Akagera National Park is situated on the northeastern edge of Rwanda. Akagera National Park is among the largest National Parks in the country, occupying an area of 1,085 km2. Akagera National Park borders Tanzania, and it constitutes the Kagera River, thus the name Akagera. Akagera National Park was established in 1934 with the aim of protecting animals and vegetation in habitats such as swamps, savannah, and mountains.

 

The Akagera River is the most remote source of the Nile, flowing along the eastern sector of the park. The Akagera River feeds many lakes, the largest of which is Ihema. The labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps follows the River’s course. Akagera National Park is the largest protected area of wetland in Central Africa.

 

The African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board Network agreed to collaborate in the management of Akagera National Park in 2010. Their main goal is to make Akagera a first-class National Park. Akagera National Park's planned growth over the next five years includes fencing the entire protected area and ensuring that all the Big Five animals, such as lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and rhinoceros, roam within this Park in large numbers.

 

The cultivated hills and mountains of Rwanda, Akagera, are located at a relatively lower altitude; the climate is moderate and warmer; and Akagera National Park is in an area of low-lying savannah with endless rolling plains of broad-leafed and acacia grassland and woodlands. Akagera National Park's open expanse is good for wild game viewing.

 

What to see in Akagera National Park

 

Wild animals

Akagera National Park has many lakes and is a big game park in Rwanda. A few of the Akagera species that you will encounter are buffalo, Zebras, lions, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species.

 

Akagera National Park and its lakes are home to the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. Nile crocodiles are among the must-see animals in Akagera National Park, which is home to the world’s largest reptile.

 

Akagera National Park's smaller predators include mongooses, serval cats, genets, and side-striped jackals. Also, primates that can be spotted include olive baboons, bush babies, vervet monkeys, and, more rarely, silver monkeys. The 12 antelope species that may be seen in Akagera National Park include the graceful impala, which is the most common.

 

Birds and Birding

Akagera National Park offers more than 525 bird species. Akagera is among the best bird-watching hubs in Rwanda. Akagera National Park's three habitats—savannah, swamp, and mountain—encourage a variety of bird species. Akagera is undeniably the best space in Rwanda to search for savannah birds and raptors. Akagera National Park is also well stocked with a variety of water birds and rare birds surviving in the papyrus swamps.

 

What to do in Akagera | Akagera National Park Activities

 

Game Drives in Akagera

Travelers staying at the Akagera Game Lodge can easily join the game drives being offered, including the night game drives, where travelers have the opportunity to view the animals that they may have failed to spot during the day.

 

Boat Trips in Akagera National Park

A boat cruise on Lake Ihema is a must-do activity for travelers to Akagera Safari Lodge. While enjoying the view of Lake Ihema, you are free to catch sight of many hippos and the thrillingly large Nile Crocodiles. Bird lovers are also catered for; there’s a higher chance of observing many waterbirds.

 

Birding in Akagera National park

There are over 525 bird species in Akagera National Park, which is among the best bird-watching destinations in Rwanda. Akagera National Park has three habitats, including the mountain, savannah, and swamp, that encourage numerous bird species. Akagera is among the best places in Rwanda to look for savannah birds and raptors.

 

Fishing in Akagera National Park

Fishing in Rwanda is done on Lake Shakani from many camping spots in the bush with the closest distances.

 

Self-Drives in Akagera National Park

At the entrance of Akagera National Park's main gate, you will be given a map that can help you navigate the park. Travelers are also offered the option of taking a well-trained tour guide on board. Tour guides are professionals at spotting these animals in the wild and identifying them, and guides also help travelers find their way around the National Park. The cost of hiring a tour guide is included in the entrance fee.

 

Akagera National Park has many circuits of different lengths to drive. These circuits offer different game drive experiences as you venture through the varied habitats of Akagera National Park. The park’s famous one-day game drive departs from the southern sector of the park, passes through all the lakes flowing to the north, and turns back the moment you reach Mutumba Hills.