Akagera National Park lies at Rwanda’s border with Tanzania in the Eastern side of the republic of Rwanda. The park was established in 1934 and covers over 1200 Sq. Km. River Kagera runs through the park and this explains why the park was named after this water stream that feed several lakes like Lake Ihema, Shakani and Lake Gishanju among others. The many waterbodies combined with the open savanna, and the rolling hills give a scenic view for Akagera National Park.
The park faced it hardest times during the 1994 genocide when many people fled through the it and returned through the same place. This was a great threat to the wild life as some of the refugees had nowhere to settle after the war and chose to stay in the park. Parching became rampant and trees with in the park were cut down for firewood and timber. Thankfully the government of Rwanda later addressed the challenge by partnering with the African Parks Network and other partners to reintroduce the depleted wildlife species like the Lions and Rhinoceros to Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park is now Rwanda’s home to the wildlife sought after worldwide like the hyena, all kinds of Antelopes, Buffaloes, Rhinos, lions, leopard, Serval cats, bush pigs, Warthog, waterbucks, and giraffes among others. Primates like the Olive Baboon and the blue monkeys and Bush babies are also found in this park.
The park has a recorded number of over 500 different bird species that survive in the forests and the papyrus swamps of this protected area. Key species to look out for include the Shoebill Stock, the Papyrus Gonolek, African fish Eagle, Crowned, Herons, Open-Billed Stork.
Activities/things to do/see at Akagera National Park
Game viewing
It’s with no doubt that Akagera is one of the few places where the big 5 can be spotted. A variety of other mammals are seen during the exciting game drives in the morning and/evening to explore the diverse beauty of this park. Night game drives are also available to catchup with the nocturnal animals, and the night hunting cats and the hippos that feed at night. Some of the wildlife to look out for include, Zebras, Buffaloes, Girraffes, Bushbucks, hyenas, leopard, Eland, Impalas, Sitatunga, Mangoose, side stripped Jackal, topis, Hippos, crocodile, wild dog, warthogs, Baboons, and Bush babies etc.….
Boar Ride
The boat trips happen on Lake Ihema to watch the Crocodiles and Hippos that dominate the waters of this lake. Elephants and other wildlife like the Buffaloes are also seen on the shores as they drink. The most exciting and rare moments is when the crocodiles are seen hunting down the helpless land animals dragging them into the deep waters of the lake. The nearby soggy areas are a safe breeding ground for many bird species like the African fish eagle, Shoebill Stork, Kingfishers, African Jacana, and the Blue-headed coucal. The boat trip costs $40 per person and the boat is only allowed to take 11 people per trip. You must be careful to obey the guidelines of only 11 persons as the rules of the Rwandan government.
Spot fishing
It’s no doubt that many guests would never want to miss on the spot fishing experience while on a trip to Africa. Lake Shakani is one of the places this dream comes a reality, visitors are allowed to catch fish like the Tilapia and cat fish. The experience costs only $20 per person and in some cases visitors are allowed to prepare and eat their catch. As a way to spice up this experience, visitors are subjected to a competition to catch fish and the winners prepare and eat the fish they catch.
Bird Watching
Bird lovers have an opportunity to watch some of the unique bird species like the Shoebill stork, African Fish Eagle, Double Toothed Barbet, red-faced Barbet, Ross’s Turaco and the long tailed Cistola.
Nature Walks
One of the best ways to appreciate the biodiversity of this park is through a guided nature walk before ending your trip. Forest trails have been established to give you a chance to watch the different wildlife species like Butterflies, birds and/or wild animals. the trails also lead you to the different water bodies with in the park as you will be guided by the professional staff basing on your interest.
