Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park Safaris Rwanda

 

 

Why Visit Akagera National Park?

Akagera National Park safaris in Rwanda offer an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of East Africa’s most scenic parks. This independent visitor guide provides key information to help plan your adventure:

  • How to get there
  • Best time to visit
  • Top attractions
  • Safari costs & entrance fees
  • Lodges, camps, and hotel options
  • Recommended safari tour companies

A Unique Ecosystem with Stunning Scenery

Located in northeastern Rwanda near Tanzania’s border, Akagera is a beautiful mix of lakes, swamps, savannahs, and woodlands. Fed by the Kagera River, this landscape supports:

  • The Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo
  • Giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles
  • Over 500 bird species
Safari Activities in Akagera National Park

Game Drives

Every game drive feels like unwrapping a new surprise. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll likely spot:

  • Buffalos, elands, topis
  • Maasai giraffes, monkeys
  • Leopards, hyenas, serval cats
  • Various savannah bird species

Tips for Game Drives:

  • Stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise by your guide
  • Carry snacks, a packed lunch, and plenty of drinking water

Nocturnal Game Drives

Explore Akagera by night with a spotlight! You might see:

  • Predators like lions and leopards hunting
  • Civets, hyenas, serval cats
  • Bush babies and nocturnal birds

Duration: Approximately 2 hours of thrilling, nighttime wildlife viewing

Birding in Akagera National Park

For bird lovers, Akagera is a dream. It rivals Nyungwe in bird diversity, offering:

  • Over 520 species
  • Rare and endemic birds like:
    • Shoebill stork
    • Papyrus gonolek
    • Red-faced barbet
    • Swamp flycatcher

From water birds to savannah species, every corner of the park offers something special for birdwatchers.

Fishing at Lake Shakani

Enjoy peaceful fishing along the shores of Lake Shakani, where:

  • You hear hippos, water birds, and fish
  • Wildlife roams in the background
  • Visitors may join local fishing tournaments

Bonus: You can keep and roast your catch lakeside for a bush-style lunch.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

Boat safaris are an exciting way to explore Lake Ihema, known for:

  • Huge populations of hippos and crocodiles
  • Great birding opportunities, including shoebills
  • Elephants and other wildlife coming to drink and bathe

This experience often offers closer views than land-based game drives.

Scenic Beauty of Akagera

Surrounded by Rwanda’s rolling, cultivated hills, Akagera offers:

  • Low-lying plains and open grasslands
  • Euphorbia shrubs and forest patches
  • A unique mix of habitats not found elsewhere in the country

History and Management

  • Founded: 1934
  • Size: Originally 2,500 sq km, now about half that size
  • Why reduced: Land reallocated to returning refugees post-genocide
  • Management: Since 2009, jointly managed by Rwanda Development Board and African Parks through Akagera Management Company (AMC)

Where to Go After Akagera

Continue your adventure:

  • Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking
  • Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzee and primate trekking
  • Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro safaris
  • Uganda: More gorillas or wildlife safaris
  • Kenya: Explore the iconic Maasai Mara
Plan your Akagera safari now and unlock the full magic of Rwanda’s wildlife and landscapes!

 

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