Safari in Akagera National Park

Safari in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in northeastern Rwanda and features swamps and small lakes along the River Kagera. It is home to many sites, making it a popular place for wildlife safaris in the country.

The Park is named after the Kagera River, which supplies water to several sources of water, including Lake Ihema. The area is filled with farmed hills and is mostly covered in grass, cactus-like plants called Euphorbia candelabra, and both thick and thin woods.

Akagera National Park has many types of animals, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions, and various antelopes like bushbucks, Topis, Oribis, water-bucks, roan antelopes, duikers, klipspringers, and impalas. It is a great place for seeing wildlife.

The park is home to over 520 bird species, including water birds, forest birds, and savannah birds, as well as migratory species. It also has unique birds from the Albertine Rift, like the rare papyrus gonolek found in papyrus swamps, red-faced barbets, and the swamp flycatcher. Other notable birds include the elusive shoebill stork, fish eagles, grey-backed fiscals, cattle egrets, black-headed weavers, Viellot’s black weavers, hamerkops, and pied crows. This makes the national park a great place for birdwatchers.

This piece addresses a common question from people planning a safari in Akagera National Park by highlighting some of the activities they can enjoy there.

Led game drives

Guided game drives in Akagera National Park let tourists see amazing wildlife up close, including the Big 5 animals: lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. On an organized game drive in the park, you can also see other animals like Angolan giraffes, Masai giraffes, topis, hyenas, serval cats, impalas, African wild dogs, duikers, and klipspringers.

Safari in Akagera National Park

Game drives in Akagera National Park Boat cruise

A guided boat tour on Lake Ihema located in the national park. Lake Ihema is one of the largest lakes in the park, found in the southern area. It has the highest number of hippos in East Africa. On the guided boat tour, visitors can see crocodiles, water birds, elephants drinking from the lake, and more.

Sport fishing

Guided sportfishing in Akagera National Park is a must-do activity for visitors. It usually takes place at Lake Shakani. During this fun experience, visitors can enjoy the sounds of hippos, fish splashing in the water, and the songs of water birds.

Birdwatching

The national park is home to over 520 bird species, making it a great place for birdwatchers. Visitors can see a variety of birds, including water birds, forest birds, savannah species, and migratory birds. The park also has special birds from the Albertine Rift, like the rare papyrus gonolek found in the papyrus swamps, red-faced barbets, and swamp flycatchers. Other birds include the elusive shoebill stork, fish eagles, grey-backed fiscals, cattle egrets, black-headed weavers, Viellot’s black weavers, hammerkop, and pied crows.

Lodging options for safaris at Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park offers various places to stay, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. Visitors can choose from accommodations like Magashi Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Mantis Akagera Lodge, Munyana Homestay, Rutete Eco Lodge, Akagera Neighbors, Vintage Cottage, and Akagera Transit Lodge, depending on their budget.