Akagera National Park Rwanda – Wildlife Safari Tours

Akagera National Park is considered one of the most scenic parks in central-eastern Africa. Akagera Park offers remarkable biodiversity ranges and elusive birds that frequent the swamps. Akagera Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five tourist destination, which means it hosts elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and black rhino populations. Tourists visiting Akagera Park in Rwanda can participate in several activities, including game drives, boat safari, bird watching, bird photography, fishing, hiking, guided nature walks, and community cultural experiences. Akagera National Park has over 8,000 large animals living within the park, including primates and over 500 species of birds, making it the best tourist destination in Rwanda. The park also hosts 10 lakes within the National Park, which visitors can explore for boat safaris.

Wildlife Photography

Akagera National Park Information & Facts

  • Akagera National Park is in northeastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania.
  • Akagera National Park was established in 1934, making it the largest protected area in Rwanda. It covers approximately 1,122 square kilometers.
  • It’s famous for being the only national park in Rwanda with the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos)
  • Akagera National Park was named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary. The river feeds into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. The park has 10 lakes.
  • The complex system of lakes and papyrus swamps within the park makes up over a third of the park, making it the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.
  • Akagera National Park is the only exclusive refuge for savannah wildlife in Rwanda. Over 8,000 large animals include antelopes, zebras, hyenas, warthogs, buffaloes, crocodiles, duikers, and many more.
Akagera National Park zebras

Akagera National Park Safaris and Tours

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Things To Do in Akagera National Park 

There are many refreshing activities you can undertake, including:

Game Drives & Night Drives

With over 8,000 large animals, including the Big Five, game drives in Akagera Park are the best way for visitors to explore this beautiful, rich, vast national park.

Bird Watching & Photography

Over 500 bird species inhabit Akagera National Park, including many migratory birds, making it the best destination for bird enthusiasts.

Hiking and Guided Nature Walks

Hiking and nature walks in Akagera National Park allow visitors to view various flora and fauna, including bird species, wildlife, butterflies, plants, and trees.

Spot Fishing

Spot Fishing in Akagera National Park is mainly done on Lake Shakani. Catfish and Tilapia are the most common fish species in Lake Shakani. The national park also organizes fishing tournaments on this lake.

Boat Safaris

Akagera National Park has 10 lakes, and Boat trips/cruises give visitors the chance to explore the beautiful crystal lakes within the park. The trips are mostly held on Lake Ihema, where you will see lots of crocodiles and hippos.

Community Cultural Experiences

Visitors engage with local communities around the Akagera to learn about their culture and traditions. Some tours include visits to local villages, dance performances, folk songs and stories, and traditional arts and crafts.

Best Time to Akagera National Park 

Akagera Park can be visited all year round. However, the best time for game drives and outdoor activities is during the dry season (June to September). Most water sources have dried up, so most of the animals congregate around the few available sources.

The Wet Season (March to May and October to November) is excellent for bird watching as migratory birds arrive, and the park’s birdlife is at its most active and colorful. It also offers a lush, green landscape, making it very scenic and beautiful for photography.

Kenya Birding safari

Tips To Keep You Safe on Akagera National Park 

  • Get a professional tour guide from a reliable tour and travel agency
  • You must follow all rules and guidelines provided by Akagera National Park authorities. These rules include speed limits and designated areas for activities.
  • Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the mosquitoes and sun and to stay warm on open-vehicle game drives.
  • Don’t drive too close to animals on a self-drive safari, and back off if the animals seem disturbed.
  • If self-driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, preferably a 4×4, as some roads can be rough.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park 

The available accommodations within Akagera National Park range from luxury facilities, mid-range facilities, and budget facilities as well as campsites for budget travelers. Here are some recommendations for places to stay near Akagera Park:

  • Mgashi Lodge
  • Rusizi Tented Camp
  • Akagera Game lodge
  • Karenge Bush Camp
Birding safari

Accommodation in Akagera National Park 

  • By Road—Akagera National Park is approximately 108 kilometers (about 67.11 mi) from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Kigali to the southern gate of the park.
  • By Air—The nearest airport is Akagera. It’s approximately 30 minutes away from Kigali International Airport.

Akagera National Park FAQs 

The Akagera National Park is situated in northeastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania.

Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, bird watching, bird photography, fishing, hiking, guided nature walks, and community cultural experiences.

The best time for outdoor activities, such as game drives, is during the dry season (June to September) when animals congregate around water sources.

Akagera Park is home to over 8,000 large animals, including the Big Five and more. It also hosts over 500 species of birds. 

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