Far in the Eastern part of Rwanda, lies the Akagera National Park. It was named after the Kagera River that streams along Rwanda’s eastern wing past the Park. This river empts into Lake Ihema and other lakes around the park.
Akagera National park is renowned for protecting an African Savannah landscape of bush and acacia along with patches of open grasslands.
Akagera boast a rich biodiversity that is hard to find elsewhere in Rwanda. It is the only savannah park in Rwanda where you can sight large mammals though some are rarely seen like Elephants.
Wildlife
This Park is home to a diverse range of Wildlife species. Wild animals include Antelopes like Oribis, Topis, Bush bucks, bohor reed-buck, klipspringer, roan antelope and duikers. More on the list is Elephants, Buffaloes, Zebras, leopards, lions, and hyenas. You can sight all this while on game drives. Aquatic species include crocodiles, hippopotamus and these are common in Lake Ihema. Common primates are vervets, olive baboons, blue monkeys and bush babies along with nocturnal species.
Getting there.
By road, you can drive from Kigali town or airport through Rwamagana town to the Wildlife packed Akagera National Park. To let you know, you are only allowed into the Park through the southern gate. Northern gate is majorly used for exit. The journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park takes about 3-4 hours.
If not road transportation, there is an option of flying to the Park and services are offered by Akagera Aviation. Perfect for those who are not used to long distance drives.
Activities in the Park
Game drives
Game driving in Akagera is offered in Safari vehicles with pop up roof. From pop up, you can take in spectacular views of the different Wild animals feeding or wandering in the Wilderness. It’s often started early in the morning to catch the early risers.
Most travellers do drive with interest of sighting the leopards, lions and hyenas. During day these predators try to hide as the heat from sun increases, so it’s better you do the tracking for lions or leopards in the morning or night.
Other big mammals to sight on game drive include Elephants, Antelopes, Zebras, and Buffaloes. More than that, the vast landscapes, rolling hills, sunset/rise make for a photogenic setting that is perfect for pretty Safari photos
Bird watching
Akagera National Park stands amongst the hot areas not miss for those interested in different bird species including the unique ones.
While on the excursion, birders can sight the endangered species like shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek along with common species that include egrets, kingfishers, weavers and more.
You can usually do the birding while on game drive but the one on nature walks and boat cruise is more exceptional. For water bird species you can easily behold plenty of species while on breath-taking boat cruise along Lake Ihema.
Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Nothing more rewarding for your safari in Akagera than spending an afternoon while on boat ride on Lake Ihema.
During day animals try to rest in the shades to escape from sun rays as others draw near the banks to cool off, so you can easily sight them.
Apart from large numbers of water bird species you can as well watch schools of hippos and crocodiles by the shores of Lake Ihema. Private scheduled boat trips are operated daily.
Sport fishing
Akagera offer sport fishing activities on Lake Shakani, you are required to make the booking with the Park in advance. The trend during the fishing is catch and release but an opportunity is given to take one in case you are interested.