Sarania Adventure Safaris For Customized East African Safaris

Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah-dominated Safari destination is a bucket list item for visitors from around the World. This sweeping expanse of wilderness provides phenomenal wildlife encounters, diverse ecosystems/landscapes, and a plethora of experiences to suit all tastes. For visitors yearning for big game safaris and unmatched wilderness experiences, this Park is the answer. Our ultimate guide will help you plan your safari to this magical side of Africa and make the most of your experience.

Location and Size

Spanning a staggering 112,200 hectares/433 square miles, the beautiful Akagera National Park is the largest Game Reserve in Rwanda. Located on the eastern side of Rwanda, the Protected Area shares its borders with Tanzania, offering a vast and varied landscape for animals to thrive.

History and significance

Established in 1934 to protect the area’s wildlife from overhunting and ecosystem destruction, Akagera National Park has grown into a World-class Protected Area. Named after the Kagera River that drains through the eastern border of Rwanda with Tanzania, Akagera plays a crucial role in preserving the diverse natural habitats protecting countless species, as well as promoting sustainable tourism in the area.

Akagera National Park has in the past gone through several conservation setbacks that include poaching/hunting, encroachment into its boundaries, civil wars, as well as animal extinction. However, this is slowly becoming history, thanks to the different partnerships between the Rwandan Government and various International Conservation Organizations. These Partnerships have been significant in the restoration of this Protected Area to its former glory.

One of the testimonies of these incredible partnerships includes the re-introduction of animals that were once extinct such as lions, Black and white Rhinos, and the Masai giraffes. The Rwanda Development Board entered into a 20-year renewable agreement with the African Parks network in 2010 for the effective and sustainable management of this National Park.

Akagera National Park vegetation

This Conservation Area protects the typical African savannah ecosystem, which includes acacia species as well as bushlands that are dotted with open savannah grassland as well as dozens of swampy vegetation.

Akagera National Park also features a complex system of Lakes connecting lush Papyrus swamps, hence making it Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and one of the last remaining havens for savannah-adapted species in the country.  The 1122-square-kilometer landscape is also dotted with montane forests, woodlands, and Rivers, with River Kagera draining through the Park, especially along its Eastern boundary with Tanzania).

Attractions in Akagera National Park

The diverse vegetation of Akagera National Park shelters different wildlife species, and several bird species, which are fundamental to the beauty and attractiveness of Akagera National Park

Wildlife

The main draw for many visitors to Akagera National Park is the opportunity to see the famous Big Five Game (Black and white Rhinos, African bush leopards, buffaloes, and lions). These phenomenal species are a testament to Rwanda’s incredible biodiversity and are sought-after sightings for safari enthusiasts.

Beyond the Big Five, Akagera National Park is haven to a remarkable variety of mammals, including giant elands, zebras, blue monkeys, mongoose, Oribis, olive baboons, Serval cats, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, Duikers, Masai giraffes, Impalas, Defassa waterbucks, Klipspringer, side-striped jackals, Hippos, Topis, warthogs, Roan antelopes Bohor reedbucks, vervet monkeys, and more.

Bird species

Akagera National Park is a birdwatcher’s Paradise, boasting over 500 species of birds. They’re scattered all through the different natural habitats- Lakes, savannah, montane forests, Bushlands, woodlands, and wetlands. From the African fish eagles, Hammerkop, to the Long-crested Eagles, this Park’s diverse natural habitats provide ample opportunities to spot both endemic and migratory species of the feathered beauties.

Other species to look out for include African wattled plovers, Bateleur, grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, Hadada Ibis, swamp flycatcher, red-faced barbets, Pied crows, Ross Turaco, papyrus gonolek, the Senegal Lapwings, Water thick-knee, giant kingfishers, grey-backed Fiscals, Lilac-breasted rollers, pied crows, shoebill storks, and more.

Beautiful Lakes

The beauty of Akagera National Park goes beyond animals and birds, but also its physical beauty. The Park’s swamp-fringed Lakes are extraordinarily beautiful, with Lake Ihema being the largest in the Park and surprisingly the second largest in the country. This is where boat cruises are undertaken. Other beautiful Lakes are Mihindi, Shakani, Rwanyakazinga, and Gishanju.

Top Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park

Game drives

Game drives are the quintessential Akagera National Park experience, allowing visitors to discover its natural beauty through some of the well-maintained game tracks. Led by seasoned guides, these game drives provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot Akagera’s abundant wildlife up close, while learning phenomenal insights into their behavior and ecosystems. Expect sights of giant elands, African bush elephants, Black and White Rhinos, Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffes, Oribis, leopards, Burchell’s zebras, lions, impalas, Topis, Kobs, and more.

Other unmissable species are bushbucks, Roan antelopes, Defassa waterbucks, Common warthogs, Mongoose, and more.

Hot Air Balloon Tours

Soar over sprawling savannah grasslands, woodlands, Valleys, forests, and other natural habitats of Akagera National Park on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride. See the Park’s perspective from a whole new perspective and create memories that last a lifetime. Expect to take in the scenic views of the different ecosystems along with the animals.

Boat cruises

Boat cruises along the Lake Ihema present a unique perspective on wildlife. These adventures allow visitors to view wildlife from the water’s edge, making it possible to see animals bathing or drinking.

The Lake and its surrounding wetlands are teeming with life, including Hippos and Crocodiles, as well as a plethora of bird species. A boat trip often provides a quieter experience, reducing the chances of startling animals.  Also look out for small herds of Elephants, Cape buffaloes, and antelopes, and lots of bird species such as African fish eagles, giant and Pied Kingfishers, papyrus gonolek, pelicans, Malachite Kingfishers, Hammerkop, and more. Sunset boat rides are especially enchanting, creating unforgettable views with vibrant skies, and such trips typically last about one hour.

Akagera Walking safaris

For visitors yearning for a more intimate encounter with Mother Nature, Akagera walking safaris provide an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes on foot, accompanied by a knowledgeable Ranger guide. This incredible immersive experience provides the chance to appreciate the smaller details of the Park’s flora and fauna, often overlooked/or missed during game drives.

Bird watching

With its phenomenal bird diversity, Akagera National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Guided birding excursions led by seasoned birders help you to identify and appreciate the exceptional avian life found in the 1122-square-kilometer Protected Area. Look out for the giant and pied kingfishers, African jacana, African fish eagles, Grey-crowned cranes, long-tailed Cisticola, shoebill storks, Long-crested Eagles, red-faced barbets, Senegal Lapwings, Papyrus gonolek, grey-crowned cranes, swamp flycatchers, Herons, Pelicans, Pied crows, and more.

Sport fishing

Provided on Lake Shakani, anglers can catch and release Catfish and Tilapia, with unexpected surprise visits from the Hippos, and antelopes.

Bush Camping

If Safari Lodges and Tented Camps are getting monotonous for you, switch things up with a relaxed bush Camping adventure, to enjoy a tranquil night ambiance with an opportunity to experience the wilderness. You can book your bush camping experience at one of the three Campsites with basic facilities such as solar-heated showers, running water, flush toilets, and more.

Community visits

Right next to Akagera National Park, you will find interesting local communities with riveting cultures and traditions, centered around arts and crafts, cattle rearing, preparation and savoring on traditional food, and local beer production. You also have a chance to visit the Imigongo Art and Craft Center to learn about the heritage of the people (cattle rearing).

When is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?

One of the first things you need to consider when planning an Akagera National Park safari is what time of the year to visit. Rwanda has two seasons, and the wonderful thing about Rwanda’s only Savannah National Park is that you can relish a brilliant safari there all year round.

That said, when you decide to visit might be influenced by what you would like to get from your Akagera safari experience, so read on to learn more.

If it is guaranteed wildlife spotting and safari big hitter you are after on your safari, then the dry season would be the best choice for your visit to Akagera National Park. Much as the Park is known for phenomenal wildlife viewing all year round, you are likely to tick more iconic species off your bucket list if you visit during the dry season- June to September and December to February. This is because animals are drawn to permanent water sources seeking much-needed water at this dry time of the year. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Park can get busy during these months (peak season).

If you are looking for a quieter, more intimate safari experience, then visiting Akagera National Park in the wet season- March to May and October to November is advisable.

Where to stay

Where to stay during a safari in Akagera National Park largely depends on the level of comfort you are seeking and your budget.  Available options include Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Dereva Hotel, and the three popular Campsites.

How to get to Akagera National Park

When it comes to traveling to your Akagera safari experience, it is important to know that Kigali International Airport is only about three hours’ drive from the Park’s gate, hence making it one of the easiest ways to access your safari.

Also, Akagera National Park is easy to reach by air- a 30-minute helicopter ride from Kigali International Airport, provided by Akagera Aviation.