Attractions in Akagera National Park Rwanda
Akagera National Park is located in Rwanda’s north-east region, along the international border with Tanzania, and covers an area of 1,122 square kilometers. Akagera National Park is named after the Akagera River, which flows along the park’s eastern boundary and feeds numerous lakes such as Lake Ihema and other small lakes. The park is dominated by savannah, montane, and papyrus swamps, which are home to a variety of wildlife.
Prior to its establishment, the area covered by Akagera National Park was known as Parc aux Lycaons, and it was home to a large population of African wild dogs. Because there were too many wild dogs, the Belgian government classified them as pests. These dogs were affected by a disease, which led to a reduction in their population. In 1934, the Belgian government decided to designate the area as a protected area under the name Akagera national park.
Initially, the park covered an area of 2500 square kilometers. Over the years, the park has undergone reintroductions of animals.
- In 1957, black rhinos were introduced to the park from Tanzania.
- In 1986, masai giraffes were introduced into the park from Kenya.
- In July 2015, seven lions from South Africa were reintroduced.
- In May 2017, 20 eastern black rhinoceros were reintroduced into the park, followed by 5 more in June 2019 from Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic, Flamingo Land in the United Kingdom, and Ree Park Safari in Denmark.
ATTRACTIONS OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK RWANDA
Wildlife : Akagera National Park is dominated by savannah vegetation, and it is the only park in Rwanda that provides a suitable habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, which can be seen during a visit to the park. Topi, buffalo, defassa waterbuck, swamp dwelling Sitatunga, savanna elephant, zebra, roan antelope, eland, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, impala, bushbuck, lions, hyena, side stripped jackal, mongoose species, serval, viverid species, Oribi, and many other animals can be found in Akagera National Park. Vervet and blue monkeys are commonly seen in the park’s forested areas, particularly near lakes, swamps, and savannah plains.
Water bodies : Akagera National Park contains numerous water bodies that are scattered throughout the park. The park is made up of swamp-fringed lakes such as Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Lake Rwanyakazinga, Lake Gishanju, and Lake Mihindi. These lakes are the best places to see the park’s wildlife; many animals and birds either live in them or visit them for water. Notable animals seen near these water bodies include hippopotamus, crocodiles, and a variety of fish. Akagera National Park is also drained by the river Akagera, which flows through the park’s eastern boundary to Uganda and Tanzania before emptying into Lake Victoria. The shores of the river Akagera are always populated by a variety of bird species, most notably the shoe bill, which lives in the swamp section of the river.
Birds : Akagera National Park is a well-known birding destination, home to approximately 500 different bird species that can be found in the park’s savannah plains, hills, forest, swamps, and the shores of lakes and rivers. Birds inhabiting Akagera National Park include Zambezian biome species such as Myrmecocichla arnotti, Cisticola angusticauda, and Lanius souzae, 44 species of raptors, Balaeniceps rex, and Palearctic migrants such as Falco naumanni, Glareola nordamanni, and Gallinago, Afro-tropical highlands biome, Congo forest biome, threatened bird species such as Papyrus gonolek, and localized red-faced barbet. Shoe bill, cattle egret, hammer kop, fish eagles, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, and Pied Crow are some of the bird species commonly seen in Akagera National Park. Black-headed and Vieillot’s Black Weavers, Grey-backed Fiscals, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Carruther’s Cisticola, and numerous others.
How to get to Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is located in Rwanda’s eastern region, with Kibungo as the nearest city. The park is accessible by both air and road; by road, the park is 135 kilometers from Kigali, a 2-3 hour drive. It takes one hour to drive from Kibungo/Rwamagana to the park’s main entrance gate, which is 500 meters from Akagera Game Lodge. When using road transport, it is safer to use a 4X4 wheel car to help you navigate the park’s slippery paths.
There are no domestic flights to Akagera National Park, but Akagera Aviation provides helicopter flights from Kigali to the park, which take 22 minutes.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park.
Accommodation is an important consideration when planning a Rwanda safari in any tourist destination, including Akagera National Park. Accommodation facilities provide many services and facilities that are essential to you as a tourist on a safari, such as food. The facilities include Camping sites Akagera National Park has three camping sites, which are open to tourists. You can sleep in these camps with your own tent or rent one. Camp sites include
Shakani campsite : Shakani campsite is situated on the shores of Lake Shakani
Mutumba Campsite : Muyumba campsite is located on a ridge near the Kayonza Park entrance, with views of Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani.
Akagera Game Lodge : Akagera Game Lodge is an excellent lodge located in Akagera National Park. It provides many facilities to its visitors, including a bar, swimming pool, restaurant, tennis court, and fully furnished rooms.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge : Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an impressive lodge with 20 accommodation units in an eco-camp located on the shores of Lake Ihema.
