VISITING AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK FROM ENTEBBE
Akagera National Park, lies in the northeastern corner of Rwanda and is among the country’s premier wildlife destinations. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometres of diverse landscapes, from savannah plains to wetlands, the park is a popular haven for wildlife and birdlife alike. Known for its impressive variety of animals, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. The park offers a rare blend of classic African safari experiences and rich conservation success stories.
With its stunning scenery and thriving ecosystems, Akagera has become a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to wildlife protection and sustainable tourism.
This article delves into the numerous wildlife activities, attractions and the necessary information that makes Akagera National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
ATTRACTIONS IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
There are many number of attractions with in Akagera national park and they include
WILDLIFE IN AKAGERA
Akagera national park is a home to a number of vast wildlife that can be seen with in its savanna vegetations. Some of the wildlife to see includes buffalos, Topis, hyenas, lions, elands and many more. Akagera national park is the best savanna destination in Rwanda where you can enjoy game viewing during the thrilling game drives and boat rides during which you will get a chance to see a variety of large mammals and a profusion of birds as highlighted below.
BIRDS
The park is known as an amazing birding paradise with a number of bird species. Akagera harbors over 520 species of birds which are found in this national park. Akagera National Park has a large concentration of vast bird species including water birds to forest birds, and also savannah species as well as migratory bird species.
There are also a number of species that are endemic to the park and are so rare like the papyrus gonolex which is found in the papyrus swamps. There are also the localized red-faced barbets, and the swamp fly catcher as well as the elusive shoebill stork all found in Akagera National Park.
Some of the other bird to see include fish eagles, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Black-headed & Viellot’s Black Weavers, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Sacred & Hadada Ibis, Long-crested Eagle and the Augur Buzza
ACTIVITIES IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
GAME DRIVES
Tourists seeking for an immersive connection with wildlife, Akagera national park offer the best ideal place for game viewing within Rwanda. This activity allows you to spot a wide variety of animals, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). The park offers both morning and evening game drives where you have the opportunity to see a number of animals
Game drives are usually conducted with the help of an armed experienced park ranger who provides you with valuable insights about the park’s flora and fauna. This enhances the experience, especially for those interested in the park’s ecosystem and wildlife behaviors.
BOAT SAFARIS
One of the activities that are more thrilling in Akagera national park is the boat cruise on Rwanda’s second largest lake. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on lake Ihema as you sport a number of animals including the hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and many more. Animals can be seen in search for water.
BIRDING IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park is among the best birding destinations within Rwanda with over 650 bird species. It is a home to both migratory and endemics species. Some of the birds to see within the park include Lesser kestrel, Armot Chat, Swamp fly catcher and many more. Akagera is composed of many diverse habitats for different bird species thus offering incredible birding trips to tourists.
NATURE WALKS
Akagera national park has so many beautiful sights that can be best admired up close. Nature walks give you the opportunity to see unique things up close. Nature walks give you an opportunity to see a number of attractions that can not be seen while on the game drive for instance the exotic plants, colourful butterfly species, vegetation some water birds and many more.
Nature walks are peaceful and a very good opportunity to appreciate nature at a much slower and easier pace. They are also usually carried out with the help of an armed ranger and a knowledgeable guide equipping you with knowledge about various attractions seen. During nature walks you can view various flora and fauna and various bird species.
SPORT FISHING
spot fishing is done around Lake Shakani within Akagera national park. The lake is known for harbouring a high concentration of fish species especially Tilapia and cat fish. This would be one of the extra ordinary activities to be carried out along the shores of Lake Shakani, you will hear the snorts of the hippos as well as the singing water birds, plus the sounds of the fish in the water. Fishing in Akagera will give you an added chance of being in an African wild with the wildlife in the distance plus the hippos and the water birds.
Sport fishing is more thrilling when you visit during the time of a fish tournament here you have the opportunity to meet up fellow anglers. However, these tournaments are always organised on specific dates so proper planning is key. Just know you have the opportunity to eat the fish you have caught
COMMUNITY CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Akagera National Park in Rwanda offers a range of community cultural experiences that allow visitors to connect with the local people, learn about their traditions, and contribute to conservation efforts.
Visitors can interact with the locals that live close to Akagera National Park. During these trips, visitors can take guided tours of villages where they can learn about traditional Rwandan crafts, music, and dancing.
It’s an excellent method to learn about the indigenous peoples’ culture and traditions, especially those of the Twa and Hutu populations. Further more tourists have the opportunity to enjoy Local performances such as traditional dances, songs, and drumming, offering an authentic cultural experience. These performances are not only entertaining but also give insight into the rich history and social life of Rwanda. Engaging in a cultural experience gives you an immersive experience about the social life of the Rwandese.
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
Explore the heart of Akagera National Park, where each area reveals a tale of passion, commitment, and exceptional wildlife conservation. Although the park is a popular destination for game watching the park serves as a live example of the diligence and creative thinking required to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage. The activity starts at the park headquarters where you obtain the stuff that gives you an insight about various activities that take place with in the park. While on your tour you can decide to do a guided tour where you learn how animals are tracked by these rangers and many more.
WALKING THE LINE
One of the activities that offer unforgettable memories while on a safari in Akagera is the walking the line activity. The activity offers a thrilling, up-close encounter with nature, allowing you to experience the park from a whole new perspective. The walk commences form the park headquarters then explore the park. Here you have the opportunity to view the beautiful hills and spectacular views of the park.
Guided by your expert ranger, you will walk along carefully selected trails that lead you deep into the park’s diverse landscapes, from lush savannahs to peaceful lakeshores. Feel the pulse of the wild as you walk through the natural habitat of Akagera’s incredible wildlife.
HOW TO GET TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK?
Akagera national park can either be accessed by either air or road transport. The distance from Kigali to Akagera national park is about 108 kilometres.
By road it takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes drive from Kigali the capital city via the town of Rwamagana to the southern gate of the park (the northern gate is used for exit only at the moment). Those who don’t wish to drive will result to using a short flight to Akagera.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Akagera National Park can be visited all year round however the best time for visiting depends on the activities you are interested in.
The ideal time for game viewing is mainly during the dry season that runs from June to September as the vegetation is thin offering clear views of the animals and many of the water sources have dried up which leads to most of the animals congregating around the few available water sources.
Here you have the opportunity to see a number of animals. During the dry season the road are less slippery thus easy movement of vehicles.
However, you can still visit during the wet season and enjoy a number of experiences. During this period a few tourists tend to visit the park so if you hate over crowding this is the best period for accessing the park.