Located in the northeastern part of the country, along the border with Tanzania, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Savannah Park. Wetlands, lakes, rivers, savannas, and forests make up the park. This unique landscape and water create the perfect environment for wildlife. A network of water sources and unique landscapes combine to create a highly spectacular landscape and a perfect habitat for wildlife. Akagera National Park is named for the Kagera River, which supplies most of the water bodies in the park and flows into Uganda’s Lake Victoria. Akagera is located far from Kigali (108 km), the capital of Rwanda. You can get there by plane or by land. It takes 2-3 hours by car from Kigali. Akagera Aviation arranges charter flights from Kigali to the park, which take just over an hour.

The park was established in 1934 with the primary purpose of protecting wildlife, landscape, and overall biodiversity. Akagera still has Africa’s largest wetlands, managed by Africa Park under the supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Akagera National Park Safari Akagera is the only national park in Rwanda where tourists can take boat tours and game drives. Great spotted woodpecker wildlife includes rhinos, hyenas, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras. Species of antelope include impala, cape eland, roan, topis, duikers, klipspringers, waterbucks, bushbucks, and oribis. Primate enthusiasts should expect to see olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and nocturnal bush babies. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl live in Lake Ihema and can be seen on boat trips.

Activities in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a natural mix of rugged terrain surrounded by swamps, lakes, savannah plains, and orderly terraced hills. This scenic spot was declared a national park in 1934 and named after the river Kagera that runs through it from northeast bordering Tanzania. The park has diverse vegetation zones and is rich in mammal and bird species found only in Akagera National Park. There are several sights and sounds you can experience in the park, but here are some recommended activities in Akagera National Park.

Bird-watching safaris

Akagera National Park is home to over 520 species of birds. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll see in the park. Species on display include forest birds, terrestrial and savannah species, waterfowl, and forest burrowing birds. There are even migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa. Unique species include Papyrus Gonolek, which lives in vast swamps. Other species of interest include Shoebills, Flycatchers, and Red-faced barbets. Then there are the giant hawk, the gray-backed fiscal, the cattle egret, the osprey, the hammerhead shark, the mouse crow, the crested eagle, many black-capped black weavers, the sacred crested ibises.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is less popular than game drives and boat cruises on Lake Ihema, but it is just as enjoyable. You will be delighted to meet park creatures such as hippos and birds while admiring the surroundings. The ideal time to fish is during the annual fishing tournament. The world’s greatest anglers compete for the largest catch here. Anglers may keep their fish in Akagera National Park. At the end of the day, you can build a fire, roast fish, and have a meal with your pals.

 Guided nature walks

Nature treks in Akagera lead you through spectacular savanna grasslands, forests, unusual plants, birds, and butterflies. If you’ve never seen an animal up close and personal on a game drive, this is your chance. A nature walk is one where you may take in the scenery while getting up close and personal with creatures.

 Morning and afternoon game drives in Akagera Park

Customized safari vehicles in Akagera are recommended in both the morning and afternoon. It is essential to travel with a park guide for a more successful sighting. Each game drive is unique and offers unique sights. Leopards, hyenas, savannah birds, buffalo, primates, elands, lions, topis, giraffes, civets, servals, and rhinos can all be seen before the conclusion of your stay in Akagera. When going on a game drive, don’t forget to bring your lunch and drinking water. If you intend to drive yourself, bring a spare tire and travel with a park guide who will know where to find all of the animals.

Akagera’s night game drives

Provide the thrill and mystery of being outside in the dark. Aside from thrills and mysteries; you’ll get the opportunity to witness uncommon species that can only be seen in the dark. These critters prefer to move and hunt during the night. Bush infants, leopards, civets, and hyenas are among them. Keep an eye out for nocturnal insects and birds like owls. Nighttime is the greatest time to watch predators such as leopards, hyenas, and lions hunting and stalking. A park guide leads Akagera’s night game drive, which lasts two hours but worth the value.

Nature walk in Akagera National Park

The authorities offer ranger guides in most areas of the park. This is a great way to explore the park outside of the vehicle you use during game drives. A safari gives you more time with butterflies, birds, insects, and plants you might otherwise miss

 Boat trips on Lake Ihema

Allow tourists to explore the park’s numerous lakes, wetlands, and rivers. Boat rides on Lake Ihema are a popular activity and one of the highlights of a safari in Akagera. Most of the animals in the park can be observed bathing and drinking alone on the lakeside during the boat journey. Lake Ihema is home to crocodiles, hippos, and a diverse array of birdlife. Aside from hippos and crocodiles, expect elephants and buffalo to bathe and drink. Boat cruises on Lake Ihema provide opportunities not available on traditional tour buses. You can also see the park’s breathtaking beauty from a different angel

Getting to Akagera National park

Kigali International Airport is Rwanda’s principal entry point and your journey to Akagera begins here that’s if you don’t have much time. Akagera National Park is about 120 kilometers away from Kigali and can be explored in a long day trip using a 4*4 safari vehicle which is the most popular means. Kiyonza Gate in the south, near the Park Headquarters is the only entry point to the Akagera.  There are a few rocky areas along the road that add excitement to the voyage and give you the overall feel of an African safari, but don’t let this deter you from continuing. The last 28 kilometers of the 120-kilometer journey from Kigali are largely Murram Road, as are all roads in the park.

The park gate is about 13 km from the sign. If you book us as your tour operator for your safari, you have nothing to worry about. Relax on a cool drive and see the beautiful scenery of the Thousand Hills moving from valley to valley. Just smile, pull out your camera, and capture the amazing sights you encounter on your way to Akagera.