History of Akagera National Park in Rwanda

Akagera park was created by the Belgian government in 1934 and bears the name of the River Akagera, which supplies Lakes Ihema, and Shakani, among other areas. In 2010 Akagera Management Company (joint management agreement) was established by the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks Network aiming to establish Akagera as a world-class national park.

The Location of Akagera National Park Rwanda

Situated in the northeastern province of Rwanda in Kibungi District, Akagera NP stretches along the Tanzania Rwanda eastern boundary. From Kigali to Akagera National Park it’s around 2 to 3 hours drive.

Top Tourist Attractions in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Searching for things to see in Akagera park, the following are the main attractions to encounter on your Akagera National Park safari holiday;

1. Game Animals in Rwanda Akagera National Park

Due to various ecosystems in Akagera NP including swamps, fresh lakes, and grasslands, the park is rich in biodiversity. During your wildlife safari in Akagera, you’ll see big Zebra herds, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffalos, Cheetahs, Leopards, and other Antelope species including Topis, Impalas, Roan Antelopes, Elands, among others.

Within L. Ihema, gigantic Nile crocodiles and large Hippo pods are residents.

Since 1984, Wild dogs have not been spotted in Akagera park up to date!

2. Spectacular Birds in Akagera Park

Akagera National Park Rwanda has about 500 different bird species. Among these include water birds, savannah, as well as woodland birds. In most cases, birds are spotted during nature walks and on a boat ride but in some regions, game drives are strictly allowed.

Among the most sought-after bird species in  this park include; The Shoebill stork; Pelicans, Grey crowned crane, Papyrus gonolek, Cattle egret; Grey backed fiscals, Kingfishers; African fish eagles, Black-headed gonolek, Double-toothed barbet and Blue-headed coucal, etc.

3. Primate Species in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Among the vibrant primate species in Akagera park include the Olive Baboons, Vervet monkeys, Silver monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, plus Blue monkeys. These lovely colored ape species can be seen swinging amazingly in trees during a wildlife viewing adventure.

4. Picturesque Lakes in Akagera Park

The land of Akagera National Park Rwanda features around 12 lakes all fed by the Akagera River. These stunning lakes in Akagera NP are habitats for various wildlife species including Hippos, Crocodiles, and numerous bird species including the rare Shoebill stork, Pink-backed pelicans, Kingfishers, and Great Egrets.

Some of the prominent lakes within Akagera NP include; Lake Mihindi, Gishanju, Lake Shakani, and even Lake Ihema.

Key Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Among the best safari activities to enjoy during your Rwanda wildlife safari tour in Akagera park include boat trips on Lake Ihema & game drives.

Top activities in Akagera National Park for tourists on wildlife safaris in Rwanda;

1. Game Drives in Akagera Park

Most of the time, game drives in Akagera Rwanda Park are conducted under the company of a tour guide familiar with the wildlife species in this protected area of African parks.  Your friendly tour guide will drive you across many trails in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a rooftop looking for Elephants, African Buffalos, Giraffes, Lions, Cheetahs, Water buck, Leopards, Serval cats, plus several antelope species during game drives.

Early morning game drive in Akagera offers the best wildlife viewing experience since it’s usually easy to spot early grazers getting out of their hideouts to start the day. Hyenas, Bush babies, and Leopards- nocturnal animals are best sported on night game drives.

In Akagera park, game drives cost approximately $40.

2. Boat Ride on Lake Ihema

Boat trips for game viewing on Lake Ihema generally take place in the afternoon when wild animals come to take water. During the boat safari, Zebras, Giraffes, and Crocodiles, Bushbucks, Elephant herds, and Buffaloes are residents on the shores whereas astounding Hippo pods are found in the Lake.

There is a chance for bird enthusiasts to see several aquatic birds such as Great egrets, colorful kingfishers, Pelicans, Hamerkops, etc.

3. Bird Watching in Akagera National Park Rwanda

The rich bird checklist of Akagera park has made it a wonderful destination for Rwanda bird watching safaris. This park offers the best opportunity of spotting acacia-dwelling birds in Rwanda such as the Long crested eagle, Black-throated coucal, Viellot’s black weavers, Pied crow, Palm-nut vulture, and Tawny eagle.

Other birds to spot on the Lake Ihema boat ride include; Hamerkops, African Openbill, Black headed gonolek, African fish eagles, Long toed lapwing, African darter, Senegal lapwings, Giant kingfisher, and Squacco herons.

Each individual on Akagera bird watching trip pays $30.

4. Sport Fishing in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Sport fishing is less popular among the safari activities in Akagera National Park, but this experience is worth undertaking for anglers on Rwanda wildlife safaris. Game fishing takes place on Lake Shakani. The popular fish species in Shakani Lake include Tilapia and catfish. Travelers need to come with their own fishing equipment.

More Fascinating Activities in Akagera National Park Rwanda Africa

• Taking helicopter rides in Akagera Park
• Going for guided walks
• Explore local communities around the land of Akagera park

African Safari Packing List for Rwanda Akagera National Park Tour

As you come for wildlife tours in Akagera park land, always travel light- have only the essentials.

Below is the Akagera National Park Rwanda safari packing list for you;

• A clear camera
• Sunglasses and sunhat during the dry season
• Binoculars for birders
• Insect repellent
• A day packback keeps all the day essentials as you explore the park
• Bottled water
• A medical kit

Clothes for Safari in Akagera National Park Rwanda- What to Wear on Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari Trip?

Indeed, you have packed perfectly, but you should also keep in mind that you should dress adequately for your Akagera park wildlife trip.

1. We suggest that visitors put on clothes in brown, khaki, grey, or green colors since these can blend easily in nature as you explore the park
2. Wear light jungle boots during nature walks
3. During the early morning game drive, a warm jumper is advised
4. Short pants and even shirts can be worn during game drives. Safari attire that covers the body is ideal as it protects the body from cuts and insect bites during nature walks for example.

Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park- When to Visit Akagera National Park Rwanda

Although visits in Akagera park can be done any time of year, the dry months provide the best opportunity for wildlife viewing. Rwanda’s short dry season stretches from December to February and from June to early September is the long dry season.

In dry months, during game drives, it’s always easy to spot wildlife since they often congregate near water holes. Also, most game tracks are normally free from mud and floods.

Travelers should be aware that the above months also provide an ideal time for gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

How Do You Get to Akagera National Park Rwanda?

How to visit Akagera National Park? Traveling to Akagera park Rwanda is really easy! From Kigali city, you will drive roughly 110km (2-3 hours) through Rwamagana village to the lone entry, the southern gate. The Northern Gate is currently the exit gate.

Those who prefer not to travel by road can use helicopter flights organized by Akagera Aviation.

Best Accommodation in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Those on Rwanda wildlife safaris cannot fail to find somewhere to stay. Visitors can select luxurious or inexpensive safari hotels.

Here are the common wildlife safari hotels in Akagera National Park

• Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Akagera Game Lodge
• Shakani Campsite
• Mutamba Campsite- its compounds draw different wildlife including the Roan Antelope and some herds of Cape Eland.

FAQs About Akagera National Park

1. What Is Akagera National Park Known for?

The most well-known species in Akagera National Park are amazing large mammals including Lions, Rhinos, Elephant herds, Hippos, Zebras, Giraffes, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas plus several antelopes. Most game animals in Akagera NP are seen during boat safaris on Lake Ihema and during a game drive.

2. Is Akagera National Park Worth Visiting?

A wildlife tour to Akagera Park is worth it since it presents you with the best opportunities for game viewing safaris in Rwanda. Travelers on safari Akagera National Park Rwanda will spot hundreds of game animals such as Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Zebras, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Bushbucks, Topis, Waterbucks, Elands as well as birds.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Go to Akagera National Park Rwanda?

$100 is the entrance fee to Akagera Park Land for foreign visitors. The fee lowers with the increase in the number of days you spend in this protected area.

4. Are There Lions in Akagera Park?

Indeed, the Akagera park holds Lions! The management of African parks translocated these Lions from South Africa as Lions had gone into extinction within this park in the early 1990s. Currently, about 58 Lions live in Akagera.

5. How Many Rhinos Lions Are in Akagera National Park Rwanda?

Akagera NP boasts more than 20 Black Rhinos. Spotting these gigantic animals is easiest by doing a game drive.

6. How Many Leopards Are in Akagera National Park Rwanda?

Around 15 to 20 Leopards dwell in Akagera NP and the best way to spot them is by undertaking night drives.

7. How Many Elephants Are in Akagera National Park Africa?

Akagera Park has a large population of Elephants- around 100 individuals. During your wildlife viewing adventure, you can spot them on a game drive and even along Lake Ihema shores during the boat safari.

8. What Wild Animals Are in Akagera National Park?

Large Zebra herds, Giraffes, Cape Buffalos, Elephant herds, Topis, Bushbucks, Elands, Impalas, Hippos, Leopards, Lions, Hyenas Roan Antelopes, among others, are some of the examples of game animals in Akagera park. Usually, these are spotted on a game drive. Olive Baboons can’t be missed during wildlife viewing encounters.

For a lifetime Rwanda wildlife safari trip, don’t be tempted to miss the Akagera National Park safari adventure. This protected area is the best destination to spot savannah wildlife species in Rwanda including the African Big Five and other common large mammal species of East Africa. While most visitors in Akagera park enjoy game drives and Ihema Lake boat trips, tourist activities in Akagera park go beyond this.

It’s possible to complement chimpanzee trekking safaris in Nyungwe Forest, and Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park with wildlife expeditions in Akagera NP.

Together, let’s tailor your wildlife viewing trip to Rwanda for an outstanding vacation in East Africa!