Akagera National Park Safari

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Being the only savannah park in Rwanda, Akagera national park is an ideal place for wildlife lovers and viewing.

This park is located in eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania. Its name was derived from the River Akagera that flows east wards into LakeIhema, one of the main attractions in the park. It currently covers an area of 1,122 square kilometers of montane, savannah and swampy vegetation. It is the largest protected wetland in eastern central Africa due to its complex links of the swamps and other small water bodies found in the national park.

Akagera national park was founded by the Belgian government in 1934, and referred to as “Pac aux lycaons”. This park before was mainly occupied by the African wild dogs that were later demolished by a disease.

Later on other mammal species were introduced into the park from different parts of the world after different times to protect their existence into the country and conservation.
Rwanda tourism has greatly relied on the attractions and activities in Akagera national park, that have sourced tourists across the globe to come and explore the beautiful gems that are found in the park.

What to do in Akagera national park?

While at the national park, a tourist can engage in activities as follows; -

Game drive

Be it morning, evening and night game drives; this savannah park has been a great preference for many tourists who visit Rwanda. For the fact that is it the only savannah park in the country all wildlife viewing takes places in Akagera national park.
Mammal species such as the big five game include Rhinoceros, lions, buffalo, elephants and leopards can be seen while on a game drive in Akagera national park. Other species such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and antelopes can also be spotted in the park.
Akagera national park is also a home to a few primate species such as the olive baboons, blue monkeys and a vervet monkeys a sight of these species can be worth on every wildlife safari in Rwanda.

Birding

For bird lovers, Akagera national park is a place to be with about 480 bird species of which 100 are endemic to the park; this park really gives an astounding bird experience for visitors. Akagera national park is a sister birding home with Nyungwe national park in Rwanda, all inhabiting diverse and beautiful bird species.
The special shoe bill stork, red –faced bar barbet, Denham’s bustard, Dimorphic egret, papyrus gonolek, shelley’s francolin, Northern brown –throated wavers, crested barbet, Eleonora’s falcon, yellow bellied eremomela, striped pipit, sooty falcon, grasshopper buzzard, brown chested lapwing and the booted eagle, among other numerous bird species that can be sighted in the park.

Boat cruise

A boat cruise in Akagera national park is conducted alongLake Ihema. This is one of the small lakes that are found in the national park. Abundant with wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles,Lake Ihema is a perfect place to relax, sail as you view the beauties encompassed within the national park.

For fishing lovers while in Akagera national park,Lake Shakani can be the best spot for you. This lake accommodates fish species such as the tilapia, cat fish that can be fished on your Rwanda fishing safaris.

Where to stay in Akagera national park?

For travelers who want to spend a night at the national park, various accommodation facilities are provided near and inside the park. These range from luxury, midrange to budget all depending on the tourist’s preference.

Akagera national park is one of the top tourist destinations in Rwanda that one shouldn’t miss on your Rwanda safaris with mesmerizing activities and attractions like no other in the world.