Activities in Akagera National Park
Activities in Akagera National Park: Akagera is a savannah protected area in Rwanda known for harboring several wildlife species. It is situated in the eastern part of the country, covering an area of 1,122 sq. km. Akegera national park is a habitat for several mammals, primates, and birds living in the montane, savannah, and swamp areas. The park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary, feeding into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. The complex lakes and linking papyrus swamps comprise over a third of the park, creating the largest protected wetland in Eastern-central Africa.
Wildlife
Akagera National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and some of the fascinating animal species you can encounter while in the park include Lions which occur occasionally, these were re-introduced in the park in 2015, Leopards but these are rare and spotting one requires patience and a keen eye, Elephants which are occasionally seen roaming the savannah, Masai Giraffes, White Rhinos which were recently introduced into the park, Black Rhinos but these are rare making sighting them a special moment, Hippos are often seen wallowing in the water of Lake Ihema, Buffaloes often seen in large numbers grazing peacefully in the grasslands, Zebras, Impalas, Topis, Defassa Waterbuck often spotted around lake shores, the secretive Bushbucks often inhabiting the woodland areas, and Oribi often spotted in pairs on the scenic Mutumba hills.
Bird species
Furthermore, Akagera National Park is a true birdwatcher’s paradise boasting over 520 unique bird species. The park has a diversity of bird species that range from forest bird species to water bird species, Savannah species and migratory bird species among others. Some of the diverse avian species one can encounter while carrying out birdwatching in Akagera national park include the majestic African Fish Eagle which is a symbol of power and grace, the Black-headed Weaver, the African Jacana often spotted around freshwater ponds and lakes, the Lilac-breasted Roller, the melodious Fork-tailed Drongo, Saddle-billed Stork with its impressive bill, the secretive White-browed Coucal often spotted in dense vegetation, Woodland Kingfisher usually noticed by its brilliant blue and white plumage, the Little Bee-eater, Grey-crowned Crane, the ground-dwelling Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Marabou Stork, Bare-Faced-Go-Away Bird, Goliath Heron, Spur-winged Goose often seen near waterbodies, African Darter which is a skilled swimmer and diver, Osprey which a fish-eating bird, Red-billed Firefinch, Grey-backed Fiscal and the Common Squacco Heron often found in marshy areas among others.
Activities in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in Rwanda offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors and here are some of the major activities one can enjoy in this picturesque park:
Game Drives in Akagera National Park
The park offers thrilling game drives that allow you to explore its diverse wildlife. Game drives in Akagera National Park are activities which offer opportunities to spot the big five while in Rwanda, they also provide a chance to see the majestic Impala and Topi in Rwanda. The different types of Game Drives in Akagera National Park Include:
- Morning Game Drives: This activity usually starts at 6:30 am and ends at 11:30 am. It involves witnessing morning hunters and grazers in action. Keep an eye out for animals like Topis, impalas and the elusive big 5, including lions, Leopards, elephants, Buffaloes and Rhinos. Expect to see a variety of fascinating avian species such as the African Jacana, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Fork-tailed Drongo, Saddle-billed Stork and the Bare-Faced-Go-Away Bird among others
- Afternoon Game Drives: This fascinating activity starts at midday and ends at 5 pm. Exploring the park during the afternoon hours will allow you to encounter different wildlife species such as Hyenas, Topis, Elands, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, and Rhinos among others expect to spot some bird species such as the Goliath Heron, Marabou Stork and Kingfishers among others.
- Night Game Drives: Night game drives in Akagera National Park are carried out from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and provides an opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife such as lions, leopards, bushbabies, civets, and serval cats among others.
Birdwatching in Akagera national park
Birdingwatching is one of the activities in Akagera national park which allows birders to spot several bird species recorded there. The park boasts over 500 bird species, both migratory and resident. These different avian species thrive in a diversity of rolling hills, woodlands, forests, seasonal and permanent swamps, lakes and savannah vegetation within the park area. This makes birdwatching in Akagera national park one of the top activities that attract bird lovers to see several bird species in the park, including the Lilac-breasted Roller known for its vibrant plumage, the Crested Barbet known for its distinctive calls, the Black-headed Gonolek usually found in savannah areas, the colourful Ross’s Turaco, the prehistoric shoebill around the swamps, and the Grey Hornbill often seen in the woodlands, among others. Also, the park has many kilometres of waterside habitats that support a variety of birdlife, such as the African Fish Eagle, Kingfishers, Herons, Ibises, Storks, Egrets, Pelicans, Crakes, Rails and Cormorants. Birdwatching in Akagera National Park can be best done in the morning or evening during the cool hours of the day.
Lake Ihema Boat trips.
The Akagera National Park offers boat trips on Lake Ihema, providing a unique perspective to explore the park’s secrets and wonders. These boat trips include the following ways:
- Scheduled Boat Trips: These include Morning and day trips which depart at 7:30 am and 9 am, and the Sunset trip which departs at 4:30 pm. These scheduled boat trips cost $35 per person. Expect to encounter different wildlife species such as hippos and the huge Nile crocodiles. For bird enthusiasts, the boat cruise is a must give the abundance of waterbirds such as the Swamp Flycatchers, African Darter, African Fish Eagle and Noisy Cormorants among others.
- Private non-scheduled boat trips: This involves renting the entire boat and it costs $180 per person. This trip allows you to see more wildlife species as animals gather at the bank to drink water.
- Evening Boat Cruise: It departs at 5:30 pm and visitors should expect to drift along the lake, Visit an island teeming with birds as you observe different wildlife species
Behind -the- scenes tour
This activity in Akagera National Park gives visitors an exclusive look at the park’s conservation efforts. Learn about the partnerships between African parks and the Rwanda Development Board in preserving this unique ecosystem. This activity lasts two hours and costs $25 per person
Walk the line tour
This unique activity involves visitors exploring the park on foot with a guided tour. Discover hidden gems, and learn about local flora and fauna as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty. This unique activity lasts 2 hours and costs $30 per adult and $20 per child.
Fishing Trips in Akagera National Park
The park offers exciting sport fishing trips for those who enjoy angling. This activity takes place on Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani within Akagera National Park. Popular caught fish species include Catfish and Tilapia. This activity costs $25 per person and guests are required to carry their fishing equipment.
Cultural visits
This activity involves visitors engaging with local communities and learning about their traditions, crafts and way of life
What is the best time to visit Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park can be visited all year round but the best time to visit the park is the dry season between June to September as animals are more active and vegetation is less hence animals are easier to spot. The wet season is from October to May and during this time, the park is lush and green, and more bird species are around. Avoid March and April as these months have the most rain, affecting wildlife viewing.
How to access Akagera National Park?
The park can be accessed by both Air and Road means of transportation. By road, the park is approximately 110 km from Kigali the capital city of Uganda and this journey takes about 2 hours. By Air, one can board a scheduled or charter helicopter flight with Akagera Aviation directly to the park for wildlife viewing.
Where to find accommodation while at Akagera National Park?
When planning your stay in Akagera National Park, there are several accommodation options ranging from high-end luxurious to mid-range and budget accommodation facilities. Some of the notable lodging facilities include; Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp, and Karenge Bush Lodge among others.