Unique safari activities to do in Akagera National Park : Akagera national park is situated in the northeastern part of Rwanda, specifically in the Kibungu district, right near the border with Tanzania in the East. It spans about 1,122 square kilometers and takes its name from the River Kagera, which flows its eastern edge. Akagera National Park was established in 1934 and is one of the largest conserved wetland areas in Africa, with swamps and lakes make up almost a third of the park. The landscape includes various ecosystems such as swamps, marshes, papyrus swamps, woodlands, lakes, grasslands, and savannah, creating a rich environment for diverse wildlife.
Akagera National Park is home to various wildlife species, including Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, roan antelope, klipspringer and the secretive semi-aquatic sitatunga. Spotted hyena, genet, civet, white-tailed mongoose, bush baby, elephant-shrew and various species of owl and nightjar are often seen on night drives which you can opt to have night productions as well. There are about 480 bird species in Akagera National Park.
For visitors to connect with nature, Akagera national park offers a range of exciting activities to immerse themselves in the wild adventure that the park provides.
Bird watching
Bird watching in Akagera National Park is an adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Rwanda. This park is a true paradise for bird lovers, home to over 450 species of birds, including migratory and resident, that live in the diversity of rolling hills, woodlands, forests, seasonal and permanent swamps, lakes, Savannah vegetation, and sticking landscape within the parking area, both inside and outside the park because they are mobile. While on your bird watching tour, you might spot fascinating birds like the Carruthers’s Cisticola, Grey-crowned Cranes, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Olive back and White-Winged Swamp Warbler. The African Starling is arguably the most beautiful bird in Akagera. They have amazing feathers which change color and glitter in the mid-day sun.
Day Game drive Safaris
Day game drive in Akagera National Park is the greatest way to experience the best of Rwanda’s wildlife. It is the only area in Rwanda where you can see the majestic impala and topi, as well as the only place where you can observe the big five. One can go for half day or full day games from the Northern to the Southern part of this cool national park. If you decide to drive yourself, it’s essential to hire a guide and make sure you have a 4×4 safari vehicle, which you don’t need to book in advance since guides are readily available. during your day game drive safaris in Akagera National Park, expect to see a variety of wildlife such as Buffaloes, elephant, lion, Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi and roan antelope among others.
Night game drives
If you’re staying at the park, make sure to take a guided night drive. It’s an exhilarating experience! Many animals come out only at night, so you won’t spot them during daytime drives. Some of the nocturnal species you may spot while on your night game drive safaris includes leopards, civets, hyenas, and bush babies which are seen easily at night. You will also have the chance to spot nocturnal birds such as owls and night jars can only be seen in the night. Your flashlight and an experienced ranger will lead you. If you’re going to see the wild, you should have some experience.
Camping
camping in Akagera National Park is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors. This park is unique because it features flat savannah grasslands, making it a perfect spot for setting up camps spending the night in Akagera allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a variety of fun activities. Many people choose to escape busy urban areas to connect with the outdoors and find joy in simpler pastimes. Not only is camping an enjoyable experience, but it’s also affordable.
One popular spot is the Shakani Akagera Campsite, located by the only lake in the park where you can fish. While camping here, you’ll have the chance to see local hippos, some of which come out to graze during the cooler evening and nighttime hours, adding to the charm of your stay.
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
A boat trip on Lake Ihema, located within Akagera National Park, is truly a slice of paradise for your safari. You’ll have the chance to spot large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a wide variety of waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake. Contact us to plan your visit to Akagera National Park for unforgettable wildlife experiences and exceptional cruising worth spending your vacation here.
Sport Fishing in Akagera National Park
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park is done on Lake Shakani. Visitors can mix fishing with a game drive in the park or enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema. While the main practice is catch and release, fish caught can also be kept for dinner. Anglers can also join in on fishing tournaments held in the area. To participate in any sport fishing activities, all bookings need to be made through the park’s offices.
Rwanda Helicopter Safari to Akagera National Park
Taking a helicopter safari in Rwanda is a fantastic wat to see the country from above. this unique experience allows you to take scenic flights or charter a helicopter for a specific trip. You can fly between popular spots like Kigali, Bisate, Kigali and Magashi, Bisate and Magashi, with arrangements easily made through achieve global safaris. keep in mind the specific routes and flights depend on the weather and the type of helicopter. these helicopter safari in Rwanda vary in length from minutes to two and a half hours, and promise a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the land of a thousand hills.
Guided Nature walks in Akagera National Park
Nature walks in this beautiful national park give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. The nature walks in Akagera national park will give you an opportunity to walk around the park on foot as you encounter different park animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, birds, lakes, and different vegetation covers. Nature walks here are a peaceful way to take in and appreciate nature at a close space.
Visit the Visitors Centre Museum in the park
Check out the Visitors Centre Museum in Akagera National Park to learn about the area’s wildlife and its somewhat troubled history. Inside the museum, you’ll find elephant and crocodile skulls, along with bones from various animals that once roamed the park. You’ll also see various traps that poachers have used, and discover what the park has been doing over the years to tackle this issue.
How to reach Akagera National Park
To reach Akagera National Park, head northeast from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It’s about 110 kilometers away, which takes around three hours to drive. The park is stunning, filled with green landscapes and a variety of wildlife and birds to observe. We offer 4×4 vehicles with open roofs, along with a professional driver-guide and drinking water to enhance your safari experience in Akagera National Park.
Where to stay in Akagera National Park on your safari
Within Akagera National Park you will surely find a place for everyone to stay. The available accommodations here range from the luxury facilities, mid-range facilities and also budge accommodation facilities such as Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp Akagera, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Guide’s House, Akagera Transit Lodge, Akagera Neighbors and Rutete Eco- Lodge among others.
