Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. The park is in northeastern Rwanda, covering 1122sq km (433sq mi) and bordering Tanzania. It is one of the biggest parks in Rwanda and best known for wildlife viewing. The magnificent beauty of Akagera National Park comprises savannah vegetation, woodland, wetland areas and a dozen lakes supported by River Kagera. An estimated 500 bird species are in the park, making it a birders paradise. The park is also home to over 8000 wild animals, including the famous Big Five( Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Lions and Leopards). The great Kagera River is a source of water for the Kagera Lakes and also a source for the Nile River.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding. Akagera is particularly scenic and offers a wide diversity of habitats in a small area. Visitors can drive along a string of forest-fringed lakes and wetlands fed by the Akagera River. Tall mountains form a lovely backdrop to the ever-changing vegetation, which includes papyrus swamps and acacia woodland.
Wildlife Experience
Akagera National Park is home to a great diversity of wildlife species, which include at least 30 lions, 80-100 leopards, 180 elephants and buffaloes. After a recent introduction, the park hosts approximately 30 white rhinos and 29 critically endangered black rhinos, making spotting them more accessible. However, it is rare to spot black rhinos, hyenas and leopards unless it's your lucky day. Other animals include giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, topis, klipspringer, waterbuck, roan antelope, impalas, duikers, oribis, cape eland, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bush babies, crocodiles and hippos among others.
Birdlife Experience
With over 500 bird species, Akagera National Park is a paradise for avid bird watchers. The park has many bird species, including migratory and endemic birds. Some of the birds include redfaced barbets, swamp flycatchers, the elusive shoebill, cattle egret, waxbill, hamerkop, long-crested eagle, fish eagles, osprey, sacred & hadada ibis, grey-backed fiscals, heron, African darter, black-headed vielliots, black weavers, African wattled lapwing, augur buzzard and pied crow among others.
Locate the Akagera National Park
Getting There
By Air: You can access Akagera National Park by flying using helicopter charters transfer, as there are no domestic flights to the park. If you enjoy luxury helicopter flights to Akagera Park, this can be arranged through Akagera Aviation, giving you scenic views and the most accessible access to the park. The flight is about 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport and arrives at Magashi Camp. If you stay at Ruzizi Tented Camp and Akagera Game Lodge, the helicopter will land near the park headquarters with a ground transfer arranged.
By Road: Akagera National Park is approximately 110 km from Kigali. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The best way to access the park is using a 4X4 safari vehicle. Although most of the route might be in good condition by African standards, expect some bumpy sections along the way.
Best time to visit
Akagera National Park is visited all year round. There are two seasons, which include:
Dry seasons: The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The park is dry at this time, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around the water sources, and it is easier to navigate while on game drives. There are fewer bugs, and the chances of catching malaria are low.
Wet seasons: With rainfall pouring down during this period, Akagera National Park comes to life with lush vegetation, making the park a picturesque landscape perfect for photography. It is an ideal time for birding activity due to the presence of migratory birds.
