting a Akagera National Park itinerary, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.
