Akagera National Park covers an area of 112,000 hectare and is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania; Akagera is rich in biodiversity including forest fringed lakes, swamps and savannah plains.  The Park is endowed with different species of fauna and fauna, inhabiting its different ecological zones which include mountainous terrains, woody and savannah areas, the Park is named after river Kagera which runs through the park.

Akagera National Park was founded in 1934 to protect wild animals using a mixed combination of galley forest, swamp and lakes. Approximately 500 bird species can be found in the park, Big Five and wild animals. Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can track Big Five animals.

Activities @ Akagera National Park

Game Drive

Game drive is the main activity at the park; you will be able to see various animals as soon as you enter the park. The translocation of lions from South Africa has boosted the park to become the only park in remarkable Rwanda with the Big Five animals. There are several wild animals at the park namely blue monkey, olive baboon, vervet monkey, lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, bush pigs, bushbucks, sitatunga, duikers, warthogs, oribi, zebras, topi, impalas among others.

Night Game Drive

Night drive through Akagera National Park is one of the most rewarding encounters to see nocturnal animals. You will be able to see nocturnal animals like leopards, lions, civets, hyenas looking for dinner.

Boat Safaris

Boat trip at the park is one of the most exciting encounter, there are several lakes at the park namely L. Ihema, L. Mihindi, L. Hago, L. Kivumba, Rwanyakizinga among others, the lakes of Akagera National Park are among the richest in fish species in the whole country and considerable populations of ray-finned fish and other species are dominant. A boat cruise at Lake Ihema will reward you with views of many hippopotamus, crocodiles and water birds like Rufous-bellied Heron, Greater swamp warbler, Slender-billed weaver and Shoebill stork.

Birding

In Africa there are few destinations with a vast of bird species, a checklist of more than 500 bird species have been recorded.  There are many birds that dwell around the park namely purple crested turaco, shoebill, marabou stork, open-billed stork, African darter, Great Egret, Crowned Lapwing among others.

Where to stay

·         Ruizizi Tented Camp

·         Akagera Game Lodge