Akagera National Park is located in the Eastern part of Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania. The park covers an area of about 1,200 square kilometers and is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope and birds. It is also home to several lakes, including Lake Ihema, which is the second-largest lake in Rwanda and a popular destination for boat safaris and bird-watching. Akagera National Park is an important conservation area in Rwanda and plays a vital role in protecting the country’s biodiversity. It is managed by the Rwanda Development Board in partnership with African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization. The park is a popular destination for travelers interested in wildlife safaris, bird-watching, and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Akagera National Park - Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda
Akagera National Park is found in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. It is dominated by swamps and small lakes with flow in the wake of River Akagera. All the water sources work together to create a piece of spectacular scenery. It is quite a remarkable eco-system. The Park was obviously named after River Akagera. The park is almost unrecognizable today compared to just 20 years ago when it was on the verge of being lost forever. Lions were hunted to local extinction, rhinos disappeared, and the park’s wildlife was displaced by tens of thousands of long-horned cattle.
Akagera Game Drive
The wildlife in Akagera includes: elephants, buffaloes, zebras, burchel zebras, Masai giraffes various species of antelopes such as the defassa Waterbuck, Topi, roan antelopes, the large Eland Antelopes, Bohor Reedbuck, Oribi, Common Duiker, Klipspringer and the semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelopes. There are also some primates such as vervet monkeys, olive baboons, wide eyed bush babies and the rarely seen blue monkeys. A few other animals you might come across include: lions which are rarely seen, the black tailed mongoose, catlike genet, black-masked civet, serval cats, warthogs, bush pigs, rarely seen lions and more. For those interested in birding, Akagera National Park has over 520 bird species. 100 of these species can only be seen in this park.
Boat Safaris / Rides
Boating: boating safaris are one thing that never gets old. They are simply exciting. In Akagera national park you can go for a boating safari on Lake Ihema. Lake Ihema has one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the region and has numerous crocodiles as well. You could also see some elephants as they make their way to the water to have a drink, and to bathe. You will also see various water birds while on a boat safari on the lake Ihema. Akagera national park is one of Rwanda’s best national park is well worth a visit and should be added to your safari itinerary as you plan to visit Rwanda, whether it is a trip to just the one country, or an combined east Africa safari, or just a gorilla trekking trip. Take time off and visit this Akagera national park.
Accommodations in Akagera
Akagera Game Lodge is situated amazingly on the fringe looking over varied landscape of hills, Lake Ihema, deep valleys and variety of grass. It is known as a better venue which offers a favorable environment. Accommodation provided by the lodge is wonderful with Executive suite plus inside studios; every suite offers gorgeous scenery looking over Lake Ihema. Its rooms are properly designed to display the African style. Visitors are well looked after and also housekeeping services are available to offer you a very comfortable stay. The staff is warm and friendly. The lodge offers cottages which provide an ideal luxury accommodation suitable for groups as well as families. You’ll certainly love the peace of this area. The lodge features a swimming pool in which guests loosen up after a busy day. The experienced chef uses local plus international ingredients to prepare very delicious meals.