AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the northeastern part of the country, along the border with Tanzania, Akagera is Rwanda's only Savannah Park. Wetlands, lakes, rivers, savannas, and forests make up the park. This unique landscape and water create the perfect environment for wildlife. A network of water sources and unique landscapes combine to create a highly spectacular landscape and a perfect habitat for wildlife. Akagera National Park is named for the Kagera River, which supplies most of the water bodies in the park and flows into Uganda's Lake Victoria. Akagera is located far from Kigali (108 km), the capital of Rwanda. You can get there by plane or by land. It takes 2-3 hours by car from Kigali. Akagera Aviation arranges charter flights from Kigali to the park, which take just over an hour. The park was established in 1934 with the primary purpose of protecting wildlife, landscape, and overall biodiversity. Akagera still has Africa's largest wetlands, managed by Africa Park under the supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Akagera National Park Safari Akagera is the only national park in Rwanda where tourists can take boat tours and game drives. Great spotted woodpecker wildlife includes rhinos, hyenas, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras. Species of antelope include impala, cape eland, roan, topis, duikers, klipspringers, waterbucks, bushbucks, and oribis. Primate enthusiasts should expect to see olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and nocturnal bush babies. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl live in Lake Ihema and can be seen on boat trips.
Activities in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a natural mix of rugged terrain surrounded by swamps, lakes, savannah plains, and orderly terraced hills. This scenic spot was declared a national park in 1934 and named after the river Kagera that runs through it from northeast bordering Tanzania. The park has diverse vegetation zones and is rich in mammal and bird species found only in Akagera National Park. There are several sights and sounds you can experience in the park, but here are some recommended activities in Akagera National Park.
Bird-watching safaris
Akagera National Park is home to over 520 species of birds. If you're an avid birdwatcher, you'll be amazed at what you'll see in the park. Species on display include forest birds, terrestrial and savannah species, waterfowl, and forest burrowing birds. There are even migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa. Unique species include Papyrus Gonolek, which lives in vast swamps. Other species of interest include Shoebills, Flycatchers, and Red-faced barbets. Then there are the giant hawk, the gray-backed fiscal, the cattle egret, the osprey, the hammerhead shark, the mouse crow, the crested eagle, many black-capped black weavers, the sacred crested ibises.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is less popular than game drives and boat cruises on Lake Ihema, but it is just as enjoyable. You will be delighted to meet park creatures such as hippos and birds while admiring the surroundings. The ideal time to fish is during the annual fishing tournament. The world's greatest anglers compete for the largest catch here. Anglers may keep their fish in Akagera National Park. At the end of the day, you can build a fire, roast fish, and have a meal with your pals.
Guided nature walks
Nature treks in Akagera lead you through spectacular savanna grasslands, forests, unusual plants, birds, and butterflies. If you've never seen an animal up close and personal on a game drive, this is your chance. A nature walk is one where you may take in the scenery while getting up close and personal with creatures.
Morning and afternoon game drives in Akagera Park
Customized safari vehicles in Akagera are recommended in both the morning and afternoon. It is essential to travel with a park guide for a more successful sighting. Each game drive is unique and offers unique sights. Leopards, hyenas, savannah birds, buffalo, primates, elands, lions, topis, giraffes, civets, servals, and rhinos can all be seen before the conclusion of your stay in Akagera. When going on a game drive, don't forget to bring your lunch and drinking water. If you intend to drive yourself, bring a spare tire and travel with a park guide who will know where to find all of the animals.
Akagera's night game drives
Provide the thrill and mystery of being outside in the dark. Aside from thrills and mysteries; you'll get the opportunity to witness uncommon species that can only be seen in the dark. These critters prefer to move and hunt during the night. Bush infants, leopards, civets, and hyenas are among them. Keep an eye out for nocturnal insects and birds like owls. Nighttime is the greatest time to watch predators such as leopards, hyenas, and lions hunting and stalking. A park guide leads Akagera's night game drive, which lasts two hours but worth the value.
Nature walk in Akagera National Park
The authorities offer ranger guides in most areas of the park. This is a great way to explore the park outside of the vehicle you use during game drives. A safari gives you more time with butterflies, birds, insects, and plants you might otherwise miss
Boat trips on Lake Ihema
Allow tourists to explore the park's numerous lakes, wetlands, and rivers. Boat rides on Lake Ihema are a popular activity and one of the highlights of a safari in Akagera. Most of the animals in the park can be observed bathing and drinking alone on the lakeside during the boat journey. Lake Ihema is home to crocodiles, hippos, and a diverse array of birdlife. Aside from hippos and crocodiles, expect elephants and buffalo to bathe and drink. Boat cruises on Lake Ihema provide opportunities not available on traditional tour buses. You can also see the park's breathtaking beauty from a different angel
Getting to Akagera National park
Kigali International Airport is Rwanda's principal entry point and your journey to Akagera begins here that’s if you don't have much time. Akagera National Park is about 120 kilometers away from Kigali and can be explored in a long day trip using a 4*4 safari vehicle which is the most popular means. Kiyonza Gate in the south, near the Park Headquarters is the only entry point to the Akagera. There are a few rocky areas along the road that add excitement to the voyage and give you the overall feel of an African safari, but don't let this deter you from continuing. The last 28 kilometers of the 120-kilometer journey from Kigali are largely Murram Road, as are all roads in the park. The park gate is about 13 km from the sign. If you book us as your tour operator for your safari, you have nothing to worry about. Relax on a cool drive and see the beautiful scenery of the Thousand Hills moving from valley to valley. Just smile, pull out your camera, and capture the amazing sights you encounter on your way to Akagera.
Where to stay in and around Akagera National Park
A relaxed body and mind is worth a smile; so while visiting Akagera National Park, comfortable sleep is pleasured.
Akagera Game Lodge.
Akagera Game Lodge is located in northeastern Rwanda’s 90,000-hectare Akagera National Park. The resort is situated on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema, surrounded by a diverse landscape of grasses and plants, hills, deep valleys, lakes, and marshes. The lodge provides first-class accommodations in singles, doubles, twins, families, executive suites, and luxury cottages, each with a terrace facing Lake Ihema and presenting real-life sunrises and sunsets. You may have fun while learning about African culture. Each room is tastefully done in African style and features two beds, a desk, a chair, and a satellite television. Each room is uniquely created with a pan-African theme. With a team of skilled local workers, the hotel excels in guest interactions and housekeeping services.
With a team of skilled local staff who are attentive, pleasant, and efficient, the hotel specializes in guest relations and housekeeping services. Each room is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and solitude, with comfy beds, freshly laundered linens, and appealing decor and lighting. The private bathroom has everything you need. Chouxville Restaurant has a charming and cool ambiance and serves outstanding cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, either a la carte or buffet style. The Elephant Bar, located near the Schuhschnabel restaurant, provides a respite from the heat of the day. The Elephant Bar welcomes you to spend a tranquil evening beneath the starry skies of Africa. The Akagera Game Lodge, in a premier setting, provides a comfortable and relaxing ambiance, suitable for a successful meeting, a quiet gateway, or a tranquil experience with nature.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge, which opened in November 2012, is surrounded by riverine woodland on the banks of Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest and Rwanda’s second largest lake. This modest private camp features seven en-suite tents that can sleep up to 14 people. Lodge tents border a thatched welcome area with a lounge, bar, and dining room along a gorgeous lakeside protected by swaying palms and tall trees. Every tent has a living area, a private bathroom with cold and hot water, and a comfortable twin or queen bed. All lodge tents are accessible from the reception area via a wooden boardwalk. The camp is entirely solar-powered, including a solar hot water system.
Breakfast, for example, is served in the dining room beginning at 5:30 a.m. Breakfast consists primarily of baked bread, local fruits, spices, and eggs. The lodging charge does not include lunch, although a limited lunch menu is offered upon request. Visitors who prefer to spend most of their time in the park can purchase packed lunches. Dinner is served at 7:30 PM at the lodge; however, it is preceded by an aperitif and sack at 7:00 PM. At 7:00 p.m., guests are invited to the lounge for pre-dinner drinks and munchies. The lodge chef prepares a set meal for dinner every day. A braai with a selection of meats and salads, a selection of gourmet pizzas, or a selection of poje meals are some examples.
Camping
Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers wanting to immerse themselves in the African wilderness can choose a campsite. Camping can be fun with friends and is much cheaper than staying in a lodge, but of course, it’s less comfortable. Non-park hotels are nearby, such as the Seeds of Hope Guesthouse and the Cari Hotel.
Lemigo Hotel, Top Tower Hotel, Umubano Hotel, Grand Legacy Hotel, apartment hotels, etc. If you are unsure of where to stay or how to book, ask the tour operator to book on your behalf. You’re sure to find something that fits your budget and needs.
That means sleeping in the park with nothing but a thin sheet of super nylon between you and the animals. But keep an eye out for baboon. These are wicked and will do everything in their power to steal your food and terrorize you. A night spent drinking beer with friends around a campfire is also a fantastic escape from city life and one of the greatest overnight or weekend tours in Rwanda. There are also three campgrounds, including Mutumba in the north, regarded as one of the best. This holds true for these two campsites in the south. Because there is no additional equipment at the campsite, you must always bring your own equipments for camping however a few tens can be hired from the park. Both campgrounds have BBQ grills and firewood, as well as pit toilets and tiny shelters. The campsite has a beautiful view, and you can camp in the park with wild animals walking around, which is extremely cool.