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Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park covering an area of 1,122 square kilometres. This makes it the largest national park in Rwanda.

This savannah park is found along the Rwanda-Tanzania border and it was named after the Kagera River which feeds the beautiful Lake Ihema.

Protecting some of the last surviving savannah species of the country, Akagera National Park will allow you to have an unforgettable safari experience.

Therefore, during your Rwanda safari, you can explore more than 8000 mammals and over 500 bird species in Akagera National Park.

 Discover the spectacular experiences of Akagera National Park through various safari activities at the park. For example, the breathtaking guided nature walks, the wondrous game drives, fishing, boat trips, and birding, among others.

Inquire from an African expert at Orinoco Expeditions about the experiences at Akagera National Park and let us help you plan your amazing trip to the country today.

Akagera National Park Location

Akagera National Park is found near Kibungu City on the western side of the captivating Akagera River.

It sits at Rwanda’s Eastern border, along the Rwanda-Tanzania border in East Africa.

Attractions in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park will give you the treasured opportunity to explore various attractions in Rwanda which include among others,

1. Wild animals at Akagera National Park

2. Birds at Akagera National Park

3. Waterbodies at Akagera National Park

Below, read more about the magnificent attractions at Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park Animals 

Being the only savannah national park in Rwanda, Akagera National Park harbors over 8000 mammals that survive on its plains, waterbodies, and vegetation.

Among these are the astounding big five animals which are the Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and Elephants. Additionally, Akagera National Park protects other wild animals like the Giraffes, Zebras, Sitatunga, Elands, Crocodiles, the Deffassa Waterbucks, Bush Babies, and Side Stripped Jackal, among others.

Birds at Akagera National Park 

Akagera National Park has over 500 bird species that are spread within the savannahs, woodlands, dry forests, and waterbodies. This park is also home to various migratory birds that come from other countries, and continents, especially the Palearctic regions.

Some of the common birds to see at the Akagera National Park include the Black Headed Gonolek, Sooty Chat, African Fish Eagle, Marabou Stork, White Browed Coucal, Amur Falcon, Martial Eagle, and Shoebill, among others.

Waterbodies at Akagera National Park 

There are many water bodies spread at Akagera National Park which are habitats for various animal and bird species.

Examples of these waterbodies include Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Lake Gishanju, Lake Rwanyakazinga,  and Lake Mihindi.

While on a boat cruise on some of these lakes, you will be able to explore various wild animals like the Hippos, Crocodiles, and Various Fish Species.

Similarly, you will be able to identify different water bird species for example the Shoebill, Giant Kingfishers, and the African Fish Eagle.

Other incredible attractions in Akagera NP include the amazing neighboring people and their culture, and the splendid vegetation species at the park.

Safari Activities at Akagera National Park 

There are many activities that Akagera National Park offers for your safaris in Rwanda and they include game drives, boat trips, walking along the fence, fishing, and cultural encounters.

Read more about the safari activities at Akagera Park below.

Game Drives in Akagera National Park 

The game drive activities at Akagera National Park rank as the major safari activity in the park.

The game drives in the park occur in the morning, afternoon, and night and have ranging costs.

A game drive encounter will then allow you to experience views of various animals, plants, bird species, and butterfly species, among others.

Boat Trip at Akagera National Park 

Akagera National Park will give you the chance to explore many water bird species for example Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, among others.

Boat cruises occur at the lakes of the park but commonly at Lake Ihema, for a remarkable experience.

At Akagera National Park, boat trips occur 4 times a day and these are at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Walking Along the Fence at Akagera National Park

The fence line tour occurs only at Akagera National Park. It is an adventure on foot that allows you to experience various safari attractions on foot.

The adventure begins from the southern entrance of the park for 7 kilometers into the hills of the park as you are at the fence perimeter.

Walking along the fence begins at 7:00 am and it continues for about 2 hours.

Fishing at Akagera National Park 

With various waterbodies at the park, Akagera National Park is an outstanding destination to experience fishing adventures in the country.

You can either come with your fishing equipment or have one hired for you. However, it is cheaper for you to have your fishing equipment.

The fish that is caught at the lake is not killed but put back inside the water for their conservation.

There various fishing methods are used for fishing at the Akagera lakes and these include the grill net method, the cast net method, the Lampara, the scoop net method, and the hooking method, among others.

Cultural Encounters at Akagera National Park 

The cultural safaris at Akagera National Park will allow you to have an unforgettable encounter as you explore the cultures of the local people.

You will participate and learn about many things like cooking, singing, dancing, milking, harvesting honey, and painting.

Get to learn about and interact with the local people to know more about their heritage, among others.

Akagera National Park Prices 

The Akagera National Park prices range from the park entrance fees, the cost of the safari activities, and the accommodation fees as seen below.

Park Entrance Fees: The entrance fees at Akagera National Park are charged according to the nationality of travelers that is if they are foreign residents, foreign nonresidents, and East African citizens including Rwandese.

Below, we look at the prices of the different safari activities at Akagera National Park.

Game Drives: Game drives at the park cost $30 per person for a day game drive and $40 per person for a night game drive.

Boat Trip: A scheduled morning or day boat trip will cost $45 for adults while children will pay $30. A non-scheduled boat trip costs $180 per person.

Nature Walks/ Walk along the line fence: $30 per adult and $20 per child.

Fishing: $25 per adult with their equipment and $15 for children.

Cultural Encounter: $30 per adult and $20 per child.

Accommodation Costs: The accommodation costs range from luxury (about to midrange, and budget. Luxury accommodation at Akagera National Park will range between $1500 to $2500 per person per night. Midrange ranges between  $500 to $1500 and good budget accommodations range from about $50 to  $500 per person per night.

Akagera National Park Accommodation – Akagera National Park Hotels

There are various accommodation facilities at the Akagera National Park for you to stay in and experience Rwanda, remarkably. These range from luxury to midrange, and budget.

Some of the best lodges to stay in during your trip to Akagera National Park include the following.

Some of the best lodges at Akagera National Park are Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Dereva Hotel, Karenga Bush Camp, Lake Shakani Campsite, and Magashi Camp, among others.

Other National Parks in Rwanda

Apart from the Akagera National Park, Rwanda also has 3 other national parks which make a total of 4 parks in the country.

Below is a list of the other national parks in Rwanda.

1. Volcanoes National Park:

This is the most famous Rwandan Park known for protecting the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

2. Nyungwe Forest National Park:

The forest park found in the western Rift Valley is known for the forest canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking.

3. Gishwati Mukura National Park:

This is the newest park in Rwanda, created in 2015 and it is known for protecting the Gishwati and the Mukura forests which are home to different primate species.

Conclusion

Rwanda tours to Akagera National Park are some of the best African safaris exposing you to especially the savannah wildlife of the country. Visit Rwanda to experience the extraordinary encounters at the park today!

Your expert team at Orinoco Expeditions will provide you with the best travel advice, therefore inquire with the team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Akagera National Park Known for? 

Akagera National Park is famous for being the only savannah park in Rwanda, keeping various savannah wildlife on its premises, some of which are the last surviving ones.

2. What Animals are in the Big Five in Akagera National Park? 

The big five animals at the Akagera National Park are the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and the Buffaloes.

3. How Many Lions are in Akagera National Park? 

There are about 58 Lions in Akagera National Park from the time that they were introduced.

4. What to Wear and Pack for Your Safaris at Akagera National Park 

It is important for the best experiences to park and wear comfortably for your trip.

Below are some of the things to pack and clothes to wear for your Akagera experiences in Rwanda.

Clothes to Wear for your Akagera Safari:

  • Trousers & Long-sleeved shirts
  • Hat/Cap
  • Strong Sturdy comfortable shoes
  • Socks

What to Pack for your Akagera Safari:

  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen Lotion
  • Camera
  • Pair of Binoculars
  • A guide book
  • A notebook and pen

5. What Waterfall is Found on the River Akagera?

River Akagera flows to form the Rusumo Falls that you can see during your tours, especially while moving between Rwanda and Tanzania.