Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

“Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, home to the Big 5"

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 is in northeastern Rwanda, covering 1122sq km (433sq mi) and bordering Tanzania. It is one of the biggest parks in Rwanda and best known for wildlife viewing. The magnificent beauty of Akagera National Park comprises savannah vegetation, woodland, wetland areas and a dozen lakes supported by River Kagera. An estimated 500 bird species are in the park, making it a birders paradise. The park is also home to over 8000 wild animals, including the famous Big Five( Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Lions and Leopards). The great Kagera River is a source of water for the Kagera Lakes and also a source for the Nile River.

Akagera National Park The Akagera National Park Highlight:
Boat Safaris - Boat safaris are normally the main highlight of any Akagera National Park Safari while on holiday in east Africa and it's with the boat safari that you will be able to explore Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park.
  • Akagera National Park

    Highlights:
    Akagera National Park

    Game Viewing

    Akagera National Park is now a Big Five destination, but sightings of key species are still hit-and-miss. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017. Both are thriving, but the more recent introduction of 30 white rhinos will make rhino sightings a lot easier. Take a boat trip to see lots of hippos, gigantic crocodiles and maybe elephants playing in the water. Plains animals are plentiful, including zebra and Masai giraffe. Akagera is also home to 11 antelope species. The most common is the gracious impala, but of particular interest are the big herds of topi. Defassa waterbuck is regularly seen around the lakes, and bushbuck is a widespread resident in the woodland areas. Also look out for pairs of oribi on the Mutumba Hills.

  • Akagera National Park

    Highlights:
    Akagera National Park

    Sport fishing on Lake Shakani

    If you enjoy fishing experiences such as sport fishing, Lake Shakani is the only destination in Rwanda for this extraordinary activity. Fishing in Akagera Park gives you the advantage of getting close to the African wildlife. Fishing tournaments are held at the park, and if you plan your trip during this time, you can meet fellow anglers and enjoy a cold beer while listening to local fishermen's tales. The main fishing methods include gill netting and hooks. The benefit of sport fishing at Akagera Park is that you can keep your catch for lunch or dinner. Some fish include Nile perch, catfish, Tanganyika sardines, Nile tilapia, and varicorhinus. Spot fishing costs approximately $25 with its gears and a permit.

  • Akagera National Park

    Highlights:
    Akagera National Park

    Boat safaris on Lake Ihema

    Boat safaris on Lake Ihema are a main highlight while visiting Akagera National Park. Lake Ihema is the largest lake in the park. While taking a boat ride and exploring the lake, you will come across the largest school of hippos and the largest concentration of hippos in East Africa. You will also spot a float of crocodiles on the shores of the lake. Water birds, including shore bill stork, can be seen on a lucky day. The lake is also a perfect spot for game viewing due to the abundance of wildlife, which find their way to quench their thirst and bathe. The boat ride will allow you to get closer to them than on a game drive.

Experience the Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding. Akagera is particularly scenic and offers a wide diversity of habitats in a small area. Visitors can drive along a string of forest-fringed lakes and wetlands fed by the Akagera River. Tall mountains form a lovely backdrop to the ever-changing vegetation, which includes papyrus swamps and acacia woodland.

Best time to visit: Akagera National Park

Wildlife Experience

Akagera National Park is home to a great diversity of wildlife species, which include at least 30 lions, 80-100 leopards, 180 elephants and buffaloes. After a recent introduction, the park hosts approximately 30 white rhinos and 29 critically endangered black rhinos, making spotting them more accessible. However, it is rare to spot black rhinos, hyenas and leopards unless it's your lucky day. Other animals include giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, topis, klipspringer, waterbuck, roan antelope, impalas, duikers, oribis, cape eland, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bush babies, crocodiles and hippos among others.

Birdlife

With over 500 bird species, Akagera National Park is a paradise for avid bird watchers. The park has many bird species, including migratory and endemic birds. Some of the birds include redfaced barbets, swamp flycatchers, the elusive shoebill, cattle egret, waxbill, hamerkop, long-crested eagle, fish eagles, osprey, sacred & hadada ibis, grey-backed fiscals, heron, African darter, black-headed vielliots, black weavers, African wattled lapwing, augur buzzard and pied crow among others.

Best time to visit

Akagera National Park is visited all year round. There are two seasons, which include:

Dry seasons: The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The park is dry at this time, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around the water sources, and it is easier to navigate while on game drives. There are fewer bugs, and the chances of catching malaria are low.

Wet seasons: With rainfall pouring down during this period, Akagera National Park comes to life with lush vegetation, making the park a picturesque landscape perfect for photography. It is an ideal time for birding activity due to the presence of migratory birds.

Getting There?

By Air: You can access Akagera National Park by flying using helicopter charters transfer, as there are no domestic flights to the park. If you enjoy luxury helicopter flights to Akagera Park, this can be arranged through Akagera Aviation, giving you scenic views and the most accessible access to the park. The flight is about 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport and arrives at Magashi Camp. If you stay at Ruzizi Tented Camp and Akagera Game Lodge, the helicopter will land near the park headquarters with a ground transfer arranged.

By Road: Akagera National Park is approximately 110 km from Kigali. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The best way to access the park is using a 4X4 safari vehicle. Although most of the route might be in good condition by African standards, expect some bumpy sections along the way.

Related Top Destinations

  • akagera national park

    Akagera National Park

    Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five.

    Explore
  • nyungwe forest national park

    Nyungwe Forest National Park

    Nyungwe National Park protects the largest highland rainforest in East Africa. Even from the main road, you’ll be blown away by the endless views over layers of steep jungle-clad mountains.

    Explore
  • volcanoes national park

    Volcanoes National Park

    Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago.

    Explore
  •