Akagera National park

Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, sprawls across 2500 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, primarily characterized by Savannah plains interspersed with acacia woodlands, patches of bush, open grasslands, and several lakes fed by the Kagera River. This park is not only Rwanda’s sole Savannah national park but also a crucial sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife and a protected wetland area.

Wildlife Diversity in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers a rich tapestry of wildlife, ensuring an exceptional safari experience:

• – Large Mammals: The park is home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and hyenas. Recently reintroduced lions roam the savannah, making Akagera the only place in Rwanda where these iconic predators can be sighted.
• – Antelopes: Visitors can spot various antelope species such as bushbucks, topis, oribis, waterbucks, roan antelope, duikers, klipspringer, impala, and the magnificent Cape eland.
• – Aquatic Life: Lakes like Lake Ihema host schools of hippos and sunbathing crocodiles, offering thrilling encounters for wildlife enthusiasts.
• – Primates: Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies are frequently seen, particularly during night drives.

Birdwatching in Akagera National Park

With its diverse habitats ranging from savannah to wetlands, Akagera National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 500 bird species:

• – Key Species: Birdwatchers can marvel at rare and endangered birds like the shoebill and papyrus gonolek, along with a variety of waterbirds such as African wattled plover, giant kingfisher, grey crowned crane, African darter, and long-toed and water thick-knee.
• – Other Species: Common sightings include fish eagles, cattle egrets, hamerkops, sacred and hadada ibis, augur buzzard, long-crested eagle, pied crow, black-headed and Vieillot’s black weavers, grey-backed fiscal, fan-tailed widowbird, and Caruther’scisticola.

Guided birdwatching tours with Kamere Tours provide in-depth knowledge of bird species behaviors and habitats, enhancing the birdwatching experience during game drives, nature walks, and boat safaris on Lake Ihema.

Activities in Akagera National Park

Game Drives

Embark on exhilarating game drives with Kamere Tours, traversing the vast savannah and woodland landscapes in customized safari vehicles. Game drives typically start early in the morning or late afternoon, ideal times for spotting predators like leopards and hyenas, as well as large herbivores such as elephants, buffalos, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. The park’s stunning scenery and abundant flora provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography enthusiasts.

Night Game Drives

Experience Akagera’s nocturnal life with night game drives organized by Akagera Management Company. Equipped with powerful spotlights, these tours offer a unique chance to observe elusive predators like leopards and lions as they hunt under the cover of darkness. It’s an exciting adventure that unveils a different perspective of the park’s wildlife behavior at night.

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Savor a tranquil afternoon on Lake Ihema with a boat safari, a serene journey offering views of hippos and crocodiles amidst a backdrop of scenic beauty. Scheduled boat trips during the day provide opportunities to relax and appreciate the park’s aquatic biodiversity, while private boat trips offer a more personalized experience tailored to your preferences.

Sport Fishing on Lake Shakani

For fishing enthusiasts, Akagera National Park offers sport fishing expeditions on Lake Shakani. Make arrangements with the park to enjoy catch-and-release fishing, with the option to keep one catch for a meal if desired. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy Rwanda’s natural landscapes and test your angling skills surrounded by serene lake views.

Cultural Tours

Immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with cultural tours near Akagera National Park, where you can engage with local communities involved in cattle keeping. Participate in traditional activities such as cattle grazing, milking, and milk processing, gaining insights into traditional Rwandan livelihoods. Learn how milk is transformed into products like yogurt and ghee, and join in preparing a traditional meal using these ingredients. These authentic cultural experiences not only support local communities but also foster conservation awareness among residents living near the park.

Accessing Akagera National Park

From Kigali, embark on a scenic drive through Rwamagana town to reach Akagera National Park’s southern entrance in approximately two hours. Alternatively, Akagera Aviation offers helicopter services for a faster and scenic aerial approach to the park, catering to visitors seeking convenience and breathtaking views.

Safari Lodges and Camps in Akagera National Park

Choose from a selection of lodges and camps near Akagera National Park, ensuring comfort and proximity to the park’s wildlife:

• – Magashi Camp: A luxurious safari camp offering exclusive views of the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
• – Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Nestled along Lake Ihema, this eco-friendly lodge provides a serene retreat amidst nature.
• – Karenge Bush Camp (Seasonal): A seasonal camp offering intimate bush experiences with personalized services.
• – Akagera Game Lodge: Located near the park entrance, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of Akagera’s savannah plains.

Each lodge and camp provides unique amenities, from luxury accommodations to eco-friendly tented lodges, ensuring a memorable stay complemented by wildlife sightings and scenic beauty.