All you should know before traveling to Akagera Park during a Safari to Rwanda
Akagera National park is a reserved are in the eastern part of Rwanda. It was established in 1934 and comprises of savanna, swamps, acacia woodlands, and montane habitats. It covers 1122sqkms. The major highlight of the park is Kagera River where the name of the park is derived. Akagera River is the leading water supply, if also flows in Ihema Lake and other small lakes. A combination of lakes, linking papyrus swamps that are a third of the park’s protected area, has made the park as the largest protected wetland in East-Central Africa. The park is a home for birds and wildlife.
Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda. Kibungu is the city that is nearest to the park and the best starting point. The park covers over 2500 sq km of savannah west of the Kagera River, which denotes the frontier with Tanzania. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. There are accommodation facilities on the edge of the park at Gabiro, 100km (60 miles) to the north. It is best not to visit the park in the rainy season (December, March and April) since many of the routes become impassable.
Akagera landscape is formed by the steep cultivated hills and breezy climate that characterizes the rest of the country. Set at a relatively low altitude along the Tanzanian border, this beautiful game reserve protects an archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia and brachystegia bush, interspersed with patches of open grassland and a dozen swamp-fringed lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River.
If it is big game you are looking for, Akagera will not disappoint. Located on the border with Tanzania, Akagera is comprised of swamps, lakes, savannah, woodland and open grassland. The lakes draw out herds of elephant and buffalo, while the savannah typically attracts giraffe and zebra. That is just the beginning! The park hosts, leopard, hyena, lions and more than a dozen types of antelope. Also found in and near the lake are large pods of hippopotami as well as ominous crocodiles basking in the sun.
Akagera is, above all, big game country. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while lucky visitors might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a stray lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the Savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly the handsome chestnut-coated impala, but also the diminutive oribi and secretive bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tsessebe and the world’s largest antelope, the statuesque Cape eland.
For the bird-lover, you can be entertained by majestic fish eagles and the large concentration of waterbirds. In the marshes, keep an eye out for the papyrus gonolek and the often sought-after shoebill stork.
Camping alongside the attractive scenery of lakes of Akagera is a truly mystical introduction to the wonders of the African bush. Pods of 50 hippopotami grunt and splutter throughout the day, while outsized crocodiles soak up the sun with their vast jaws menacingly agape.
Magically, the air is torn apart by the unforgettable high duetting of a pair of fish eagles, asserting their status as the avian monarchs of Africa’s waterways.
Lining the lakes are some of the continent densest concentrations of water birds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork – the latter perhaps the most eagerly sought of all African birds.
How to get to the Akagera National park of your Rwanda experience
The major point of access will be from Kigali International Airport. From The airport, its 10km to Kigali and fro Kigali to the park, its 110km. Using road transport, with a 4×4 wheel drive, you will though Rwamagana, to Kayonza, then take the right turn to Kabarondo town, take left turn, till you reach Rwinkwavu, the park is on the left. It will be ideal if you use us for your safari.
What to carry/pack for Akagera National park safari
During your visit to this park, please carry a hat, drinking water, sun screen, a pair of binoculars, a guide book, warm clothing, a light rain coat, light clothing, a nice camera, a water resistant backpack, a note book, insect repellent, gloves, among other personal items you might need.
What you shouldn’t miss on you Rwanda safari to Akagera National park
Game drives
The park is a home for wildlife. These will be seen in the park along these game drives. You guide will be letting you know of the schedules of these drives. You may have different dives to few more wildlife. Along these you will also have pleasant views of birds too. They normally happen during day but the uniqueness of this park is that night game drives are also offered. The likes of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants, wild dogs, monkeys, Olive baboons, hippos, crocodiles, eland antelopes, Oribi, Reedbuck, Masai giraffe, duiker, Burchell Zebras, Water bucks, black tailed Mongoose, wide-eyed bush babies, black masked civet, bush pigs, warthogs, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Catlike Genet, Serval cats, among others will be seen and most especially in the dry season, along the shores of the lake.
Bird Watching Â
The park is a home for over 480 species of birds that you will get too enjoy throughout your safari. The peak of this activity is in the wet season when migratory birds visit the park. Endeavor to have binoculars with you to have amazing views of these creatures. Guides will lead you to bird’s favorite places and you will enjoy what you will see especially on the shores of the lake. Await to see the likes of Papyrus Gonolek, red faced barbets, Lesser Kesterel, Great snipe, shoebill Storks, Sauza Shrike, long tailed Cistola, Armot chat, woolly necked stork, and fish eagles, among others.
Boat rides
A safari without a boat safari in Akagera National Park may seem incomplete. You will have an amazing time on this ride. The boat ride will be on Lake Ihema, which is the second largest lake in the country. It’s known for have huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles on its shores. You will see more animals, some of which you might have missed during your game drives. These will give you an opportunity of exploring the whole area, in the comfort of a boat as you sip your drink.
Camping
The park is a wonderful camping ground. A safari is so enjoyable and complete with camping. You get the feeling of being in the wilderness. The park has several campsites that will accommodate you. You may also carry your camping equipment if you wish. They have clean bathrooms, and provide delicious meals to guests. You will enjoy the sounds of birds and animals in the park at night.
Community visits
You will have to enjoy the culture and hospitality of the locals. You may spare some time and visit the nearby communities for a cultural experience. You will see their commercial activities, their way of life and if you please, you may learn how they prepare their meals and also have a taste during lunch.
Fishing
Await to enjoy this activity on Lake Shakani. You will have a wonderful experience even if it’s your first time. The lake is endowed with fish that will amaze you during the catch. You will need to inform your guide of the need to enjoy this activity, then he will work on your permits to enjoy it and also securing the right fishing gears. You will own your catch, may be you may have it for dinner. One this activity you won’t be alone, birds will accompany you too.
Guided Nature walks
These are amazing journeys in the park that will reward you with the unique vegetation that the park possesses. You will be able to unique plants trees in the forest, where still on this activity, you will have wonderful views of wildlife, sights of primates in the area, which is the different monkey and mongoose species, among other primates, butterflies and other insects, birds too won’t be missed. Along these walks you will need a guide for safety.
Best time of the year to visit the park
The park can be visited all the time in the year but best time to visit the park is the dry season, which is from, June to September. Wildlife will be seen in the park during this time. The period from April to May should be avoided for it’s the peak of the rainy season. However, difference seasons come with positives and negatives.
Dry Season (June to September)
During this season, rains are rare and the sun dominates most of the days. The grasslands in the park are short and trees aren’t so thick. The period from June to August registers a lot of animals that can be seen along the game drives, for the grass in the park is relatively short for wildlife to be spotted and primates can also easily be traced.
The trails in the park are passable during this season, also water activities are enjoyed too since the sun is out almost throughout the year.
Mosquitoes are rare since there’s hardly any rain, and thus visitors are at a low risk of getting malaria.
It should be noted however that, during this period, the park is very dry and dusty sometimes and in the morning the sky is hazy. Although weather can change any time. So visitors are advised to be equipped with rain coats.
Wet Season (October to May)
The season is composed of short, long and sometimes heavy rains. The best scenery in the park is during this time. The park is all green, with flowers.
Wildlife can still be see although not with ease as it’s the case in the dry season.
The season registers the peak season of bird watching when migratory birds visit the park.
This is the low season of the park, prices for tickets and accommodation are normally discounted.
From March, it’s very wet and some roads and trails can be hard to penetrate. Rains most times disorganize tourist activities.
Top 10 things to do in Akagera National Park
- Game Drives: Enjoy a game drive on this Rwanda tour to spot a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants, wild dogs, monkeys, Olive baboons, hippos, crocodiles, eland antelopes, Oribi, Reedbuck, Masai giraffe, duiker, Burchell Zebras, Water bucks, black tailed Mongoose, wide-eyed bush babies, black masked civet, bush pigs, warthogs, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Catlike Genet, Serval cats, will be seen on the shores of the lake or roaming the park.
- Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds while enjoying the serene water landscapes.
- Bird Watching: Akagera is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 500 bird species, including the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, various herons, plovers, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser Kesterel, shoebill Storks, Sauza Shrike, long tailed Cistola, Arnot Chat and more.
- Night Game Drives: Experience the park’s nocturnal life on a night game drive, where you might encounter hyenas, leopards, and other elusive creatures.
- Guided Nature Walks: Join a guided nature walk to explore the park on foot and gain a deeper understanding of its flora and fauna.
- Cultural Encounters: Visit nearby communities and engage in cultural activities to learn about the traditional way of life of the local population.
- Fishing: Lake Shakani and Lake Ihema offer excellent fishing opportunities. Enjoy a peaceful angling experience in the heart of the park.
- Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on film or digital media. Akagera provides a myriad of photographic opportunities.
- Conservation Tours: Take educational tours to learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the work done to protect its wildlife and ecosystems.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at designated spots within the park, allowing you to relax and savor the natural surroundings.
Accommodation options on Akagera park Adventure
The park has places of accommodation in and outside. They have lodges and campsites. It will be you to choose where you will spend your nights from the options below. Whichever option you take, you will be comfortable and with good customer service.
Luxury
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
They provide accommodation in form of tents. They have 7 luxurious tents. It’s located along Ihema and guests enjoy clear views of the lake. Their service if absolute luxury. They have facilities like: spacious luxury tents, each having private bathrooms and with private veranda, a swimming pool, sports ground, a bar, a restaurant, Wi-Fi, a constant power supply, and they provide safari activities with in the park. They accommodate over 20 guests, and the African style décor is true beauty. The lodge is one of a kind.
Midrange and Budget
Akagera Game Lodge
It’s located inside the park, 500m from the southern entrance of the park. Visitors enjoy a panoramic position overlooking Lake Ihema and it provides accommodation for midrange and budget category. The lodge has 60 beds, in standard, deluxe, family rooms and junior suites. They also have camping grounds. They have facilities like, swimming pool, conference hall, snack bar, tennis court, a restaurant and bar, and constant power supply, among others. They also offer safari activities.
Campsites Include:
Muyumba Campsite– Located a few kilometers away from the reception at Kiyonza, it lies closest to the camp gate.
Mutamba Campsite– It’s the highest point in Akagera and its commonly known for being with high density of the game that concentrate in its region.
Shakani Campsite– is located on the banks of Lake Shakani, where fishing takes place.
