Akagera National Park 

 Akagera National Park is located in the Eastern province of the country close to the Rwanda – Tanzania borders. The Park has a number of wildlife attractions including the Big 5 wildlife due to the recently introduced lions and rhinos in the park.

Akagera National Park, is the only savannah park in the country and is under the management of the African Park, who has taken good care of the park for years.

On a good game drive, one can spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards and so many others to mention but a few.

Game drive at Akagera National Park, starts from the south at Giraffe loupe, through the central lane to the northern part of the Park at Kilala plains, where a number of wildlife is spotted.

To access the park, you must enter from the southern gate, only those staying at Magashi tented camp access the park from the northern gate.

Activities

Number of activities can be explored when one visit this beautiful park of which includes;

• Game drive
• Boat trip
• Nature walk
• Behind the scene experience
• Fishing
• Bird watching
• Camping experience

Accommodation

Those seeking for where to stay on their visit to Akagera National Park, can stay at the following properties, Magashi tented camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp and Akagera Game lodge which are all located inside the park. Two lodges are located outside the park which include Akagera Rhino lodge and Akagera Transit lodge. Those staying outside the park will pay entry fee, every time they have access back to the park for another day.

HOW TO GET TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

The park is two hour’s drive away from Kigali, via Kayonza. The park is accessed via southern gates and only those staying at Magashi lodge can access the park via the northern gates of which timing is considered. 

The distance from Kigali to Akagera national park is about 108 kilometers and the park can be accessed by either road a short flight. By road it takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes drive from Kigali the capital city vial the town of Rwamagana to the southern gate of the park (the northern gate is used for exit only at the moment). For those who would not wish to drive can opt for a short flight into Akagera and these services are provided by the Akagera Aviation.

A Safari in Akagera National Park – Major Activities and Attractions

Rwanda is known for mountain gorillas and mountain climbing in the Volcanoes National Park among others. However it is only in Akagera that one can spot the big 5 while in Rwanda. Safaris in Akagera National Park are also special because of the unique scenery in the park which makes for a very great feeling for those who love nature. The landscape and especially rolling hills and valleys in the park provides spots for great wildlife viewing and photography. Being close to Kigali has made Akagera become increasing popular with both local and international tourists. It is a perfect destination for those who have come to the capital for a conference, business trip or workshop and desire to go and see Africa’s famous animals in the wild. A 1 Day safari in Akagera National Park is perfect because there are fewer crowds compared to some for the more visited game parks in East Africa allowing visitors to get that feeling of being alone while on safari. The animals are calmer perhaps because the large predators are not so many allowing visitors to easily spot them.

 Visiting the park now is highly recommended before the crowds become bigger like in the other regional game parks. The current government of Rwanda believes in gender equality and this implies that there are more female guides and staff than elsewhere. The park management allows visitors to tour their headquarters to learn about conservation and other park management activities.

In order to take part in any of the park activities or drive inside the park, one needs clearance. Some of the activities like game drives and boat cruises need to be booked in advance. Let’s look at the activities in more detail:-

Game drives: Game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon and at night in the hills, plains and lakes. The roads in the park are well developed since the partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African parks became effective. Visitors need to acquire a tour van that can pass through the rough terrain in the park. Park guides are important during the game drive because they are knowledgeable about the area and will take you to the right spots while sharing with you important information about the different species. There are guides that can be hired for about $25 from the communications office in the park.

Akagera is one of the few places where night game drives can be arranged. Night game drives are done using spotlights and an open-roof vehicle to allow visitors spot nocturnal animals like genet, mongoose, bushbabies, owls, nightjar, leopards and hyenas. These animals and birds are very difficult to see during the day. Night game drives cost $40 for an international visitor and lasts between two to three hours.

Boat Trips: Lake Ihema is famous for boat trips. While on the boat trip, you might encounter crocodiles, hippos and elephants drinking along the shores. The Lakes and nearby swamps are breeding grounds for several bird species like African darter, African jacana, blue-headed coucal, cormorant, fish eagles, kingfishers, marsh flycatcher and the open-bill stork. International visitors need to pay $40 for the boat trip. Only 11 people may be allowed into the boat. Those who want a more private experience can arrange their own trip at $180. Boats depart in the morning and afternoon.

Birdwatching: Birdwatching in Akagera provides opportunities to spot over 450 species. There are few forest birds and Albertine Rift species like in Nyungwe Forest but visitors should still come out satisfied with the collection of Savannah and woodland species found in the park. Some of the species include the arnot chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola. The great Shoebill stock can be spotted in the park though their numbers are small.

Sport Fishing: Akagera National Park is arguably the best best place to go for sport fishing in Rwanda.  The shores of Lake Shakani are great for fishing species like the Tilapia and catfish. While fishing, you will get to see many birds and animals drinking by the shores. Fishing tournaments are arranged frequently and winners are rewarded with a chance to prepare and eat their catch. Permits for fishing cost $20.

Nature walks: Nature walks in the park can be arranged with the help of a park guide. A walk through selected sections of the park gives you opportunities to appreciate the great biodiversity in the park. The nature walks involves following established park trails that lead to forests, lakes and swamps.

Walking by the Park Fence: Related to the nature walks, visitors can choose to join one of the fence attendants and park guides for a walk along the security fence. The security fence has helped eliminate poaching and other conflicts with humans living near the park. The 7 kilometer walk lasts for two hours, costs nothing and yet provides great views of the game park.

Cultural Visits: The management of Akagera National Park collaborates with nearby communities to allow visitors go for cultural visits. These visits are led by community guides. During these cultural visits, tourists learn how the locals take care of their long-horned cows, make beer, prepare food and celebrate important seasons of the year. Visitors can help with milking the cows, taste some of the local food and dance to local/folk music. The visits last for 3 hours at most.

Other activities outside the park: There are a couple of activities that visitors can take part in near the park and in Kigali the capital. One such activity is visiting the Rusumo Falls, the presidential palace, the museum, the Kigali city markets, the genocide war memorial centers and Museums. Those interested in buying souvenirs can stop by one of local art and craft shops along the way to the park.

The best time to go on a safari in Akagera National Park

Safaris in Akagera national park are arranged throughout the year. There is no public holiday and tourism activities continue each and every day even on weekends.  Most visitors prefer to visit the park during the dry season.