Akagera National Park
Introducing
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is comprised of the perfect complement of varied wildlife habitat - savannah, open plains, woodlands, lakes, and papyrus swamps. This translates to exciting game viewing and photographic opportunities in numerous types of environments. The Big Five are readily spotted as well as at least 482 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. This scenic wetland reserve is a huge conservation success story for Rwanda.
The beauty of Akagera National Park located in Rwanda includes not only the numerous species of animals inhabiting the savanna and wetland areas but the history behind this stunning national park. Akagera suffered devastating impacts from a civil war 20 years ago when the lions and rhinos were hunted and the biodiversity was almost destroyed. Since then, Akagera rebuilt itself to become a sanctuary for many different types of animals including the endangered rhinoceros.This wildlife safe haven is a must-see if you’re in the area. The park ranks #1 for biggest, protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa and includes hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish. Akagera is a hot spot for educational field trips so don’t be surprised to run into school children with their class while you’re there!
Highlights
Akagera National Park is comprised of varied wildlife habitat - savannah, open plains, woodlands, lakes, and papyrus swamps
The Big Five are readily spotted as well as at least 482 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork.
The park ranks #1 for biggest, protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa and includes hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish.
Akagera is a hot spot for educational field trips so don’t be surprised to run into school children with their class while you’re there!
Wildlife Viewing:
Akagera National Park
The Akagera national park serves as home to a great diversity of wild animals among which are: elephants, lions, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, giraffe and several antelopes like the bushbucks, roan antelope, Topis, klipspringer, Oribis, Cape eland, water-buck, duikers and impalas. There are a number of primates species found within this park such as the olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and the nocturnal bush babies. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos which can best be viewed during boat rides.
The game drives here are conducted in the early morning or in the late afternoon lead by tour guides in 4WD safari vehicles. unique about this park is that each game drive is exceptional in its own way unveiling full new surprises as nature reveals its treasures in form of wonders that are so scenic, the wildlife like buffaloes, elands, topis, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats all for you to marvel at. These guided game drives also mean that you will be accompanied by the guide who is so knowledgeable about the flora and the fauna that is found in the park.
Best time to visit:
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park can be visited all year round however the best time for game viewing is during the dry season that runs from June to September as the vegetation is thin offering clear views of the animals and many of the water sources have dried up which leads to most of the animals congregating around the few available sources of water.
How to get to:
Akagera National Park
The distance from Kigali to Akagera national park is about 108 kilometers and the park can be accessed by either road a short flight. By road it takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes drive from Kigali the capital city vial the town of Rwamagana to the southern gate of the park (the northern gate is used for exit only at the moment). For those who would not wish to drive can opt for a short flight into Akagera and these services are provided by the Akagera Aviation.
