Akagera National Park
Since 2017, Akagera has played host to all the ‘big five.’ Akagera National Park holds the distinction of being the only home for savanna animals in Rwanda.
Akagera lies on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. Swamps, savannah, low mountains, and woodlands.
You will find zebra herds, giraffes, rhinos, lions, hundreds of birds, and savannah elephants. Crocodiles and hippos live in Lake Ihema.
The Akagera river runs through the park.
How to get to Akagera National Park
Airlines like SN Brussels, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir express, and Air Burundi fly into Kigali International Airport. You will have a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Akagera National Park. The airport is just outside Kigali city.
What to wear while on Safari in Akagera National Park
- Protect your skin with sunscreen and a hat.
- Some lodges have swimming pools, so carry a swimsuit.
- Accessorize with sunglasses, a scarf or hat, and a light sweater.
- Your clothing should cover your arms and legs for protection from the sun.
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Avoid black or dark blue because they attract tsetse flies. Wear brown, green, beige, and other neutral colors that blend in with the surroundings. White clothes will become too dusty so don’t wear white or something close to it. White also stands out to animals.
- Wear light fabrics that breathe and don’t ruffle when you walk.
- For an evening game drive, pants, long sleeved shirts, and a fleece jacket will do.
When to Visit Akagera National Park
There are no drastic variations in weather, but the long dry season from June-September is warmer. June-September is the best time to visit Akagera National Park.
Animals are easier to spot at this time. The roads are more passable.
The wet season is the low season.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park
There are three major accommodation providers within Akagera National Park: Magashi, Ruzizi, and Akagera. The other three are outside the park.
- Magashi Camp
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Vintage cottage
- Nyagasambu Real Beach Hotel
- Akagera Resort and Country Club
Akagera National Park Attractions
- Game Drives – Akagera is the only National Park in Rwanda with all the big five. More than 8,000 large mammals live in Akagera. They include buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos. They have game drives during the day and at night. The nocturnal animals are nocturnal birds, leopards, civets, bush babies, lions, hyenas, and serval cats.
- Boat trips – A boat trip on Lake Ihema offers a chance to see crocodiles, aquatic birds, and hippos.
- Birding – More than 500 bird species live in the Akagera National Park.
- Fishing – catch catfish and Tilapia on Lake Ihema.
- Hiking and nature walk – view plants, insects, birds, and butterflies.
- Culture – Experience Rwandan culture by visiting the local people. You may milk a cow, make banana beer, or collect honey.
- Walk the line – follow park guides as they scout the perimeter fence. Admire the beautiful hills and finish at a high ridge.
