Akagera National Park Rwanda | Ultimate Safari Guide

Akagera national park is located in the East of Rwanda next to the border of Tanzania. It covers an area of 1,122 square kilometers, a third of which are covered by swamps and lakes making it the biggest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa and the biggest national park in Rwanda.

This park was established in 1934, making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa. It is named after the Kagera River.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE

Facts

The park is jointly managed by African Parks and Rwanda Development Board under the Akagera Management company.
Located in the Eastern part of Rwanda, West of the Tanzania border.
It is the biggest national park in Rwanda covering and area of 1,122 sq kilometers.
It is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.
Akagera NP is the only Savannah national park in Rwanda.
The park area is dominated mostly by small lakes and papyrus swamps.
Its landscape comprises of wetlands, open Savannah grasslands and acacia woodlands.

WILDLIFE IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

The Animals: The park is home to a rich and diverse animal life including the iconic African Big five; the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino among other animals that include giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, hyenas, blue monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, nocturnal bush babies, different antelopes lie waterbucks, impalas, topis, elands, oribis, roan antelope, bushbucks, duikers and klipspringers among other animals.

The Birds: Different species of water birds, forest birds and savannah birds can be found in Akagera national park. Over 500 different bird species inhabit the park making it a birders haven. While on a birding safari to Akagera national park, you will encounter most of these birds which include papyrus gonolek, the rare shoebill stork, swamp flycatchers, red faced barbets, African fish eagles, egrets, weaver birds, hadada ibis, sacred ibis, grey backed fiscal, crows, hamerkop, augur buzzard, sniper birds, shrikes, kingfishers, grey crowned cranes, raptors, squacco herons, water thick-knees, darters, long crested eagle, widow birds among others.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK</h3&gt;

What to do in Akagera national park:

Game drives: The best way to explore the park is to go on a safari game drive. These can be done throughout the day with the best being early morning game drives and late afternoon to evening game drives. Guided night game drives are also permitted in Akagera national park for a night safari experience and for a chance to spot the nocturnal animals like the bush-babies.
Boat safaris on the famous Lake Ihema. Enjoy the views of the wildlife as you sail along including schools of hippos, crocodiles and lots of water birds.
Hot air balloon safaris.
Sport fishing on Lake Shakani.
Guided nature walks and hiking tours.
Guided cultural tours in communities around the national park.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN AKAGERA NATIONAL APRK

What to see in Akagera national park:

Wildlife: Animal life made up of large mammals, the big 5 and primates and the birdlife made up of over 500 bird species.
Lakes of Akagera national park fed by the Kagera river. They include Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Lake Kivumba among others.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Over the years, a lot has been done to revive and restore the Akagera National Park.

Black Rhinos were introduced in the park in the year 1957 from Tanzania.

Masai giraffes were introduced in 1986 from Kenya.

It preceded the agreement between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks in 2009 for a joint management of the park.

Seven lions were translocated from South Africa in 2015 and reintroduced to Akagera national park after long 15 years of absence of the species from the park.

More lions (2) and lionesses (5) were donated to the park in the same year by Tembe Elephant park and Phinda Private game reserve respectively. This gave a great oost to the revival of th park.

30 White Rhinos were translocated to this park in 2021 from the Phinda Private Game Reserve situated in South Africa.

All these efforts have seen an increase in the parks’ visitors and increase in its tourism revenue as the park as gained popularity due to the great numbers of large mammals that inhabit the park including the iconic African Big 5.

ACCESSIBILITY

How to get to Akagera National Park:

This park is situated approximately 108 km from the capital, Kigali.

By road:

It can be easily accessed on a 2-3-hour drive from Kigali via Rwamagana town to the Southern gate of this park.

By air:

Visitors can also take a short domestic flight to the park. Akagera aviation provides this service.

ACCOMMODATION IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Where to stay in Akagera National Park

Different options of accommodation facilities are available in Akagera national park for all kinds of travelers.

From the high-end luxury options to the budget friendly facilities / camps.

To mention but a few:

Rusizi Tented lodge
Magashi safari camp
Akagera Game lodge
Karenge bush camp (seasonal camp in the North part of the park)

This park is a popular tourism destination in Rwanda. It can be visited all-year-round. Depending on your preferences and the activities you plan to do.

However, the recommended best time to be in this park is during the dry season of July to September as this season allows for excellent wildlife sightings.