Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda and is one of the best wildlife safari destinations in Rwanda. Akagera National Park was named after the Kagera River which flows along the border of Tanzania and Rwanda.
The park is a famous destination in Rwanda for being home to unique tourist attractions. Some of these attractions include Lake Ihema and the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and boosts quite several animals and bird species. Taking on a safari game drive in the Akagera National Park will allow you to see animals such as warthogs, elephants, Thomson gazelles, bushbucks, zebras, kudus, and many others.
The park is home to Rift Valley endemic birds and also boosts beautiful swamps. The park covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers and offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors.
Tourist attractions in Akagera National Park
Over the past decades, Akagera National Park has gained fame as one of the best safari destinations in Rwanda and Africa. The park has quite several tourist attractions like wildlife, birds, Lake Ihema, and River Kagera.
The Big Five in Akagera National Park
Have you heard about the Big Five animals before? These are giants of the wilderness and they were proved to be the most difficult animals to be hunted down. The big five animals include; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
Taking on a game drive in Akagera National Park gives you a chance to spot at least two of these animals. Spotting a pride of lions hunting down a leopard is a dream come true for every tourist. The park is one of the few parks in Africa conserving white rhinos.
Other wildlife species
Other than the big five, Akagera National Park boosts multiple animals and these include; oribi, zebra, warthog, Thomson gazelle, kudus, waterbuck, duiker, hippo, Jacksons heartbeats, to mention but a few. All these animals can be seen roaming the park during morning, afternoon, and night game drives in Akagera National Park.
Birds in Akagera National Park
Are you passionate about watching birds sing and creatively build their nests? Birding in Akagera National Park is a top-notch activity you should take on during your safari in Rwanda. Some of the birds in Akagera National Park are Rift Valley endemic species. Some of the birds in Akagera National Park include; the grey-crowned crested crane, ground hornbill, hamerkop, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African open-bill stock, and bee-eaters, to mention but a few. It is important to note that some of the bird species in Akagera National Park are migratory and can thus be spotted during particular seasons. You should talk to your tour operator or bird guide before taking your birding trip to Akagera National Park.
Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema, located within Akagera National Park, offers a unique opportunity for boat safaris. Exploring the lake by boat allows visitors to observe hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and other aquatic species up close. The serene setting and picturesque views make for a memorable and tranquil experience. Taking on an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema is an opportunity for you to create everlasting memories as you enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding areas. Lake Ihema is also a reliable birding spot in Rwanda for bird lovers. You will see hundreds of water birds during your boat safari. Additionally, at Lake Ihema, tourists see schools of hippos as well as crocodiles.
Activities in Akagera National Park
There are different safari activities done in Akagera National Park. From wildlife viewing to birding to boat cruises to cultural tours and guided nature walks, Akagera National Park stands out as the prime safari destination in Rwanda. Book your Rwanda safari now and dive into any of these activities in Akagera National Park.
Wildlife viewing and safari game drives
Wildlife viewing in the savannah plains of Akagera National Park is a major activity that should not be missed on your list of safari activities in Rwanda. Morning, afternoon, and night game drives in the Akagera National Park allow tourists to see the big five animals.
Tourists also meet hundreds of other wildlife species such as zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and hippos. In the afternoon, animals converge at the water sources to drink water. Here, predators meet prey and a dramatic encounter takes place. It is always a battle of life and death between the hunters and the hunted. Who wants to miss such extraordinary adventures on their trip to Rwanda? Of course, it is not you.
Boat cruises on Lake Ihema
A boat cruise on Lake Ihema is one of the major activities done in Akagera National Park. It allows travelers to spot wildlife, interact with local fishermen, and see hundreds of bird species. The serenity of the lake and the scenic views of the surrounding areas create a signature of memories in the minds of tourists. There are daily scheduled boats at Lake Ihema however, you may organize a private boat cruise for an extended and relaxed experience.
Sport fishing on Lake Shakani
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park takes place at the shore of Lake Shakani. Here, travellers are allowed to do sport fishing and enjoy an extraordinary adventure. During the fishing process, you are only allowed to catch and release. However, at the end of the activity, you will be allowed to take one catch for tasting. You will also learn about the local fishing methods at the lake.
Birding tours in Akagera National Park
Birding in Akagera National Park is yet another adventurous activity in Rwanda. It involves travellers (birders) walking on foot, following the sounds of birds and taking photos as well as learning about several bird species. The park is home to over 480 bird species recorded and 100 are endemic to this particular national park in the country. With the help of an experienced bird guide in Akagera National Park, spotting birds becomes an easy venture in Rwanda.
Guided nature walks and hiking
Guided nature walks and hiking adventures are yet other exceptional safari activities done in Akagera National Park. The park has both easy and difficult hiking trails that fit all the travelers’ needs. Taking a walk in the savannah plains of the park allows you to see animals closely and take a picture of your dream. You will meet animals like zebras, warthogs, kudus, antelopes, giraffes, and buffaloes.
What is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is an all-year-round open safari destination in Rwanda. The dry months of June to September and December to February are usually considered the best time to visit the park. During these periods, the chances of rainfalls are low and the roads are not muddy. You may also visit the park during the wet months of October to November and March to May to see some migratory birds. The wet seasons also come with crowd-free parks and a reduction in accommodation prices. Talk to your tour operator for a rational decision regarding when to visit Akagera National Park.
How to access Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park can be accessed by road transport from Kigali International Airport. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours traversing the rolling hills of Rwanda.
