Overview

Akagera National Park is one of the best destinations in Rwanda. It almost died during the 1994 genocide. In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board partnered with African Parks to manage it. Today, it is the pride of Rwanda. It covers an area of about 1,122 km2. It is home to diverse species of wildlife. It is an excellent place for wildlife viewing. It is easily accessible from Kigali via road. Here are some of the reasons you should go on the Akagera National Park safari.

Wildlife

Tourists go on an Akagera National Park safari to see its animals. The park is home to primates such as bush babies, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons. It has species of antelopes such as klipspringer, water bucks, bushbucks, impalas, and duikers. It is home to hippos and many crocodiles. It has many other species of mammals such as buffalos, giraffes, elephants, lions, and zebras among others.

You can see these animals at any time of the year. But the dry season is the best time. This is between June to September.

Birdlife

For bird lovers, the Akagera National Park tour is a must. The park has over 520 species of birds. They range from forest birds, savannah species, and water birds, to migratory species. Some of the species are rare such as the papyrus gonolex. Other common species are red-faced barbets, fish eagles, long-crested eagles, pied crows, black-headed weavers, and Hamerkop among others. You can spot these birds during game drives, nature walks, or boat safaris.

Scenery

Akagera National Park has stunning scenery. Its network of sources of water creates a beautiful view. Its unique landscape, swamps, and small lakes are spectacular. The park is surrounded by cultivated hills. The wide grassy plains, cactus-like shrubs, and thin and thick forests form a lovely scenery.

Climate

Akagera National Park has a favorable climate. It has two seasons. The dry season is between June to September. The park is usually dry and dusty. It is the warmest period in the region. The grass is shorter making it easier to spot animals. Animals also spend more time nearby water sources. December to February is also a short dry season. But it may rain. Carry drinking water to avoid dehydration.

The wet season is between March to May. The park receives a lot of rain. The roads are very muddy. Nights tend to be very cold. You need warm clothes to keep warm. October to November is a short-rain season. It is a good time to watch migratory birds.

FAQs About Akagera National Park

• Where is the Akagera National Park located?

Akagera National Park is situated on the eastern side of Rwanda. It is within Nyagatare and Kayonza districts. Its coordinates are 1.8796° S and 30.7040° E. From Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, the park is about 108 km.

• Things to do in Akagera National Park

During the Akagera National Park tour expect to engage in several activities. You can enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. During the guided game drives, you will spot the species of wildlife in the park. You can enjoy night game drives in the park. It is a great chance to spot predators such as hyenas, lions, leopards, and others hunting. Other common activities are fishing, watching birds, and boat safaris.

• Which is the best time to visit Akagera National Park

The park remains open across the year. But the dry season is the best time to enjoy most activities in the park. This is between June to September. Rain during the wet season may interfere with most activities.

• How to get to Akagera National Park

You can get to the park via road or air. From Kigali city, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the park by road. For a more convenient safari, you can choose air travel. You will take a short flight to the park.