Akagera National Park (Wildlife National Park)
Akagera National Park is on the northeastern edge of Rwanda. It is one of the largest National Parks in Rwanda covering an area of 1,085 km. It borders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera River, hence the name Akagera. The National Park was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in habitats: savannah, mountain and swamp.
The Akagera river, the most remote source of the Nile, along flows along the eastern part of the park and feeds many lakes, the largest being Lake Ihema. The labyrinth of lakes and and papyrus swamps follows the river’s course to make up over a third of the park. This is the largest protected park wetland in Central Africa.
In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Network agreed to collaborate in the management of Akagera . Their aim is to make Akagera a world class National Park . Some planned expansion over the next five years includes the fencing of the entire reserve and to ensure bthe Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinocerous) roam around the Park in large numbers.
In contrast to the cultivated hills and mountains of Rwanda Akagera is at a relatively lower altitude, the climate is moderately warmer and the area mostly low-lying savannah, with rolling plains of broad-leafed and acacia woodlands and grasslands. This open expansiveness is ideal for game viewing.
Akagera National Park Attractions – What to see in Akagera National Park
Wild animals
Akagera with its many lakes, is a big game country. A few of the species that you will encounter are buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe and a variety of antelope.
Important to note is that Akagera and its lakes arte home to one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus in Africa. One of the animals that you will also probably also see is the Nile Crocodile which is the world’s largest reptile.
The smaller predators to be found within the park are mongooses, genets, serval cats and side stripped jackals. Also very common in the park, are the primates, olive babbons,, vervet monkeys, bushbabies, and more rarely silver monkeys . Of the 12 antelope that maybe observed in Akagera , the gracveful impala is the most common and will probably be impossible to miss!
With more than 525 bird species, Akagera is one of the best spots for bird watching in Rwanda. The three habitats of the park : savannah, mountain and swamp, encourage a wide variety of birds. Akagera is indisputably the best place in Rwanda to find savannah birds and raptors. It is also well stocked with water birds and less common birds living amongst the papyrus swamps.
Lake Ihema
What to do in Akagera | Akagera National Park Activities
Game Drives in Akagera
If you are staying at the Akagera Game Lodge, you can join the game drives they offer, including night drives where you have the opportunity to spot animals not out and about in the day.
Boat Trips in Akagera
Boating on Lake Ihema is a must if you come to Akagera Safari Lodge and the Rwandan Tourism Office. While enjoying the view of Lake Ihema , you are likely to catch sight of numerous hippos and the thrilling outsized Nile Crocodiles. For the bird lovers, there’s an opportunity to observe many water-birds.
Birding in Akagera
With more than 525 bird species, Akagera is one of the best spots for bird watching in Rwanda. The three habitats of the park : savannah, mountain and swamp, encourage a wide variety of birds. Akagera is indisputably the best place in Rwanda to find savannah birds and raptors. It is also well stocked with water birds and less common birds living amongst the papyrus swamps.
Fishing in Akagera National Park
On Lake Shakani from several camping spots in the bush.
Self Drives in Akagera
On entering the park, at the gate, you will receive a map to orientate yourself. You will be offered the option of taking an on-board guide, should you wish to. Guides are experts in spotting animals in the wild, identifying them and they can help you to find your way around the park. The cost to hire a guide is included in your entrance fee although a tip at the end of a trip is expected.
There are many circuits of various lengths, to drive. These offer different game drive experiences as you drive through the varied habitats of the park. A popular one-day drive, leaving from the southern part of the park is to pass all the lakes going north, and turn back when you reach Mutumba Hills.