Overview
Akagera National Park is a wildlife reserve in northeastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It spans 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles) and is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including savannah, montane forests, and extensive wetlands.
Established in 1934 by the Belgian colonial government, Akagera was created to protect the region’s wildlife amid increasing threats. The park is named after the Kagera River, which flows through it and feeds into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. Notably, over a third of the park is covered by lakes and papyrus swamps, making it the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.
Historically, Akagera was home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. However, the park has faced significant challenges over the decades due to poaching and habitat loss. By the late 20th century, many species had drastically declined or disappeared altogether. For instance, African wild dogs were last seen in 1984 following a disease outbreak, while black rhinos were last sighted in 2007 due to severe poaching pressures. In recent years, conservation efforts have led to the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos into the park, restoring its status as a vital wildlife refuge.
Today, Akagera National Park offers a range of activities for visitors, including game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, bird watching (with over 520 species recorded), and night drives to observe nocturnal wildlife. The park’s management has focused on enhancing security measures and promoting sustainable tourism to support conservation efforts. This includes partnerships with organizations like African Parks to improve infrastructure and increase visitor numbers—growing from 8,000 visitors in 2010 to over 34,000 by 2022. The ongoing efforts aim not only to protect the park’s biodiversity but also to ensure that it becomes economically self-sustaining through tourism revenue.
Akagera is still a relatively off-the-beaten-track destination, receiving less attention from safari adventurers. However, the park’s beauty and unique wildlife will likely attract more visitors in the coming years. If you’re looking for solitude and a one-on-one classic wildlife safari experience, Akagera National Park is the perfect place to visit.
Wildlife Diversity
Akagera is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, various antelopes (such as bushbucks and topis), and several primate species like olive baboons and vervet monkeys. The park also supports populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in its lakes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species across different habitats, including savannahs, wetlands, and woodlands. When it comes to wildlife sightings, Akagera may not rival the renowned parks of Kenya and Tanzania, but its stunning landscapes and rich birdlife make it a highly rewarding destination.
Big Five
Akagera is the only place in Rwanda where visitors can see the Big Five:
- African Elephants
- African Buffaloes
- Lions
- Leopards
- Black Eastern Rhinos (recently reintroduced)
Other Mammals
The plains of Akagera are teeming with wildlife, with abundant zebra and Masai giraffe. The park boasts 11 antelope species, including waterbucks, topis, Roan Antelopes, sitatunga (semi-aquatic), klipspringers, bushbucks, elands, with the graceful impala being the most common.
Notably, large herds of topi roam the area, while Defassa waterbuck frequently gather near the lakes. Bushbuck can often be spotted in the woodland regions, and the Mutumba Hills are a great place to catch sight of pairs of oribi.
If you wan to see lots of hippos, take a boat trip. You’ll most probably encounte massive Nile crocodiles and sometimes elephants splashing in the water.
Some of the interesting animals you may spot on a safari game drive include:
- Warthogs
- Hyenas
- Serval cats
- Bush pigs
- Various primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies
Birdlife
Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 520 bird species. Notable birds include:
- Shoebill Stork
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Various raptors such as fish eagles and grey-crowned cranes
- Migratory birds like the lesser kestrel and great snipe
The park’s diverse habitats support both resident and migratory birds, making it an excellent location for birding enthusiast
Attractions
Akagera National Park offers tour activities and attractions that cater to various interests, making it a unique destination for wildlife safari enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Game Drives
Game drives in Akagera, both day and night, allow visitors to explore the park’s rich biodiversity, including the Big Five while also spotting various antelope species and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Akagera National Park offers three main types of game drives:
- Morning Game Drive: Typically runs from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This is the best time to see animals as they are most active during the cooler hours.
- Afternoon Game Drive: From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, allowing for sightings as animals begin to move again in the late afternoon.
- Night Game Drive: Conducted from 5:30 PM to around 8:30 PM, primarily in the southern sector of the park. These drives offer a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife using spotlight torches.
During game drives, visitors can expect to see a variety of species, including:
- The Big Five: African elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and black rhinos.
- Other notable animals include giraffes, zebras, various antelope species (like impalas and topis), hippos, and crocodiles.
- The park is also home to over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and various raptors.
Nkuringo Safaris conducts Akagera game drives in comfortable 4×4 safari jeeps accompanied by knowledgeable guides from the Akagera Management Company (AMC). These guides enhance the experience by providing insights into animal behavior and ecology, ensuring that visitors have a rewarding experience.
Pricing Structure
- Half-Day Game Drive (5 hours): From $180 per person.
- Full-Day Game Drive (11.5 hours): From $280 per person.
- Night Game Drive (2.5 hours): $40 for adults and $25 for children aged 6-12.
Self-drive options are available, but hiring a guide is recommended for better wildlife spotting and insights.
Best Times for Viewing
The best times for game drives in Akagera National Park are early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and animals are more active. During these periods, visitors have a higher chance of witnessing hunting behaviors and other natural activities.
