In the far Eastern Province of Rwanda lies a spectacular Akagera National Park, a complete big 5 game destination in East-Central Africa. Explore more about Akagera and its wonders on this exceptional travel guide –Location, Size, Establishment, Fauna/Wildlife, Things to do/Activities, Best time to visit, Top accommodation and How to reach the park. 

Location & the size of the park 

Akagera is found in the Eastern side of Rwanda at the border with Tanzania. The park was officially established in 1934 according to the laws of the Republic of Rwanda. Its establishment was primarily to offer a safe home for fauna and the distinct vegetation in the varied habitats such as savanna, swamps and mountain. Akagera National Park takes its name from Kagera River, a scenic river that flows on its Eastern side and later pours its water into Lakes like Lake Ihema, Lake Mahindi, Gishanju and Shakani.

Akagera National Park is the largest of all the 4 Rwanda National Park, spanning up to 1122 sq.km. It stands out as Rwanda’s premier wildlife viewing destination, also Africa’s extensive wetland protected area. This protected area is set at an elevation of 1600 and 1800m. In the surrounding areas, there are scenic cultivated hills. 

Tourist attractions 

Wildlife/Animals 

Akagera is a naturally endowed savanna wildlife park and is a must-visit for the big five game encounter. The park’s diverse wildlife include mammals such as the African elephants, buffaloes, zebras, Maasai giraffes, lions, hippos, primates including bush babies, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys; antelope families such as topis, waterbucks, klipspringers, oribis, duikers, cape elands, roan antelopes and bush bucks and others.

Bird species

Akagera alone protects up to 525 species of birds and these include raptors, terrestrial or savanna avifauna and aquatic species. The park’s diverse bird species include the grey-backed fiscals, vieillot’s black weavers, red-faced barbet, grey-crowned cranes, augur buzzards, marabou stork, cormorants, carruther’s cisticolas, blue-shouldered robin chat, ring-necked francolins, fan-tailed widowbird, giant kingfisher, African wattled plovers, papyrus gonolek, Senegal lapwings, African open bill stork, squacco herons, water thick knee, papyrus gonolek, to mention but a few. 

Tourist Activities to do in and around Akagera N/Park 

Game drives 

Akagera National Park offers the best of morning and afternoon game drives each session guaranteeing visitors exceptional encounters of their favorite wildlife while in the wild. You can spend half day or full day exploring Akagera and this is perfectly done using a 4×4 safari vehicle. On a guided game drive, your day expected encounters include hyenas, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, antelopes ranging from duikers, Uganda kobs, impalas, cape elands, klipspringers, topis, sitatungas, orbis and many others. 

Bird watching 

Akagera NP provides more than usual wildlife sightings. The park holds diversity of birds of enthusiastic birder’s interest and include the African darters, grey-crowned cranes, Augur buzzard, Senegal lapwings, pied crows, grey-backed fiscals, squacco herons, African wattled plovers, African open bill stork, papyrus gonolek, White-browed coucals, cabanis’s bunting, ring-necked francolins, red-faced barbet and more. 

Launch or boat cruise 

Launch cruise in Akagera NP is the best alternative to exploring aquatic species and visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide. Akagera’s boat cruise excursions are excellently enjoyed while on Lake Ihema and you stand a chance to come across hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic species of bird especially kingfishers, fish eagles and others. 

Sport fishing 

Embarking on sport fishing experience is a great chance to discover the wonders of Akagera NP. It is a perfect alternative experience for enthusiastic anglers on Rwanda safari to this park. Lake Shakani is the main area of interest for you to enjoy the most of the sport fishing excursion.

Balloon excursions

Launched recently, hot air balloon excursions by royal balloon Rwanda offer memorable aerial wildlife viewing experience. At the height of 1000m, enjoy amazing views of elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and cape buffaloes plus several other wildlife amidst breathtaking landscapes of Akagera NP. 

Cultural experiences 

A cultural experience is a complete immersion into African cultures and traditions. On a safari in Akagera, do not miss visiting the local communities in the surrounding to experience Rwanda’s unique heritage, enjoy great entertainment from local dances and music performances. Some of the surrounding communities at Akagera NP include Humure refugee village which is 40 minutes’ drive away; Imigongo Art and Craft Centre.

When to visit the park 

The best time to visit may vary depending on the kind of experience you intend to enjoy in Akagera N/Park. However, the dry season is the most favorite time to enjoy a guided game drive in this protected area and that is from June, July, and August to September, and December to February. The remaining months are wet or rainy months of the year (March to May, October to November) –the period when heavy rains are experienced but ideal for birding tours, especially if you are interested in spotting migratory birds. 

Accommodation options 

The best places to book for a night stay in Akagera NP include Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp and Rusizi Tented Lodge. 

How to get to the park

By road; Accessing Akagera from Kigali takes around 2.5 hours’ drive and by air, you can embark on a flight using Akagera Aviation services.