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Experience the Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding. Akagera is particularly scenic and offers a wide diversity of habitats in a small area. Visitors can drive along a string of forest-fringed lakes and wetlands fed by the Akagera River. Tall mountains form a lovely backdrop to the ever-changing vegetation, which includes papyrus swamps and acacia woodland.
Akagera National Park is comprised of the perfect complement of varied wildlife habitat - savannah, open plains, woodlands, lakes, and papyrus swamps. This translates to exciting game viewing and photographic opportunities in numerous types of environments. The Big Five are readily spotted as well as at least 482 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. This scenic wetland reserve is a huge conservation success story for Rwanda.
Locate the Akagera National Park
Discover: Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park: Lion
Akagera National Park: Hippos
Akagera National Park: Giraffes
Akagera National Park: Common Eland
Akagera National Park: Elephants
The beauty of Akagera National Park located in Rwanda includes not only the numerous species of animals inhabiting the savanna and wetland areas but the history behind this stunning national park. Akagera suffered devastating impacts from a civil war 20 years ago when the lions and rhinos were hunted and the biodiversity was almost destroyed. Since then, Akagera rebuilt itself to become a sanctuary for many different types of animals including the endangered rhinoceros.This wildlife safe haven is a must-see if you’re in the area. The park ranks #1 for biggest, protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa and includes hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish. Akagera is a hot spot for educational field trips so don’t be surprised to run into school children with their class while you’re there!
Getting There
By Air: You can access Akagera National Park by flying using helicopter charters transfer, as there are no domestic flights to the park. If you enjoy luxury helicopter flights to Akagera Park, this can be arranged through Akagera Aviation, giving you scenic views and the most accessible access to the park. The flight is about 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport and arrives at Magashi Camp. If you stay at Ruzizi Tented Camp and Akagera Game Lodge, the helicopter will land near the park headquarters with a ground transfer arranged.
By Road: Akagera National Park is approximately 110 km from Kigali. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The best way to access the park is using a 4X4 safari vehicle. Although most of the route might be in good condition by African standards, expect some bumpy sections along the way.
Best time to visit
Akagera National Park is visited all year round. There are two seasons, which include:
Dry seasons: The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The park is dry at this time, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around the water sources, and it is easier to navigate while on game drives. There are fewer bugs, and the chances of catching malaria are low.
Wet seasons: With rainfall pouring down during this period, Akagera National Park comes to life with lush vegetation, making the park a picturesque landscape perfect for photography. It is an ideal time for birding activity due to the presence of migratory birds.
Dry seasons: The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The park is dry at this time, making it easier to spot wildlife as they gather around the water sources, and it is easier to navigate while on game drives. There are fewer bugs, and the chances of catching malaria are low.
Wet seasons: With rainfall pouring down during this period, Akagera National Park comes to life with lush vegetation, making the park a picturesque landscape perfect for photography. It is an ideal time for birding activity due to the presence of migratory birds.
Wildlife Experience
Akagera National Park is home to a great diversity of wildlife species, which include at least 30 lions, 80-100 leopards, 180 elephants and buffaloes. After a recent introduction, the park hosts approximately 30 white rhinos and 29 critically endangered black rhinos, making spotting them more accessible. However, it is rare to spot black rhinos, hyenas and leopards unless it's your lucky day. Other animals include giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, topis, klipspringer, waterbuck, roan antelope, impalas, duikers, oribis, cape eland, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bush babies, crocodiles and hippos among others.
Birdlife
With over 500 bird species, Akagera National Park is a paradise for avid bird watchers. The park has many bird species, including migratory and endemic birds. Some of the birds include redfaced barbets, swamp flycatchers, the elusive shoebill, cattle egret, waxbill, hamerkop, long-crested eagle, fish eagles, osprey, sacred & hadada ibis, grey-backed fiscals, heron, African darter, black-headed vielliots, black weavers, African wattled lapwing, augur buzzard and pied crow among others.
Where to go in Rwanda
