Exploring Akagera National Park and the Big Five Safari in Rwanda

Exploring Akagera National Park and the Big Five Safari in Rwanda

Exploring Akagera National Park and the Big Five Safari in Rwanda: Located right at the eastern border of Rwanda and the neighboring country of Tanzania, Akagera National Park is an active place for wildlife with a true feel of the African continent. Previously associated only with hills of tea and beautiful lakes, Akagera has been reborn in recent years as the park that has just reintroduced the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes – into the stunning context of this part of the continent. This revitalization has put Akagera on the map as the park that wildlife lovers need to visit especially that which is in Rwanda.

A Landscape of Contrasts

Akagera National Park occupies an area of 1,200 Km2 and so, it is the biggest national park in Rwanda. The park has been named after the Akagera River, which borders the park to the east and then bisects into a series of lakes among which is Ihema, one of the largest lakes in Rwanda. This park has a relief of continuous waves of hills, which are sometimes separated by plains of savannahs, extensive tracts of woodlands, and a system of swamps.

There is a variation of landscape in Akagera; the western part of Akagera is a series of hills that provide great views of the surroundings and the eastern side is an open area involving savannah and marshlands. This variation in landscape also contributes to the spectacular scenery of wildlife and also offers habitats for different plant and animal species. With the rolls of savannah, green lands, lush forests, and peaceful lakes; Akagera’s complementary terrains are perfect for photographers.

The Big Five Safari Experience

Akagera National Park is actually one of the few places in Rwanda where one can come face to face with a Big Five adventure. The restoration of Big Five has been one of the significant successes in the park’s conservation that has been spearheaded by Rwanda Development Board and African Parks which is a non-profit organization that manages the park.

  1. Lions and Leopards:

The lions were brought back to Akagera in 2015 and since then the numbers have been rising annually. Lions in the park are normally observed walking or sleeping in the extensive plains or resting under the Acacia trees. Leopards though are more shy and can also be sighted especially during the morning or evening game drives when the cats are more likely to be sightseeing.

  1. Elephants and Buffalos:

Some of the fascinating animals that can be viewed in Akagera include elephants. They are large mammals that are social and have the ability to number over a hundred; they are mostly seen allowing their flock near the region’s lakes or moving through the forest. Another area that is easily noticeable is Buffaloes which are usually in large groups frequently on the plains. Such animals are very dangerous and aggressive and no matter how many times one gets to interact with any of them it is always very exciting.

  1. Rhinos:

The return of black and white Rhinos in Akagera has been a great success for the Rwandan conservation agenda. In the calendar year 2017, eighteen eastern black rhinos were translocated into the park while white rhino was introduced in 2019. These wonderful-looking animals grazing in the park are evidence of the conservation success attained and Akagera becoming a Big Five conservation area.

Exploring Akagera National Park and the Big Five Safari in Rwanda
Big five in Akagera national park

Other Wildlife and Birdwatching

In Addition to the Big Five, other animals found in Akagera National Park include: Commonly sighted animals include zebra, giraffe, various sorts of antelopes and hippos all over the park, and crocodiles seen lying on the bank of Lake Ihema. Akagera has a number of lakes and swampy areas that offer the home of a number of bird species hence making the park a perfect destination for bird lovers. Bird lovers will find their taste in bird watching met in Akagera since it boasts of over 500 bird species like the shoebill stork, the African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek among others.

Exploring Akagera: Activities and Experiences

trolled activities to enable visitors to discover the park’s landscapes and wildlife include the following. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy during your visit:

  1. Game Drives:

There is no better way of observing wildlife in Akagera than by taking game drives. There are both escorted and DIY tours, and because the park has good infrastructure, access, and road systems the trip is rather easy. The benefits of a guided game drive, are the presence of a professional guide who is able to explain information about the park and its settings and to locate and point the game. The best time to carry out the game drives are in the morning and in the evenings as the animals are most likely to be seen at these times.

  1. Boat Safaris:

A boat cruise on Lake Ihema and rich in Akagera wildlife deserves to be on any traveler’s list. While on the boat you are likely to see hippos in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks as well as birds. Something unexpected and a bit boring is the fact that the lake is very quiet this very place is perfect for having a kind of adventurous resting.

  1. Night Drives:

If one wants to shift from the traditional mode of doing a safari, then night drives give one an opportunity to see animals at night when most of them are not visible during the day. If you’re with a guide who will direct you by the use of light, you will be able to see some of the nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, and bush babies among others. Late evening drives in Akagera are fun and offer a very different perspective of the natural environment.

  1. Bird Watching:

Akagera is particularly a bird watchers’ haven since one is able to view birds in different types of ecosystems. Bird-watching services are available at an additional cost and can be done either in groups or individual basis depending on the client’s preference and the area of interest in either water birds or savannah types of birds. Akagera is endowed with a variety of birds and regardless of whether one is experienced or a first-time viewer, the place will excite you.

  1. Walking Safaris:

A game drive may take you around the park and show different marvels of the landscape, but to see the fine details of the ecosystem, walking safaris are the best way to do it at Akagera. These guided walks are usually done with an armed ranger, in the park and offer information on the flora, fauna, and tracking information among others. Wildlife viewing; on foot touring is one of the most preferred methods that visitors use to tour the park to develop an intimate view of its landscape.

Accommodations and Visitor Information

Being one of the most famous parks in the country, Akagera National Park has available different types of lodges to meet the tourists’ expectations. Starting from the luxurious lodges to the mid-range tented camps and even the simple campsites, one gets what he or she wants. Some of the popular options include

 – Magashi Camp: It is a completely enclosed luxury tented camp established in the northern section of the park Tourists are rewarded with a thrilling view of the; Rwanyakazinga Lake and wild animals.

 – Akagera Game Lodge: It offers semi-luxury accommodation, well-furnished rooms, a spacious swimming pool, and offers a beautiful view of Lake Ihema and the Savannah region.

 – Ruzizi Tented Lodge: A green lodge located along the edge of Lake Ihema that provides small-scale, comfortable accommodation in large tents.

 – Karenge Bush Camp: A seasonal, low-impact camp situated far from the development of the park facilitating the bush experience.

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