Found in 1934, Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda along the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. The park was named after Kagera, the main water source for many different lakes, such as Lake Shakani and Lake Ihema. Among the four national parks in Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the largest, covering about 1085km squared. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, and is covered with an African savannah landscape.

Akagera National Park’s history includes the park being so much affected by the 1994 genocide civil war. A lot of the war refugees entered the country through the park and also settled there since they had nowhere else to go. The settlement of these refugees resulted in massive poaching since they had no food and a lot of deforestation was also done.

Due to nonstop poaching, a lot of animals died leading to the extinction of some, the government came to an agreement with the refugees and gave them part of the park to settle in. With the help of the Howard Buffet Foundation, some extinct animals like lions, and white and black Rhinos were re-introduced in the park. This was done in in 2010 after fighting poaching and putting a fence around the park to protect animals and the parkland from being accessed by the local people.

How to get to Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park can be accessed by using either road or air transport. When using road transport, the distance from Kigali is about 120 km (75 miles) which is about a 2-3 hours drive away. From Kigali drive via Rwamagana- Kayonza road and head to Kabarondo town. From Kabarondo town you will proceed for about 18km to Akagera National Park. You can also opt to use air transport to get to Akagera National Park by using a helicopter to get there in approximately 25 minutes.  

What can I see in Akagera National Park?

The government of Rwanda has played a big role with the help of other organizations to restore Akagera National Park with its animals. Animals that became extinct after the 1994 genocide were re-introduced in the park making it one that park where you can spot the big 5 from. So, when you decide to visit Akagera National Park, expect to see animals like lions, hippos, rhinos, and buffaloes, to mention but a few. You should also expect to see different bird species such as the rare shoebill stork, and papyrus Gonolek, to mention but a few. You will also be able to see some wetlands, woodlands, and lakes like Lake Ihema, and Lake Shakani, to mention a few.

What activities are available in Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park offers a variety of activities for the tourists or visitors who visit it, these activities can be done or carried out during your Akagera National Park safari, trip, or tour. Some of the activities that should not miss to be on your itinerary for the Akagera National Park safari, trip, or tour include,

Bird watching 

Being home to over 500 different bird species, this makes Akagera National Park a bird paradise for bird lovers. The park’s diverse habitat which includes savannah, woodland, wetland, and lakes supports the high population of these birds. Some of the birds that you should look out for when you visit include, the shoebill stork, African Jacana, Wattled Plover, and African Fish Eagle, to mention but a few. Most of the birds can easily be spotted around Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Akagera River, and woodland and grassland areas. The best time to spot birds in Akagera National Park is morning and evening hours.

Game drives 

Game drives are also done in Akagera National Park, during your visit you can opt to do the morning, afternoon, or night game drives. These game drives are done for about 3-4 hours depending on the client or tourist itinerary. Akagera National Park is one of the few destinations that can offer night game drives, where tourists move in an open-roof 4×4 tourist van for a better view of the animals in the park. Trained guides are available for hire in case you do not have one and about the park entrance fee. About the fee for the game drive in Akagera National Park, our company can help you with the payment procedures.

Nature walks

Akagera National Park is not only a good destination for the above activities but also an amazing place where nature lovers can connect with nature through nature walks. Guided nature walks are done in the park through established park trails that lead to forests, swamps, and lakes. This gives one a chance to enjoy the beautiful views, fresh air, and birds singing while walking along the trails. During nature walks in Akagera National Park, you will also get to take photos of animals, birds, insects plus plants that you will encounter along the way.

Sport Fishing 

Akagera National Park is considered to be the best destination for sports fishing in Rwanda. Fish types like Tilapia and Catfish are caught from the shores of Lake Shakani. Sports fishing permits in Akagera National Park are approximately 20$ and our company can help you with getting them if interested in this activity.

Walking 

During your safari in Akagera National Park, you can decide to spend some time with an experienced tour guide and ranger and walk along the fence of Akagera National Park. This activity costs nothing but provides you with a good experience during the approximately 2-3 hours of the walk along the fence. The Akagera National Park fence acts as the boundary between the local people and the park which has helped a lot in the fighting of poaching in Akagera National Park.

Cultural Tours 

Tourists are given a chance to explore different cultures and different cultural activities plus the lifestyles of the locals in the communities that the Park collaborates with. Tourists who participate in this activity in their itineraries get a chance to see different activities and interact with the locals. They get to learn about how the locals take care of their long-horned cattle, milk them plus listen to their stories. This experience is worth not to miss when you visit Akagera National Park.

When to visit Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is always open for visits throughout the whole year. Most tourists prefer to visit the park during the dry season. Akagera National Park experiences or receives a lot of rain during March and April, so the park routes are slippery throughout hence hindering some trails to tourists. The best time to visit Akagera National Park I recommend is the beginning of the dry season between December and February. During this period of the year the park is still green from the rain of last season and the park trails have started to dry up making the park accessible easily. Water spots for animals will have reduced in number making them gather on the remaining few hence easy spotting of different animals.

Where to stay in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park happens to have different accommodation facilities ranging from luxury to budget making it possible for all categories of visitors to afford to stay there. Some of these accommodation facilities include the Ruzizi tented lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Lodge, and Karange bush camp, to mention a few. The prices of these accommodation facilities depend on what you want.

In conclusion, if you are planning or looking forward to a Rwanda safari, you should consider Akagera National Park because it is a beautiful place to make memories. In case of any inquiries, bookings, or planning, contact us we shall be glad to help.