Akagera National Park Rwanda: Embracing the eastern frontier of Rwanda adjacent to Tanzania, the expanse of Akagera National Park spans approximately 1,120 square kilometers. Established in 1934, it stands as one of the venerable national parks within the African continent.
Akagera’s northern reaches are characterized by relatively flat grasslands and savannahs, reminiscent of East Africa’s quintessential safari landscapes. The western region is marked by undulating hills and valleys, quintessentially Rwandan, while the eastern territory is enriched by the Akagera River, which culminates in a network of lakes, marshes, and papyrus swamps, forming the largest protected wetland area in central and eastern Africa. Despite its modest size, Akagera National Park offers a safari experience replete with diverse ecosystems, an array of wildlife and avian species, and picturesque vistas.
The park’s history is marred by the aftermath of Rwanda’s civil unrest, with refugees resettling in the area during the late 1990s, leading to environmental degradation due to livestock grazing and illegal hunting. This prompted the government to downsize Akagera, reserving a portion for conservation and allowing settlers to inhabit the remainder.
In the present day, Akagera National Park thrives under the stewardship of African Parks, a conservation entity dedicated to its rejuvenation. The implementation of new boundary fences and stringent anti-poaching protocols have significantly bolstered the wildlife population, propelling the park towards ecological restoration. Although Akagera may not rival the fame of its East African counterparts in terms of wildlife abundance, it nonetheless offers a rich tapestry of flora and fauna set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Journeys to Akagera National Park A mere 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, Akagera National Park is accessible for an extended day excursion for those pressed for time. Despite the modest concentration of wildlife, the park’s exceptional beauty and the scarcity of visitors make it an ideal destination for a multi-day sojourn.
Access to Akagera National Park is exclusively through the Kiyonza Gate to the south, situated near the park’s administrative center and its premier lodge. Conversely, the Nyungwe Gate to the north serves solely as an exit point.
Accommodations within Akagera National Park Currently, Akagera National Park offers a limited selection of lodging options beyond camping facilities. The Ruzizi Tented Lodge, established in 2013 near the southern entrance, is managed by African Parks and offers a charming bush camp experience along Lake Ihema’s shores. The alternative, Akagera Game Lodge, has been undergoing renovations for some time and, while partially operational, falls short in comparison. However, with Mantis Resorts assuming management in early 2018, significant enhancements are anticipated upon completion of the refurbishments.
The anticipated Magashi Camp, slated to open in Akagera’s northern sector in late 2018, promises to be a noteworthy addition. For the latest updates, please reach out to us. In the interim, allocate a full day in your itinerary to traverse the northern plains and return to Ruzizi.
Experiences on an Akagera Safari The infrastructural improvements within Akagera National Park, courtesy of African Parks, have paved the way for diverse game drives across its plains, hills, and lakesides. Typically conducted in the mornings and afternoons—or spanning a full day for northern excursions—these drives may also extend into the night, offering glimpses of the park’s nocturnal creatures.
Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake, is a prime location for boat excursions that afford spectacular sightings of aquatic birds, and Lake Shakani presents opportunities for angling enthusiasts.
African Parks also extends a unique chance to delve into the operational aspects of national park management through behind-the-scenes tours of their headquarters and interactions with the staff. Notably, Akagera National Park distinguishes itself with a significant number of female guides, reflecting Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality and a rare sight in African safari circuits.
Wildlife of Akagera National Park
The fauna of Akagera National Park has flourished, with recent tallies indicating the park shelters approximately 8,000 large animals. The completion of a new boundary fence in late 2013 has been instrumental in bolstering these numbers. The park’s wildlife, particularly its mammalian inhabitants, exhibit a remarkable level of tranquility, likely due to the modest presence of predators, making them more visible and approachable for visitors. While Akagera may not boast vast herds, its wildlife encounters are nonetheless rewarding.
The reintroduction of seven lions in 2015 marked the return of these majestic predators to Akagera after a 15-year absence, and their population has been on a steady incline since. The arrival of 18 eastern black rhinos in 2017 further elevated the park’s status to a “big five” sanctuary, a milestone celebrated with the birth of the first wild black rhino in Rwanda in over ten years. Additionally, in 2021, a group of 30 southern white rhinos found a new home in Akagera, translocated from South Africa’s Phinda Game Reserve.
Akagera’s current animal residents encompass a wide range of savannah dwellers. The impala and topi (or tsessebe) are notably prevalent, alongside eland, oribi, Masai giraffe, Defassa waterbuck, reedbuck, bushbuck, and the stately sable and roan antelopes. Burchell’s zebra, hippopotamus, and crocodile are frequently observed, with buffalo and elephant sightings more common in the park’s northern expanse. Among these, an elephant named Mutware, known for his cantankerous demeanor, became a legendary figure within Akagera before passing away at the age of 48.
The avian life in Akagera National Park is particularly rich, hosting over 480 bird species that thrive in its varied ecosystems. The park is a haven for savannah birds and birds of prey, with several unique species like the red-faced barbet regularly spotted.
Visitors can embark on brief aquatic excursions on the park’s lakes, offering intimate encounters with an abundance of waterfowl, including the African fish eagle, marabou stork, crowned crane, open-billed stork, cormorants, herons, and egrets. Fortunate birdwatchers might even catch a glimpse of the rare and enigmatic shoebill stork.
Share this tour10 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, and Chimpanzee Tour: Join this extraordinary 10 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, and Chimpanzee Tour adventure delving deep into the heart of Rwanda's …
9 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, and Chimpanzee Tour: Embark on a transformative 9 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, and Chimpanzee Tour journey through the stunning landscapes and rich …
8 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, and Chimpanzee Tour: 8-Day adventure through the captivating landscapes of Rwanda, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of this East African gem. Your journey will blend …
6 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari and Rwanda Wildlife Safari: The 6 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari and Rwanda Wildlife Safari journey through the captivating landscapes of Rwanda, where the thrill of gorilla trekking meets …
5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari and Rwanda Wildlife Safari: This exhilarating 5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek Safari and Rwanda Wildlife Safari adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda, combining the thrill of gorilla trekking …
At Gorilla Trek Safaris, we specialize in crafting unforgettable adventures to witness one of nature’s most majestic creatures – the mountain gorilla. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, our journeys take you to the lush forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where you’ll embark on a life-changing experience, trekking through pristine wilderness to encounter these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
E: info@gorillatreksafaris.com
T: +256 787 356 511
X: x.com/GTreksafafaris