Akagera National Park in Rwanda

Akagera National Park in Rwanda

The Akagera National Park of Rwanda is the game sanctuary of Rwanda situated in the North Eastern Part of Rwanda. The park gets its name from River Kagera which flows in the eastern part of the Akagera National Park and feeds into Lake Ihema plus other smaller lakes. Akagera National Park occupies 2500 square kilometers of land Contac us

The park has swamps that form almost three quarters of the park, with vegetation which includes Savannah, woodland and montane habitats.

The Akagera National Park in Rwanda has under gone poaching over time but in conjunction with the African Parks, the park is slowly rebuilding its glory. Over time a number of wild animals are being re-introduced into the park including 18 eastern black rhinos, a pride of lions from south Africa, antelopes, elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons with more that 490 bird species.

History Of Akagera National Park In Rwanda

In 1934, the Belgians government which occupied Rwanda founded the Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park was home to multitudes of Wild dogs that send time in its then 2700 square kilometers wide area. There was an epidemic that effected the population of these wild dogs and in 1984 the last of them was seen in Akagera National Park

The population of wild animals in Akagera National Park has been a roller coaster affected by natural causes and human deeds. In 1957, some approximately 50 black rhinos were introduced in this park but were poached out, a number of giraffes where introduced too but they were also wiped out. The lions that had increased in population during the Rwanda genocide in 1994 were killed after the return of the people who survived this tragedy.

To recover from all this mess, the Akagera National Park under the Rwanda Development Board handed management of the park to African parks a nongovernmental or nonprofit making entity to refurbish it since 2009.

So far there is great progress in Akagera National Park with the population of wild animals steadily growing. At the moment, while on game drive on the tracks of Akagera National Park, you may come across impalas, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, zebras, Rhinos and others.

What Activities To Do In Akagera National Park

Game drives in Akagera National Park

While in Akagera National Park, you may get the chance to enjoy some amazing animals that find comfort in the environs of this park including lions, Africn Elephants,Sitatungas, waterbucks , elands, bushbucks, leopards, black Masked civets, topis, reedbucks  and others. To get better chances of spotting animals in Akagera National Park, you have to start the game drive early morning or in the late evenings.

Enjoy the spectacular wide opening expanse of wilderness, wetlands, forest, swamps, crater lakes  and so much more. There is chance for night game drives in Akagera National Park with a spot light but advance arrangement have to be made. During the night game drive in Akagera National Park, you may get the chance to see bush babies, nightjar, leopards and others.

Birding in Akagera National Park

For a birding safari in Rwanda, Akagera Nation Park is that destination you must never miss. The park hosts a plethora of birds including the Lake Victoria endemics and Albertine endemics. Some of the birds expected to find in Akagera National Park include Papyrus gonolek, red faced barbet, Cormorants, African fish eagles, Shoe bill stork Herons and others.

The ever increasing Rwanda bird population in Akagera National Park is attributed to the availability of habitats that favor the survival of these birds. Some of the varied vegetation zones in the park include papyrus swamp, forest, Savannah, montane and others.

Scenic Viewing in Akagera National Park

The environment around Akagera National Park is a representation of how nature can recover from the rags of destruction. The green cover around the park is stunning, the towering mountains beautiful form backdrop. Expect no crowds to disrupt your peace while in Akagera National Park as you make peace with nature. Scenic viewing in Akagera National Park is an opportunity to reflect on the wonder of nature.

Boat Trip In Akagera National Park

Taking a boat trip in Akagera National Park is relaxing especially after the game drive under the scotching sun. While sailing on lake Ihema, you may get chance to spot more game including herds of elephants, buffaloes, impalas, giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks and others. An array of birds flock the lake shores to enjoy its freebies and a bath. Hippos and crocodiles are the usual suspects in the lake Ihema waters.

At the moment, the cost of a boat trip in Lake Ihema is about $40 per person and maximum 11 passengers are allowed on board. For a private boat ride in Akagera National Park the cost is currently about $180 per person. Note that these Rwanda boat ride safari costs may change any time. It is best to book the boat ride on lake Ihema in advance so that a seat is reserved for you given the fact that a small number of people is allowed on board.

Sports fishing in Akagera National Park

Anglers on Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park can enjoy catching fish on lake like lake Shakani. Carrying your own fishing equipment is a fantastic plan. You need a fishing permit too from the Rwanda Development Board. Some of the fish species you may catch during the sports fishing adventure in Akagera National Park include Tilapia, Catfish, lungfish and others. catch and release method is recommended so as not to deplete the fish in the lake.

Community visit While on Safari in Akagera National Park

As a measure to create public awareness about the relevancy of protecting the Akagera National Park, tourists are given chance to also visit the community close to the park. During the visit, tourists may get the chance to interact with the vocals, know more about how they live, their economic sources, culture and much more.

During such visits, tourists are encouraged to support these communities especially through the community projects so as to boast their livelihood. During the visit, tourists may get chance to engage in food preparation, cow milking, watch the local dance performances and much more.

How to get to Akagera National Park on Rwanda safari

Akagera National Park can be reached by both road and air transport. By road, the distance from Kigali to Akagera National Park is about 110 kilometers drive time approximately 2 to 3 hours drive. It is best to used 4×4 wheel vehicle in good condition because the road entering the park sometimes gets messy especially in the severe rainy season.

From Rwamagana or Kibungo, the distance to Akagera National Park is about 27 kilometers.

Charter flight service from Kigali international Airport through the Akagera Aviation Services can be arranged but this has to be done in advance.

What Accommodation To Book For A Safari In Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park still has accommodation option crisis as the parks is trying to rebuild its original glory. There are some accommodations available in Akagera National Park including Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Game lodge, Karenge bush Camp, Akagera Campsites, Dereva Hotel, Magashi lodge  and others.

Some of the Akagera accommodations are seasonal so you need to know what is included in there cost package so that you can make necessary plans in advance.  For the accommodations variable in Akagera National Park, it is best to reserve them in advance especially during the peak season of Rwanda Tourism.

What Is The Best Time To Do A Tour In Akagera National Park

The best time to do a tour in Akagera National Park is in the dry season even though the park is open all year. The dry season which is normally June to October and December to January is characterized with dry weather conditions in the park and even the grass is generally lower permitting better visibility. 

The animal in the wilderness of Akagera National Park traverser freely the plains in the dry season in search for a meal for the day. Since Akagera National Park doesn’t have so many predators, so animals are more calm. The tracks in the park are easier to drive on and get to most parts of Akagera National Park.

The number of people booking safaris in Akagera National Park is bigger in the dry season so expect to share this space with more people.

Don’t abandon the plan of visiting Akagera National Park in the wet season which is normally March to May and November. The vegetation is greener and chances of spotting new births are more possible in this season. Expect less or no person driving through the park to distract you. Even those with a limited budget may use this opportunity to visit Rwanda when prices are generally expected to be lower especially on the cost of logistics.

Is A Visit To Akagera National Park Worth The Money And Time

If you want to experience the best of Rwanda, donot forget to include a visit to Akagera National Park. It is Rwanda’s only game park with the big five that is lions, leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes and elephants.

Akagera National Park is a place of tranquility where you donot expect crowds but enjoy harmony and peace. You are only inhering freshness from the surrounding natural environment of the park away from the usual.

When you pay park entrance fees, you contribute to the conservation fund of Rwanda that supports the existence of wildlife in this park and beyond. If you wish to give back to the community around Akagera National Park, you can do a community tour to learn more about their life or event support the community projects.

How safe is Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

Akagera National Park is safe to visit, as on ground there is a professional, experienced and well trained security team from Rwanda Development Board and other Rwandese security agencies. They usually carry out routine patrol within around the park as a security measure. Akagera national park has guides that each tourists is expected to abide by when on tour for personal safety and the people around him or her.

For personal safety, tourists are urged not to step out in the night while in Akagera National Park because these are predators. Donot carry along your precious belongings especially those you may be afraid of losing. Abide by the laws of Rwanda to avoid getting into prison or paying a hefty penalty for breaking them.

You can also hire a ranger guide to take you around Akagera National Park in case you are on self-drive. You get more in-depth information about the park and avoid driving in forbidden parts of the park or getting lost.

What Is The Cost Of A Safari In Akagera National Park

The cost of a safari in Akagera National Park is categorized into Upmarket, Mid-range and basic. Every person entering Akagera National Park is expected to pay park entrance fees and at the moment the park entrance fees for Akagera National Park are $40 per adult.

Other than entrance fees, a safari in Akagera National Park includes logistics that support tourism such as accommodation, transport and others. Together with our safari consultant, you can plan the Rwanda Game Safari in Akagera National Park any time and at your budget.

Why Book Rwanda safari with Arch Safaris And Tours.

Arch Safaris And Tours is a registered safari company with experience of over 7 years in organizing African safaris, We offer value for money and customer satisfaction is our priority. We have a safaris team with experience and this is one of our pride. Even though we have prepackaged African safaris, we can also tailor an itinerary to suit your needs.

At Arch Safaris And Tours, we understand the hassle tourists go through to save their hard earned money that is why we aim for value for money and creating everlasting memories. 

Some of our safari packages include gorilla safaris, chimpanzee safari, organize game safaris, water activities, photography, filming adventures and much more.

Our push factor to planning the best African safaris is that you dream it and we turn it into a reality.

Contact us on Info@archsafarisandtours.com , +256 752685997