Activities to do in Akagera National Park
Activities to do in Akagera National Park, Akagera National Park is found in eastern Rwanda and covers an area of 1,122 square kilometres and is the largest protected savannah wet land. The park was gazetted in 1934 by the Belgium government, and it was named after River Kagera.
In Akagera, you engage in such activities as game drives whereby you will be in a position to see a lot of animals and different species of vegetation. Boat cruise on lake Ihema, sport fishing, bird watching, nature walks, cultural tour. The park accommodates the big five
Game drives
Activities to do in Akagera National Park, the drive gives one a chance to see different animals in their natural environments. The game drive is led by a guide who a will take you down the park is well-developed tracks because they are experts. The best time to do a game drive is in the morning and afternoon because the during this time the animals are more active, and they are out searching for food. Alternatively, the park also provides a night game drive where you use a very powerful flashlight to locate animals like leopards, bush babies and others. The best time to conduct a game drive is during the dry season that ranges from May to October since the cover of plants is low such that you get to see the wildlife clearly. Moreover, the temperatures are rather cold.
Birding
Over 500 bird species have been noted to call Akagera Park home, a bird enthusiast’s heaven. Whatever your profession—ornithologist or amateur birder—the park offers limitless opportunity for birdwatching. Akagera has some of the country’s rare and endemic bird species including the blue-headed coucal, papyrus gonolek, and common moorhen. Bird tours can be guided by seasoned tour guides who will help you spot shy and rare birds. Lake Ihema, Lake Rwanyakazinga, and the wetlands around them are prime bird tour locations within the park
Boat safari
The largest lake in Akagera National Park is Lake Ihema, and a boat safari presents a rare chance to discover this serene lake. You will be immersed in the beautiful scenery, with papyrus marshes and dense bush, as you glide on the serene waters of the lake. You can spot a variety of birds such as the African Fish Eagle, sunbathing on the shores by crocodiles, and hippos for a swim during the boat safari. It’s busy here, so it’s a great place for nature enthusiasts and photographers too. A boat ride provides a bird’s-eye view of a host of species such as the endangered shoebill stork, pelicans, and cormorants. This is an activity that all Akagera birdwatchers should do.
The Akagera Rhino Sanctuary in the park
The park’s Akagera Rhino Sanctuary is an important area of conservation dedicated to restocking Rwanda with rhinos after their extermination due to poaching in the 1970s and 1980s. You can learn more about Rwanda’s conservation programs and these incredible animals by visiting the sanctuary. Travellers can go on a guided tour to watch the black and white rhinos in their natural environment at the sanctuary. The rangers provide insightful commentary about the rhinos’ behaviour, the history of the species, and the conservation efforts being made at the moment to restore them. Anyone who is interested in the conservation of animals will find it worthwhile to know about the difficulties and achievements in re-establishing rhinos in Akagera.
Culture encounters
Akagera National Park offers more than wildlife; it also offers a chance to learn about the history and culture of Rwanda. Tourism also benefits a number of surrounding local communities within the park, and most tourists opt to interact with the communities for the sake of learning more about the local Rwandan lifestyle. For the sake of experiencing local customs, tasting traditional food, and learning about the people’s culture who reside there. By going into these villages, tourists can support conservation work in the park
Camping
Camping at Akagera National Park is a good way of witnessing the natural splendour of the park if you are a person who loves the outdoors and desires a less luxurious setup. Tourists can spend nights under African stars at authorized campsites in the park, with nature sounds making a melodious background. This campsite is close to the center of the park and it has basic facilities in the shapes of toilets and showers. It also provides easy access to some of the finest game drive routes in the park. Ruzizi Tented Lodge provides deluxe tented rooms with breathtaking views of Lake Rwanyakazinga for those who want a cozy experience. It’s the perfect place to seek adventure with comfort.
Behind the scenes Tour.
There are just too many wonderful photograph opportunities in Akagera National Park. There are just too many things to photograph, whether it is the varied wildlife, the scenic landscapes, or the brilliant birds.
Activities to do in Akagera National Park, the soft light and warm colours of early morning and late afternoon are ideal for wildlife and landscape photography. Lakes and marshes inside the park also make stunning reflections that are perfect for taking great photographs of the surroundings. The hills surrounding the park, Lake Ihema’s lakeshore, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the savannah yield some of the park’s best vistas. These locations provide expansive, sweeping vistas that highlight the splendour of Akagera’s varied terrain.
Nature Walk Safaris
A walking safari in Akagera is a perfect option for those who want to have a closer relationship with nature. Visitors can join a walking tour that takes them far into the park’s wilderness while having a park ranger and a trained guide with them. Walking safaris offer an opportunity to see the park from a different angle. Guides share their knowledge of the park’s ecology, particularly the lesser, often-overlooked creatures that inhabit the park, along with plant and animal pathways. Walking safaris may be from brief walks to more challenging climbs, depending on your interest and level of fitness. Safety is a priority when planning the walking safari. Rangers are also well equipped and ready to face any potentially dangerous species, and hence you can enjoy nature in its simplest form without risks.
Sport Fishing
In Akagera National Park, sport fishing Sport fishing Akagera offers great sport fishing experiences, particularly in its serene lakes like Lake Ihema, Lake Rwanyakazinga, and Lake Shakani. These lakes harbor fish species like tilapia, catfish, and perch. Fishing tours are guided, with responsible practices like catch-and-release to preserve the ecosystem.
Walk the line Tour
The Walk the Line tour offers tourists a special walking safari experience where they get to see Akagera up close. The walk carries you through varied habitats including wetlands and savannah and along park edges along a set path under the guidance of a seasoned guide. Educate yourself about the intricacies of the environment, like vegetation and animal prints, and enjoy close-up interaction with wildlife as well as an education about the park’s conservation methods. During the course of the visit, you get to enjoy discovering Akagera’s massive biodiversity safely while creating a personal bond with nature.
What is the transfer time from Kigali to Akagera.
Time taken to travel from Akagera to Kigali depends on the mode of transport. There are two modes of arriving in Akagera either by air or road
By Air
This is the fastest way to arrive in Akagera National Park from Kigali. There are regular flights to the park from Kigali international Airport. The helicopter only takes 22 minutes to arrive. When you go by air, you are able to view beautiful scenery of Rwanda.
By road
It is the most affordable way to travel to Akagera National Park from Kigali. Kigali to Akagera National Park is 111 km, which is a 2-3 hours’ drive depending on traffic on the road. You will still have a chance to see the scenic landscape of Rwanda.
