Things to do in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is situated in Eastern Rwanda, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. The park was established in 1934 and currently has an area of 1,200 square kilometers. It was named after the Kagera River, which supplies numerous lakes (Lake Gishanju, Lake Ihema, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, and Lake Shakani) situated within and near the park. The water bodies, along with the savannah grasslands, woods, plains, and rolling hills, render the park exceptionally lovely and picturesque.
Akagera National Park has experienced a challenging history. The 1994 genocide and civil conflict precipitated a significant refugee crisis, causing several individuals to escape the nation via the park. Subsequent to the conflict, the refugees reentered the country via the park. Some migrants lacked land, food, or shelter and resorted to poaching and deforestation within Akagera National Park. This was a difficult period for park administration as wild creatures faced threats, and some species became extinct within the park. The park’s wildlife was gradually supplanted by domesticated animals, notably the indigenous long-horned cow. The individuals could not just be displaced without a designated destination. The government designated part of the park for individuals lacking a place to begin their lives post-war. The remaining portion was designated for the preservation of wildlife that had endured human threats.
In 2010, the Rwandan government established a cooperative management agreement with the Africa Parks Network, supported by the Howard Buffett Foundation and other organizations. This was a significant turning point in the park’s fortunes. The park management, in collaboration with multiple donors and international wildlife conservation organizations, initiated an ambitious program to reintroduce species such as lions and rhinoceroses that had become extinct in the park, while enhancing security through fencing and increased aerial surveillance to combat poaching.
Activities in Akagera National Park The initiative has been highly successful, as the park currently hosts all of the Big Five (buffaloes, leopards, elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses), establishing Akagera as a premier destination for African safaris. In addition to the Big Five, the park is home to many savannah fauna, including topi, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, warthogs, hyenas, waterbucks, mongooses, elands, zebras, serval cats, duikers, impalas, black-masked civets, reedbucks, bush pigs, giraffes, side-striped jackals, Klipspringers, Sitatunga antelopes, and roan antelopes. The primate species comprise olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and bushbabies.
The bird population has risen to approximately 500 species since the alterations in the park commenced. The birds flourish in a remarkable variety of habitats, including savannah plains, woods, and papyrus swamps. The uncommon Shoebill stork and Papyrus Gonolek can be observed on a boat excursion on the park’s lakes. Additional species comprise African fish eagles, cormorants, crowned cranes, egrets, herons, marabou storks, and open-billed storks.
The resurgence of key species and the ongoing growth of animal and avian populations have resulted in a rise in park visitation. The park generates millions of dollars from tourism, facilitating significant infrastructural development (hotels, roads) and local job generation. The park’s revenue is anticipated to rise from approximately $445 million to $485 million in the forthcoming years. The Akagera revitalization program exemplifies a significant success and a commendable initiative by the Rwandan government to elevate the tourism sector. Explore our 2-Day Akagera National Park safari package.
Directions to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is accessible by both air and road. The trip from Kigali offers guests a stunning aerial perspective of the park. Akagera Aviation facilitates flights between the park and Kigali. The park is accessible from Kigali within a maximum of 3 hours of driving on a well-paved asphalt road. Individuals commencing their trek from Rwamagana or Kibungo require one hour to arrive at the park. The 27 km road to the park entrance from the main road is dusty but navigable by automobiles, even during the rainy season. The internal roads of the park are inferior than those leading to the entrance and necessitate a robust four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly during the wet season.
Private vehicles and drivers can be rented from Kigali or Akagera National Park for approximately $175 for half a day or $275 for a full day. The majority of international travelers prioritize convenience and use an expert tour operator to arrange their safari. Tour operators will coordinate all aspects, including lodging, transportation, and activity reservations. We advise utilizing the services of a tour operator if you have not previously visited or resided in Rwanda. Mission Africa Safaris possesses expertise in arranging excursions to Akagera. We will organize the vehicle and driver/guide for you, while also guaranteeing that your lodging and activities are reserved in advance.
Top Things to do in Akagera national park
Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorillas and mountaineering at Volcanoes National Park, among other attractions. Akagera is the one location in Rwanda where one can observe the Big Five. Safaris in Akagera National Park are exceptional because of the distinctive landscapes, providing an extraordinary experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The terrain, particularly the undulating hills and valleys inside the park, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The proximity to Kigali has rendered Akagera increasingly popular among both domestic and foreign tourists. This venue is ideal for individuals visiting the capital for conferences, business trips, or workshops who like to observe Africa’s renowned wildlife in its natural habitat. A three-day safari at Akagera National Park is ideal because to the less crowds in comparison to other frequented game parks in East Africa, enabling guests to experience a sense of solitude during their safari. The animals exhibit greater calmness, maybe due to the reduced presence of huge predators, facilitating easier observation for tourists. If time is limited, you may opt for a one-day game drive and boat ride in Akagera National Park. It is advisable to visit the park now before the crowds increase, as seen in other regional game parks. The Rwandan government advocates for gender equality, resulting in a higher proportion of female guides and workers compared to other regions. The park administration permits visitors to see their offices to gain insights into conservation and various park management initiatives.
Participation in park events or vehicular access within the park requires authorization. Certain activities, such as game drives and boat cruises, require advance reservations. Let us examine the actions in greater detail:
Game drives are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening across the hills, plains, and lakes. The park’s roads are well developed due to the collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks. Visitors must obtain a tour van capable of traversing the park’s rugged terrain. Park guides are essential during the wildlife drive as they possess extensive knowledge of the area and will direct you to optimal locations while imparting crucial information about various species. Guides are available for hiring for approximately $25 from the park’s communications office.
Akagera is among the limited locations where nocturnal game drives can be organized. Night game drives utilize spotlights and an open-roof vehicle to enable tourists to observe nocturnal fauna such as genets, mongooses, bushbabies, owls, nightjars, leopards, and hyenas. These animals and birds are exceedingly challenging to observe during daylight hours. Night game drives are priced at $40 for international visitors and have a duration of two to three hours. An intriguing article regarding the cost of a safari in Akagera may capture your curiosity.
Lake Ihema is renowned for its boat excursions. During the boat excursion, one may observe crocodiles, hippos, and elephants drinking at the water’s edge. The lakes and adjacent marshes serve as breeding habitats for various avian species, including the African darter, African jacana, blue-headed coucal, cormorant, fish eagles, kingfishers, marsh flycatcher, and open-bill stork. International tourists are required to pay $40 for the boat excursion. A maximum of 11 individuals may be permitted to board the boat. Individuals seeking a more private encounter may organize their own excursion for $180. Vessels depart in the morning and afternoon.
The cost of a safari in Akagera National Park includes birdwatching, which offers the chance to observe more than 450 species. Although Nyungwe Forest has a limited number of forest birds and Albertine Rift species, visitors will nevertheless find satisfaction in the variety of savannah and woodland species present in the park. Included among the species are the Arnot’s chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, Suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet, and long-tailed cistola. The notable Shoebill population can be observed in the park, but in limited numbers.
Sport Fishing: Akagera National Park is undoubtedly the premier destination for sport fishing in Rwanda. The banks of Lake Shakani are excellent for angling species such as Tilapia and catfish. While fishing, one will observe several birds and animals drinking at the water’s edge. Fishing tournaments are often organized, and victors are granted the opportunity to prepare and consume their catch. Fishing permits are priced at $20.
Nature walks in the park can be organized with the assistance of a park guide. A stroll through designated areas of the park allows for the appreciation of its remarkable biodiversity. The nature walks entail traversing designated park pathways that guide participants to forests, lakes, and wetlands.
Walking Along the Park Perimeter: Pertaining to the nature excursions, attendees may opt to accompany one of the fence attendants and park guides for a walk along the security barrier. The security fence has effectively mitigated poaching and other conflicts with nearby human populations. The 7-kilometer stroll lasts for two hours, incurs no cost, and offers magnificent vistas of the wildlife park.
The administration of Akagera National Park partners with local communities to facilitate cultural trips for tourists. These excursions are conducted by community guides. During these cultural excursions, guests observe the native practices of caring for long-horned cattle, brewing beer, preparing cuisine, and commemorating significant seasonal events. Visitors may assist in milking cows, sample local cuisine, and engage in traditional folk dancing. The visits take a maximum of 3 hours.
Additional activities beyond the park: Visitors can engage in several activities in proximity to the park and in Kigali, the city. Activities include seeing the Rusumo Falls, the presidential palace, the museum, the Kigali city markets, and the genocide memorial centers and museums. Individuals interested in purchasing mementos may visit one of the local art and craft shops en route to the park.
When is best time to visit Akagera National Park?
The optimal period for a safari in Akagera National Park, Safaris in Akagera National Park are conducted year-round. No public holiday exists, and tourism operations persist daily, including weekends. The majority of visitors favor attending the park in the dry season.
The rainy season transpires during March and April, rendering the roadways challenging to traverse. The optimal period to visit the park is from December to February. The rains have ceased; nonetheless, the park remains verdant from the prior rainy season. During this season, numerous waterholes become desiccated, prompting animals to congregate in the limited remaining pools. This facilitates their identification at a single location, in contrast to the rainy season. Certain visitors may find the elevated temperatures and arid roads challenging to endure.
What to consider when planing to visit Akagera National Park
Are you intending to visit the sole Savannah wildlife park in Rwanda? The park operates from 6 AM to 6 PM, with an entrance price of approximately $40 for international tourists. Rwanda is a tropical nation, hence harboring insects and diseases to which overseas tourists may lack immunity. It is imperative to consult your physician and receive vaccination for Yellow Fever before to flying to Rwanda. Ensure to bring malaria medication, as the park is inhabited by mosquitoes and Tse Tse flies. Furthermore, game drives are conducted with open car windows, which may attract unpleasant insect bites. Insect repellent is essential for deterring insects. Consider bringing long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and garments in muted colors.
Accommodation Options in Akagera National Park
Are you inquiring about accommodations for your overnight stay on your safari in Akagera National Park? Accommodation alternatives in Akagera are restricted in comparison to other national parks. Certain lodges operate seasonally and necessitate prior verification of their availability. The hotel issues were a significant difficulty for the park’s stakeholders. New lodges are now under construction, and further ones are in the planning stages both within and outside the park. Booking your hotel in advance is essential to prevent any difficulties in securing the appropriate accommodation.
Budget-conscious and adventurous guests may establish their own campsite within Akagera National Park, in contrast to most other national parks where camping is prohibited. However, remain vigilant against intruders, particularly insects and baboons who tend to pilfer from campers. A hotel with more permanent structures would be more appropriate if you have a fear of insects. Camping and reveling in the African wilderness is exceedingly exciting, particularly in the company of companions. Three designated campsites impose a fee of $20 per person each night for international visitors. Tents for up to six individuals are available for rental at an additional cost of $20. Each campsite is equipped with amenities such as firewood, latrines, and meat roasting equipment.
Accommodations in Akagera National Park are classified into three categories: luxury, mid-range, and economy hotels and lodges. The accommodations vary from enduring masonry edifices to opulent tents. Let us examine some motels in depth.
Ruzizi Tented resort: Established by the park administration in 2013, this luxury resort allocates its income entirely to conservation initiatives. Adjacent to the park headquarters, it has nine aesthetically pleasing safari tents constructed in a local architectural style and powered by solar energy. The tents are elevated to safeguard visitors from hippos and crocodiles in proximity to the lake. Each tent can accommodate two individuals. The tents are exceptionally spacious and luxurious, accommodating a maximum of 20 individuals in the lodge daily. Due to its proximity to Lake Ihema, it is feasible to observe the animals feeding and drinking in the vicinity. The meals provided are fresh and flavorful, featuring both foreign and local cuisine. The lodge’s amenities include self-contained rooms, hot and cold water, a dressing area, a fireplace, as well as a bar and restaurant.
Despite the Lodge’s opulent amenities, the costs remain relatively low, hence providing genuine value for money in comparison to others. Due to its popularity among park visitors, it is essential to make reservations weeks in advance, particularly if you intend to visit during the weekend.
Akagera National Park Accommodations: Akagera Game Lodge has permanent brick structures, distinguishing it from Ruzizi Tented Lodge, which features tents. The Lodge is constructed within the park and adjacent to the shores of Lake Ihema. The lodge appears aesthetically pleasing externally, featuring amenities such as a swimming pool, conference center, and tennis court. The lodge comprises sixty rooms tailored for individuals, children, and families. Budget, mid-range, and luxurious accommodations are available. If you are interested in fishing, birdwatching, or game drives, this may be the ideal location for you. Baboons frequently visit the compound and its surrounding area, providing a delightful spectacle.
Dereva Hotel: Dereva is an economical accommodation situated on the periphery of the wildlife park in Rwamagana District. The drive from the hotel to the park is about 40 minutes. The accommodations include both single and twin self-contained rooms equipped with WiFi, telephones, and flat-screen televisions. A lounge area and meeting rooms of various sizes are available.
Karenge Bush Camp: This opulent camp operates exclusively during the peak seasons of June to August and December to February. The crew is highly professional and diligently attends to tourists’ needs. Services include full board, with tourists anticipating quality accommodations and meals, including water, provided three times daily.
Magashi Lodge: This newly inaugurated luxury hotel is situated in a secluded region of the park, distanced from the primary park headquarters. The aim is to provide increased seclusion for individuals seeking more personal experiences.