Akagera National Park

BEST TIME TO GO

June to September.

HIGH SEASON

dry season, which is between June to September

AKAGERA PARK ANIMALS

lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, and hundreds of bird species

A Unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore Rwanda's natural beauty and wildlife.From its diverse birdlife to its large mammal population, Akagera is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and conservation. With several activities and attractions available, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s largest protected wetland ecosystem and home to a diverse array of wildlife. Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and conservation.

History and Overview

Originally established in 1934 as a game reserve, Akagera National Park was expanded and officially declared a national park in 1997. Today, it covers an area of 1,200 square kilometers and is managed by the Rwanda Development Board in partnership with African Parks, a non-profit organization that specializes in managing protected areas.

Wildlife and Ecosystem

Akagera National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 500 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork and numerous species of raptors, waterfowl, and forest birds. Mammals found in Akagera include the iconic African elephant, Cape buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hippopotamus, crocodile, and several species of antelope such as the impala, bushbuck, and topi. Predators include lions, leopards, hyenas, and jackals.

One of the unique features of Akagera National Park is its wetland ecosystem, which comprises several lakes and swamps. The largest of these is Lake Ihema, which is home to a large population of hippos and Nile crocodiles. The park also has several rivers, including the Akagera River, which forms the park’s eastern boundary.

The Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park

The best time for visitors to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, which is between June to September. The climate in the park does not change much throughout the year, but visitors will experience warmer temperatures during the long dry season.

BEST TIME TO GO

June to September

HIGH SEASON

the dry season, which is between June to September

AKAGERA PARK ANIMALS

lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, and hundreds of bird species

Akagera National Park Gallery.

Accommodation and Accessibility

Akagera National Park is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, by road. The park is located approximately 135 km east of Kigali and can be reached in about three hours by car. The park’s main entrance is located near the town of Kayonza, and visitors can enter the park by paying the entrance fee at the gate.

There are several accommodation options available within and near Akagera National Park, including tented camps, lodges, and campsites. The park also has a number of picnic sites and rest areas for visitors.

Activities and Attractions Akagera National Park

There are several activities to enjoy while visiting Akagera National Park, including game drives, bird watching, boat safaris, and guided nature walks. Game drives are the most popular activity and provide visitors with the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife up close. Visitors can choose from several game drive routes, including the southern circuit, which offers scenic views of the Akagera River and Lake Ihema, and the northern circuit, which takes visitors through the park’s rolling hills and grasslands.

For those interested in bird watching, Akagera National Park is a paradise. The park’s diverse birdlife can be observed throughout the year, with the best times to visit being during the breeding season from October to December and the migration season from March to May.

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer visitors the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds up close while enjoying the park’s tranquil scenery. Guided nature walks are also available and provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the park’s flora and fauna on foot.

Nature Walks

Akagera national park management offers nature walks in some areas of the park with a ranger guide. This is a good way to explore the park outside of a vehicle that you use while on a game drive. Also, it allows more time and engagement concerning butterflies, insects, and plants that you could easily miss while on a safari.

Fishing

You have an opportunity of fishing while in Akagera national park. You can do this on both Lake Ihema and Shakani which is a thrilling experience. At the serene waters, you can fish to the background music of chirping birds and hippos that grunt as if to cheer you on. You are free to keep your catch to roast, fry or grill it and enjoy the taste of fresh fish from Rwanda