Akagera National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Rwanda. The park is a known African safari destination that gives travelers an exhilarating experience. Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda.
The park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and covers an area of approximately 2500 square kilometers. Akagera National Park was named after the Kagera River which is one of the main water supplies for the park. The park has other water sources like Lake Ihema, Lake Gishanju, Lake Mahindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, and Lake Shakani.
History of Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park was gazette in 1934 as a wildlife protection area. The park has been a wildlife hub in Africa and Rwanda for quite several years. It was, however, affected by the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. After the Genocide, many refugees resettled in the park and started their activities like farming. This was a huge threat to the wildlife and birds of the park.
It was such a challenge to wildlife conservation and management in Rwanda as many animals were reduced in numbers and some went extinct. The local members of the communities replaced wild animals with domestic animals. To be able to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the government of Rwanda dedicated half of the park to the then-homeless people. In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board signed a memorandum of understanding with Africa Parks Network with support from the Howard Buffet Foundation to take care of Akagera National Park.
Since then, the park has tremendously developed and is now one of the best safari destinations in Rwanda and Africa at large. The park is a famous destination for the bug five animals that is lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. Akagera National Park safaris can easily be combined with mountain gorilla trekking trips or chimpanzee safaris in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park respectively.
What to see and do in Akagera National Park? Tourist attractions and activities in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is an amazing tourist destination in Rwanda. It is an exceptional area blessed with multiple tourist attractions. From the savannah plains to wildlife and bird species, Akagera National Park remains an untamed beauty.
Wildlife safaris and game drives in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a reliable destination for animal lovers in Rwanda. The park is known for being home to the big five animals namely; lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African cape buffalo. Additionally, the park has many other animals that you get up close with on a game drive in Rwanda. Some of these animals include; waterbucks, bushbucks, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes, to mention but a few.
Game drives in Akagera National Park are done in the morning, afternoon, and night. A game drive in Akagera National Park involves travelers visiting deeper parts of the park and discovering the hidden treasures of the park. Night game drives give travelers a chance to spot the night hunters of the park. It is an opportunity for you to land on a pride of lions hunting a buffalo.
Boat Cruise safaris in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a favorite destination for boat cruise excursions in Rwanda. Boat cruises in Akagera National Park take place at Lake Ihema. A boat cruise on Lake Ihema will introduce you to fish species and schools of hippos.
Boat cruises on Lake Ihema are chilly and allow travelers to enjoy the breeze of the park. Swimming in the waters is one way to cool your body after a long game drive or gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park. Boat cruises in Akagera National Park are both scheduled and private. Make your requests known to your tour operator for an amazing boat cruise experience in Akagera National Park
Birding safaris in Akagera National Park
The park is an amazing safari destination for birding tours in Rwanda. The park supports over 400 bird species. Some of the bird species in Akagera National Park are rare while others are rift valley endemics. Other birds in this park are migratory and can be seen in particular seasons. With the help of an experienced bird guide, spotting the rare species becomes an easy venture on your Akagera National Park safari.
Some of the bird species that can be spotted in Akagera National Park include; fish eagles, Cattle Egrets, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Black-headed and Viellot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and Caruther’s Cisticola.
Guided nature walks in Akagera National Park
Guided nature walks in Akagera National Park involve travelers walking on foot with the leadership of an experienced tour guide.
They get a chance to interact with the local members of the community.
The nature walks allow you to get close to wildlife and birds while observing their behavior as well as enjoying scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park
Do you ever dream of watching wildlife right from the sky? A hot air balloon safari in Akagera National Park is a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife from above. Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park are managed by the Royal Balloon safaris.
The safaris start in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Travelers embark on the balloon safari and get an opportunity to see multiple species like elephants, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, and many more.
At the end of every hot air balloon safari in Akagera National Park, travelers are awarded a certificate signed by a professional pilot. You may end your day with a picnic lunch or dinner in the middle of the bush. A bottle of champagne is a must after your hot air balloon safari.
What is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is an open safari destination throughout the year. It is open on public holidays and weekends.
You can book your entrance permits any time of the year. The dry months of June to September and December to February are considered the best time to visit the park. During this season, there are less chances of rainfall and many activities become less challenging.