Located in eastern Rwanda on the borders with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is one of the popular tourist destinations, a not miss on Rwanda tours. The park spreads over 1,122 square kilometers of Land and it’s the largest park in the whole of Rwanda, with a diverse ecosystem for various wildlife. The beautiful park is named after River Akagera which flows in its heart.
Akagera is the only Savannah Park in Rwanda and it is home to numerous wildlife including the big five and many others. Vegetation in Akagera National Park is mainly dominated by rolling grasslands interspersed with acacia and scattered shrubs. The other part of Akagera Park is covered with swamp, lush and montane forests. The diverse vegetation favors the habitation of various birds and wild animals
Wildlife in Akagera National Park
Regarding wildlife in Akagera National Park, the park is home to
- The Big Five: Akagera National Park is home to all five of Africa’s most iconic animals: lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and leopards.
- Mammals: Beyond the Big Five, visitors to Akagera National Park can encounter a kaleidoscope of mammals, including zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and many more.
- Birds: Over 500 bird species call Akagera home, including the elusive and majestic shoebill stork, a true highlight for birdwatchers.
Top Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park
Game Drives
Scheduled for morning, evening, and at times night, game drives are a not miss on your Rwanda tours with Authentic Africa Safaris. Embark on thrilling game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, traversing the savannah and searching for wildlife. Experienced guides will share knowledge on different wild animals spotted in the park during game drives
Boat Trips
Cruising on the serene waters of Lake Ihema, observing hippos basking in the sun, crocodiles lurking in the depths, and a variety of birdlife along the shores. A cruise on Lake Ihema offers you scenic views of the park, fishing communities, birds and wildlife grazing and hunting
Birding Adventures
Akagera is a paradise for birdwatchers sheltering over 480 bird species 100 of which are not found anywhere else in the whole of Rwanda. Guided birding walks and customized tours offer opportunities to spot a wide array of avian species. Some of the notable birds seen in Akagera National park include the Marabou Stork, African Fish Eagle, Black headed Genolek, Sooty Chat, White Brown Coucal, Amur Falcon, Papyrus Gonolek, Booted eagle, Crested Barbet, Shoebill, Ross’s Turaco, Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen and striped pipit among others. Birding in Akagera National park can be done throughout the year
Nature Walks
Explore the hidden gem in Akagera National park on foot! Join our guided nature walks to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and discover hidden treasures along the way. Walking is an interesting way of enjoying the beauty of Akagera National Park. Sport our medicinal herbs, small ground insets, and reptiles in Akagera National Park on foot.
Community Visits
Engage with local communities, learn about their culture and traditions, and support sustainable tourism initiatives.
Best Time to Visit to visit Akagera National Park
- Dry Season (June to September): This is the peak season for wildlife viewing. The reduced vegetation makes spotting animals easier, and the dry conditions create clearer skies and better visibility. Photography is so clear and easy during the dry season
- Wet Season (October to May): Also known as the rainy season, it’s a unique period to visit Akagera Park. During this time, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green paradise during the wet season. While game viewing may be slightly more challenging, you’ll witness the magic of newborn animals and experience the park’s lush beauty.
Packing Essentials to Akagera National Park
- Clothing: Pack comfortable, lightweight, and breathable clothing in neutral colors. Include layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, as temperatures can vary.
- Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential for game drives and walking safaris.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong African sun.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects with a reliable insect repellent.
- Binoculars: Bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience and spot distant animals.
- Camera: Capture the memories with a camera, ready to capture stunning photographs of wildlife and landscapes.
- Daypack: A daypack is handy for carrying essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and your camera during game drives and walks.
Common safaris to Akagera National Park
If you have made up your mind to visit Akagera National Park and wondering which common trips you can book, no worries. One of the common packages is the 3 days Akagera Park tour which includes game viewing and boat cruising at Lake Ihema. If you have enough time, you can combine Akagera National Park with Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas or Akagera with Nyungwe Forest National Park. Combining two or more destinations on the same safari offers you the best of Rwanda Tours.
How to book a Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park
Trust Authentic Africa Safaris or your customized Rwanda tour to Akagera National Park. We customize for you a lifetime trip at affordable rates. Alternatively, you can choose any other registered travel agency licensed to run safaris in Rwanda. Check for the membership of that company, profile, and trip advisor reviews before booking with them. Rwanda tours in Akagera National Park are managed by the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks
In conclusion, Akagera National Park offers all you are looking for on a Rwanda tour. Book your Rwanda tours to Akagera National Park, enjoy Big Five games, boat cruising, nature walking, birding, and other interesting experiences in Akagera National Park.
