Akagera National Park in Rwanda is located in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Tanzania. The park is characterized by swamps and small lakes that are fed by the River Kagera.
The combination of water sources and unique landscape creates stunning scenery, making it a remarkable eco-system. The park is named after the River Kagera, which supplies water to various bodies of water including Lake Ihema.
Surrounded by cultivated hills that are typical of Rwanda’s landscape, Akagera National Park offers beautiful and diverse scenery. The low-lying landscape consists of wide plains, grasslands, cactus-like Euphorbia candelabra shrubs, and both dense and sparse forests, maintaining the rugged terrain that is characteristic of Rwanda.
Akagera National Park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, and lions. The park is also home to various antelopes such as bushbucks, Topis, Oribis, waterbucks, roan antelope, duikers, klipspringers, impalas, and the largest antelope in the world – the Cape eland.
Visitors can observe groups of hippos and crocodiles sunbathing near Lake Ihema. Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies are among the common primates found in Akagera National Park, often spotted during night drives.
Akagera National Park boasts a diverse range of habitats that serve as an excellent environment for 500 bird species. Among the notable bird species found in the park are the impressive shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, long toed, and Water Thick-knee.
Additionally, visitors are likely to come across more bird species such as fish eagles, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow. Other species include Black-headed and Viellot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and Caruther’s Cisticola.
Akagera National Park is accessible by both air and road. A flight from Kigali offers visitors a stunning aerial perspective of the park. Akagera Aviation arranges flights between the park and Kigali. It takes a maximum of 3 hours to drive on a well-maintained tarmac road from Kigali to reach the park.
Travelers starting from Rwamagana or Kibungo will reach the park after an hour of driving. The 27km road to the park entrance from the main road may be dusty, but it is still navigable by vehicles even during the rainy season. The roads within the park are not as well-kept as those leading to the gate, so a reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, especially in the rainy season.
Private vehicles and drivers are available for hire from Kigali or the park at a cost of approximately $175 for half a day or $275 for a full day. Many international travelers opt for convenience and choose to book their safari through a reputable tour operator. These operators will take care of all the arrangements, including accommodation, transportation, and activity bookings.
Safaris in Akagera National Park are available year-round, with tourism activities operating daily, including weekends. The dry season, which falls between December and February, is the preferred time for most visitors due to the ease of spotting animals congregating around the remaining water sources.
During the rainy season in March and April, the roads can become challenging to navigate. Despite the hot temperatures and dusty roads during the dry season, the park remains lush green from the previous rains, providing a unique experience for visitors.
Are you considering a visit to the sole Savannah game park in Rwanda? The park operates from 6am to 6pm and charges approximately $40 as an entrance fee for international visitors.
Rwanda, being a tropical country, is home to insects and diseases that international visitors may not have immunity to. It is crucial to consult your doctor and receive a Yellow Fever vaccination before your trip to Rwanda. Remember to bring along malaria tablets as the park is inhabited by mosquitoes and Tse Tse flies.
Additionally, game drives are conducted with open car windows, making it easy for certain insects that cause painful bites escape out. Therefore, using insect repellent is essential to ward off insects. It is advisable to wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and clothes in dull colors for added protection.
Accommodation choices in Akagera are not as extensive as those in other national parks. A few of the lodges are only open during certain seasons, so it’s crucial to check beforehand. These lodging issues have posed a significant challenge for the park’s stakeholders.
However, there is positive news as new lodges are currently under construction, and others are in the planning stages both within and outside the park. It is essential to make advance reservations to ensure that you secure the right room and avoid any inconvenience.
Budget-conscious and adventurous travelers have the option to establish their own campsite within the park, a unique opportunity not commonly found in other national parks. However, it is important to remain vigilant against potential intruders such as insects and baboons, known for their tendency to pilfer from campers.
For those who are wary of insects, opting for a hotel with more permanent accommodations may be a more suitable choice. Camping and reveling in the African wilderness can be an exhilarating experience, especially when shared with a group of friends. There are three designated campsites within the park where international visitors are charged $20 per person per night.
Additionally, tents capable of accommodating up to 6 individuals are available for rent at an additional cost of $20. Each campsite is equipped with amenities such as firewood, latrines, and tools for barbecuing meat.
The mainstream hotels and lodge area is divided into three categories – Luxury, mid-range and budget. The lodges range from permanent brick structures to luxury tents.
The following are the lodges in Akagera national park
Magashi Camp
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Karenge Bush Camp (Seasonal)
Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera National Park represents the beauty and richness of Rwanda’s natural environment, delivering an immersive safari experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you are captivated by the excitement of encountering wildlife, enchanted by the park’s stunning landscapes, or inspired by its conservation efforts, Akagera offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
Begin planning your adventure to Akagera today and uncover the unparalleled wonders that await in this captivating national park.
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