Akagera National Park Safari departs from Kigali and takes you to Rwanda's only savanna national park for a true wildlife safari, giving visitors a better chance of seeing the big five mammals. Akagera National Park is set in the Eastern Province of Rwanda in the Kayonza district and borders Tanzania. Akagera National Park was named after the great river Akagera. Akagera National Park covers about 1,075 square kilometers in size. 

 

Akagera National Park is comprised of lakes, forested zones, vegetation layers, woodlands, rivers, and vast savanna plains. Akagera National Park was once the most wildlife-rich savannah national park in the world. Akagera national park had one of the highest concentrations of wild dogs in Africa, but due to canines being seen as pests, they were killed through poisoning by the Belgian colonialists. Later on, Akagera National Park was massively encroached upon by humans, which led to conflicts with wildlife. The situation became worse during the genocide of 1994. Rwanda’s largest number of citizens used Akagera National Park as an escape route for the Genocide. When Rwanda’s citizens returned after the genocide, many of them settled within the national park. Akagera National Park animals were hunted down for food, and lions were also poisoned in order to create peace.

 

Rwanda’s new government is determined to rebuild Akagera National park as part of its wider changes in Rwanda. African Parks is in charge of managing the Akagera National Park, revamping the infrastructure that was created, and taking the lead in the conservation efforts. Akagera National Park has now been fenced off, and some of the park's lost lands have been reclaimed. The government of Rwanda has gone ahead to reintroduce more lions, rhinos, and other wildlife species that were extinct in the park. Akagera National Park offers travelers a chance to spot elephants, zebras, hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, kobs, and bushbucks, among many other mammals. Rwanda’s government has promoted community tourism to allow the local people residing near the park to benefit from tourism money.

 

One of the greatest things about an Akagera National Park safari is the uniquely beautiful scenery. This is ideal for nature lovers and birding safaris, and visitors will undoubtedly enjoy their safari. Akagera National Park presents beautiful hills, swamps, lakes, forests, woodlands, rivers, and plains. 

 

During the one-day Akagera National Park safari, our experienced tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel or your home in Kigali for your 2-hour drive to Akagera National Park. After registration at Akagera National Park, you will start your morning game drive straight away in the company of a park-trained guide. Akagera National Park's game drive takes about two hours. During the game, expect to encounter numerous animals such as lions, cape buffaloes, zebras, black-tailed mongooses, African elephants, colobus monkeys, giraffes, vervet monkeys, leopards, bush babies, olive baboons, and rhinos if you are lucky enough. After that, you'll have a picnic lunch in the park.

 

Akagera national park also offers an unforgettable boat cruise at Lake Ihema which takes travelers to spot aquatic animal species such as hippos, crocodiles, and endless water birds. Lake Ihema is the largest water body in Akagera National Park, and it is situated in the southern sector of Akagera. Lake Ihema feeds many other water bodies within Akagera and outside. Lake Ihema covers about 90 square kilometers. The eastern shores of Lake Ihema help to separate the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. Lake Ihema protects a high population of crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and different bird species, including ibis, herons, sandpipers, plovers, and hawks. A boat ride on Lake Ihema lasts between two and three hours. After the Lake Ihema boat cruise, get ready to start your journey back to Kigali, and you may reach Rwanda’s capital late in the evening.

 

Akagera National Park packing list 

• A hat, but not a must, to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
• Short-sleeved shirt and blouse for ladies, especially during the dry season of June to September.
• Sunscreen that protects you from the Afternoon heat in the dry season.
• A binocular that may help you spot birds and animals from afar.
• A warm sweater is required in the rainy season.
• A rain jacket should be carried in the rainy season.
• A camera to capture all the unforgettable moments and amazing sceneries.
• Hiking boots in case you are interested in taking a walk out of the car inside the park.
• Money for tipping guides, unplanned expenses, and as well as buying souvenirs.