Akagera National Park Rwanda – Akagera Safari in Rwanda Wildlife Tour
This is located in the north eastern end of Rwanda. It covers an area of 1,085 km2 making it the largest national park in Rwanda. It boarders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera river hence the name Akagera. The national park was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in three habitats; Savannah, mountain and swamp. The most remote of the Nile sources, River Akagera flows along the eastern part of the park and feeds many parks, the largest being Lake Ihema. The labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps follows the river course to constitute a third of the park area. This protected wetland is the largest in central African region and in contrast to the farmed hills and Rwanda highlands, Akagera is at a moderately minor elevation with warm climate and the area mostly low lying savannah with rolling plains of broad leafed and acacia woodlands and grass lands. This open expansiveness is ideal for game viewing.
Tourist Attractions in Akagera National Park
Wild Animals
Wild Animals in akagera national park
Akagera with its many lakes is rich in fauna. Some fauna species include; elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a range of antelope. Important to note is that Akagera and its lakes are home to one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus in Africa. One of the animals that you will probably also see is the Nile crocodile which is the second world’s largest reptile. Of the shy animals that you may be lucky to see include few counts of leopards and spotted hyenas. Lions are being re-introduced in the park.
The small predators to be found in the park are mongoose, genets, serval cats, and side striped jackal. Also very common are the primates; vervet monkeys, olive baboons, bush babies and hardly silver monkey species. With 12 species of antelope that may be spotted in Akagera, the grace full impala is the most common and will probably be impossible to miss.
Akagera is one of the most diverse and scenic of Africa’s game reserves in terms of landscape and one where you can still drive for some hours without encountering another vehicle.
Birds
Birds in akagera national park
With more than 525 species of birds, Akagera is one of the best havens for watching birds in Rwanda. The three park habitats ranging from mountain to savannah, and eventually swamp favor a range of birds. No wonder, its Rwanda’s best spot for raptors and savannah bird species. Water birds and the less common birds living amongst the papyrus swamps exist in good stock. Bird species include; shoe bill stork, papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary, white-winged warbler, and the Caruthers’s cisticola. Other species found around the low lying savannah are the sought after; Sousa’s shrike, red faced barbet, Bennett’s woodpecker, long tailed cisticola, miombo wren warblers, white winged and broad tailed warblers and white collared olive back.
Water bodies
Water bodies in akagera national park
Akagera is gifted by a multitude of water bodies including rivers and lakes all of which combine to derive a satisfactory experience. Various lakes include; Lake Mihindi, Lake Gishanju, Lake Shakani and Lake Ihema. While mystical Kagera river stream through the wilderness. This is indeed attractive as most of the animals gather on the shores for drinking while the water its self is a fountain of recreational activities in Rwanda.
Water bodies
Water bodies in akagera national park
Akagera is gifted by a multitude of water bodies including rivers and lakes all of which combine to derive a satisfactory experience. Various lakes include; Lake Mihindi, Lake Gishanju, Lake Shakani and Lake Ihema. While mystical Kagera river stream through the wilderness. This is indeed attractive as most of the animals gather on the shores for drinking while the water its self is a fountain of recreational activities in Rwanda.
Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park
Boat trips
Boat trips in akagera national park
Boating on Lake Ihema is a must if you include Akagera on your Rwanda safari. Akagera safari lodge operates boat cruises alongside the tourism office of Rwanda. Catch the sight of numerous hippos and the thrilling outsized Nile crocodiles amidst Lake Ihema’s striking views. For bird lovers there is an opportunity to observe many water birds.
Fishing
Fishing activity is mainly carried out on Lake Shakani and it is itself a rewarding activity.
Game drives
Night Game Drives as a Rwanda Safari activity in Akagera National Park
If a guest at Akagera game lodge can participate in their arranged game drives including the night drive where you have the opportunity to spot animals not seen during the day.
Self drives; On entering the park, you receive a map to orient yourself. You will be offered the option of taking on board guide if you wish so. Guides are experts in spotting animals in the wild identifying them and they can help you find your way in the protected area. The guide fee is part of your entrance fee though a tip at the end of the trip is expected. There are many circuits to drive of various lengths. The famous of these is one day drive stretching from the southern part of the park is to pass all he lakes going north and turn back when you reach Mutumba hills.
Helicopter Adventures; One of the most thrilling adventures you can have in Rwanda is to take a ride on a helicopter. Flights to and from different attractions are arranged by various helicopter companies. Encountering the park on aerial game flight is rewarding and generates lasting memories on this Rwanda wildlife safari.
Getting There
How to get there.
- From Kigali over 2 hours’ drive.
- From Kibungo / Rwamagana over 1 hour drive.
- The entrance-gate is 500 meters from Akagera Game Lodge, linked by dirt road connection ranging for over 27 kilometers from the major surface road at kabarondo approximately 15 km north side of Kibungo.
- Roads require 4×4 vehicles in the rainy season though other vehicles can be of use in the dry season.
- Public means with use of minibus taxis connect to and fro kayonza and Kibungo. Disembark at the junction to get a motorbike- taxi to the park.
Accommodations in Akagera National Park Rwanda – Safari Lodges in Akagera National Park | Safari Hotels in Akagera National Park
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Situated on the shores of Lake Ihema- the second largest lake in Rwanda, Ruzizi Tented lodge is a novelty setup in the environs of Rwanda. The lodge came into operation in October 2012 after nine months of construction.
Facilities:
- The lodge has 7 tents with a maximum occupancy of 14 people.
- Every tent has en-suite bathroom equipped with cold and warm water.
- A dressing area
- Relaxed queen or ¾ twin beds.
- A lounge bar and dining.
- A fireplace under the fig tree.
- Solar electricity.
Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge is situated within the boundaries of Akagera National Park overlooking L. Ihema. It comprises of 58 en-suite rooms and 2 suites that are executives. Each room has twin beds with satellite Television.
Facilities.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Conference room
- Business facilities.
Camp sites.
Akagera national park has got campsites to cater for camping travellers. These include;
Shakani campsite. This s located on the banks of Lake Shakani, the single water body where fishing is permitted as a tourist activity. It offers sights for hippos, birds and scenery.
Mutamba campsite. Mutamba Campsite is the most raised vantage in the park thus known for animal gathering including roan antelope and herds of eland.
Muyumba campsite.
Located on a ridge overlooking Shakani and Ihema Lakes and Tanzania across. It is with in afew kilometers range from Kiyonza reception making it the closest camp to the entrance. The above campsites possess washroom and pit latrines though there is no running water. Carry your water according to the length of stay while firewood is provided and tents can be hired from the reception.
Rwanda Safari Destinations
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park, This is located in the north eastern end of Rwanda. It covers an area of 1,085 km2 making it the largest national park in Rwanda. It boarders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera river hence the name Akagera. The national park was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in three habitats; Savannah, mountain and swamp. The most remote of the Nile sources, River Akagera flows along the eastern part of the park and feeds many parks, the largest being Lake Ihema. The labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps follows the river course to constitute a third of the park area. This protected wetland is the largest in central African region and in contrast to the farmed hills and Rwanda highlands, Akagera is at a moderately minor elevation with warm climate and the area mostly low lying savannah with rolling plains of broad leafed and acacia woodlands and grass lands. This open expansiveness is ideal for game viewing. Know more about Akagera National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Nyungwe rainforest is positioned in the southwest of Rwanda, bordering Burundi in the south including Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lake Kivu in the west. This rain forest can be considered as so far the well conserved in the central African highlands. Positioned in the watershed divide of Congo River basin and the Nile basin in the west and east respectively, Nyungwe forest is a home to the branches of the sources of the Nile. Established in 2004, the forest park covers over 970km2 of the rain forest, grassland, bamboo, bogs and swamps. Kyangugu is the nearby town over 54 km to the west direction while the notable Bigugu Mountain lies within the park boarders. Know More about Nyungwe Forest National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park rwanda
Volcanoes National Park also referred to as Parc National des Volcanos in French is situated in north-west of Rwanda sharing a boarder with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This protected area is famously known for its mountain gorillas. It also houses five out of eight volcanoes that form the Virunga Highlands. These include; Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga.
The first gazettion occurred in 1925 where the land mass surrounded by Visoke, Mikeno and Karisimbi, was allocated with intention to minimise gorilla poaching. Know more about Volcanoes National Park
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