Akagera National Park in Rwanda’s eastern province is a scenic destination considered the largest protected wetland in central-east Africa. This is the only savannah national park in Rwanda, sitting on hilly grassland, woodland, and wetland landscapes. The park is quite large, covering around 1,122 km2. There are many lakes in Akagera National Park, including Ihema, Hago, Rwanyakizinga, Shakani, and Mahindi. Kagera is the main river in Akagera NP.
Wildlife species found in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park has plenty of wildlife species, including around 500 bird species. These include both resident and migratory species. Some of them are range-specific. Examples of the unique bird species to see in Akagera National Park include the red-faced barbet, papyrus gonolek, grey crowned crane, northern brown-throated weaver, white-collared oliveback, white-winged swamp warbler, and African finfoot, etc.
At the moment, the total number of all the mammals that reside in Akagera National Park is 8,000, from almost 90 species. These mammals include the big 5 of Africa: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Other residents include cape eland, zebra, hippo, reedbuck, impala, waterbuck, topi, and warthog, etc. In the aforementioned lakes, at least 35 fish species have been recorded them. There are also 179 butterfly species in Akagera National Park.
What is the weather and climate in Akagera National Park?
The climate experienced in Akagera National Park is described as tropical savannah. This is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The latter is experienced from June to September and also from January to February. June and July are the driest of them all. The wet season tends to occur from March to May and October to December. The temperatures are described as warm to hot, ranging between 20 to 30 degrees centigrade annually.
How to get to Akagera National Park?
Reaching Akagera National Park is by either road or air. By road from Kigali, the distance covered is almost 116 km. This is a 2–3-hour scenic journey to the east. You may access Akagera National Park through the southern Mutumba gate. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season. Meanwhile, a chartered helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport is the other option. This takes 20-30 minutes to reach Akagera National Park.
What to do in Akagera National Park?
Visiting Akagera National Park is an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities that you will never forget. These include,
Day game drive
This is an amazing chance to explore the vast, low-lying plains of Akagera National Park in a safari car. While on this guided game drive, you will drive through numerous trails to see plenty of savannah wild animals. The African Big 5 game is the highlight. However, other mentioned wildlife species are available, including savannah elephants, Masai giraffes, and spotted hyenas, etc. Bird species are plenty, and you can observe them while taking photos.
Night game drive
This is a guided game drive done as the sun is setting behind the horizon. Nocturnal wildlife can be encountered while you are driven in a 4X4 safari car with a pop-up roof. Leopards and lions could be seen during the nighttime.
Birdwatching
This offers an important chance for birders and ornithologists to identify any of the bird species mentioned. Other key species you will encounter in the wetland include shoebill, yellow swamp warbler, long-tailed cisticola, long-crested eagle, Ross’s turaco, crested barbet, and lilac-breasted roller, etc. You will need to travel with your pair of binoculars and a camera. A bird checklist might also be handy.
Boat excursion
This is generally done on Lake Ihema and offers a unique perspective of the scenic Akagera National Park. Aquatic wildlife species are available to be observed on this guided trip. Large wild animals like the hippos and crocodiles are the highlights during the excursion. There are also plenty of wetland wildlife, including fish and insects, to see in the papyrus swamps. Boat excursions are done at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. every single day.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is a luxury tour activity specifically enjoyed along the shores of Lake Shakani. This is a chance to join a group of experienced anglers to catch the biggest fish using modern fishing equipment. You can capture a silver catfish, a marbled lungfish, a bagrus, or a tilapia and take amazing photos with it. While sport fishing, you get the chance to sunbathe, which is also a delightful experience.
Walking safari
Utilize this opportunity to explore Akagera National Park on foot with the guidance of an experienced park guide. You get to have more intimate encounters with plenty of wildlife species. The perspective of the park’s landscape is quite different while on foot. You can take plenty of photos while enhancing your physical fitness. Zebras, eastern black rhinos, southern black rhinos, and antelopes are available to observe. There are also plenty of birds around.
