Akagera National Park is exceptional to Rwanda and its main feature is the vast savannah plains, yet there is also a plethora of animals that converge around watering holes thus rewarding visitors with unsurpassed game sightings.
Location and Size of the magical Akagera National Park
Known as the largest protected wetland of Central Africa, Akagera National Park is located within the Eastern side of Rwanda and is so far the largest Protected Area in the country with a total area of over 112,200 hectares with typical African savannah ecosystem dotted by acacia species, bush land, open grassland and lots of swampy Lakes.
The history of Akagera National Park
This stunning National Park was established in 1934 and took its name from the beautiful Kagera River that drains through the Eastern border of Rwanda and pours its waters into the spectacular Lake Ihema within the Park and other smaller Lakes, also within Akagera National Park.
During the time of establishment, Akagera National Park had a total area of 250000 hectares but like most African Protected Areas suffered years of great encroachment which took a toll on its size thus its present size of 112,200 hectares.
Of the numerous challenges affecting this Park, greatest loss was caused by poaching and illegal sale of bush meat, political instabilities and encroachment of surrounding communities on the Park’s boundaries. This however didn’t take long as the Government of Rwanda through collaborations from a number of International Conservation Organizations had to save the remaining animal species and preserving this hot spot. Some of the achievements include the restoration of wildlife species that once lived in the Park like the Lions, the endangered Eastern black Rhinos, Masai giraffes, to mention but a few. Notable of these Collaborations is the signing of the 20-year renewable agreement between African Parks and Rwandan Government for the joint management and Protection of the National Park.
Highlights
When you mention Akagera National Park, travellers should expect unrivalled safaris experiences and anything from wildlife, birds and ecosystems that paint the picture of an African safari is what you should expect to see in this beautiful Protected Area.
Akagera Game drives
Rwanda has four wildlife Sanctuaries but the magnificent Akagera National Park still stands out for its game viewing experiences. Conducted under the guidance of experienced guides in 4WD Safari Vehicles, these drives are done early morning and evening to search for Hippos, bushbucks, Burchell’s zebras, Defassa waterbucks, African wild dogs, impalas, Roan antelopes, Masai giraffes, lions, Mongoose, Cape buffaloes, Topis, giant elands, Kobs, African bush elephants and Rhinos among others.
Boat cruises
For your visit to Akagera National Park, you can get the chance to experience the exceptional opportunity of undertaking boat cruises on Lake Ihema, the largest Lake in the Park and second largest within Rwanda. Witness the wallowing Hippos and huge crocodiles during this 3-4 hours’ boat cruise while searching for interesting bird species such as African jacana, grey crowned cranes, great white and pink-backed pelicans, to mention but a few.
Guided bush walks
Visitors yearning for an opportunity to activate their thrill beyond the exhilaration of big game spotting during game drives take part in the guided bush walks. This is definitely the best way to connect with the African wilderness in addition to learning about the unique plants, animals and birds.
Akagera Birding Tour
Whether you are a passionate or ordinary birder, be sure to capture the wondrous 480 species of birds within Akagera National Park. Take advantage of the different activities to spot lots of Long-crested Eagles, African jacanas, Senegal Lapwings, Pied crows, Grey-crowned cranes, shoebill storks, African fish eagles, long-tailed cisticola, Papyrus gonolek, African darters, pied and giant kingfishers, papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatcher, the red-faced barbets, to mention but a few.
Sport fishing
The dedicated Park Rangers can introduce you to the different fish species during the sport fishing adventures in Akagera National Park and done within Lake Shakani. Expect to catch Tilapia, Cat fish and others but also look-out for numerous animal species like Hippos, Crocodiles, buffaloes, Kobs and others.
Camping
Set Camp in Rwanda’s wilderness where your nostrils will be filled with the sweet scent of the wilderness and awaken all your senses. Presently three Campsites are open for visitors within Akagera National Park with basic facilities like solar-heated showers, flushing eco-toilets, running water and others.
Community/village visits
Surprisingly the highlight of any Rwandan safari, visiting a community/or village offers unmatched opportunity of engaging with the exceptional communities surrounding th National Par. Hosted by Imigongo Art and Craft Center, tourists get the chance to learn about the heritage of the people (cattle rearing), be amazed about how cows are milked, processed into ghee, art and craft through cow dung, local production of banana beer as well as honey among others.
Helicopter rides
For your tours of Akagera National Park, you will also be able to explore the vast landscape via a Helicopter ride from Kigali with views of roaming wildlife, spectacular Lakes, the sweeping savannah plains, verdant forest and wetland, to mention but a few.
How do i get there ?
By Road
Road transport is the commonest means of getting there, about 120 kilometers/ 2.5 hours’ drive from the Capital.
By Flight
Helicopter transfers take only 22 minutes. These are organized by the Akagera Aviation.