Akagera National Park Rwanda is Located in the eastern part of Rwanda bordering Tanzania, the park is one of the four conservation areas where you can see the African Big five and enjoy an incredible boat cruise on Lake Ihema.The relatively warm and low-lying plains of the expansive Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland, and dozens of Lakes which have provided an incredible habitat for the re-introduction of wildlife in Rwanda.

Rwandan government in conjunction with African parks since 2010 has seen the introduction of Lions and Rhinos in a way of boasting wildlife targeting incredible destination management to promote Akagera as one of the best destinations to see wildlife in east Africa.

The introduction of a helicopter, a canine unit, and rhino trackers has greatly reduced poaching in the area making it an ideal spot see wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, antelopes, zebras, baboons, Vervet monkeys, and abundant wildlife.

Size of Akagera national park

Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda covering 1,122 km² (433 sq mi) along the international border with Tanzania.

Location of Akagera national park

Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania. It’s characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park, vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.

How to get to Akagera National Park

Akagera national park is relatively close to Kigali and the park is accessible by Road via Rwamagambo-Kayonza road, upon arriving in Kayonza you will take a right turn towards Kabarondo town upon arriving you will take left to the petrol station in Rwinkawavu and you will definitely see the signpost of the national park and 13 km from there you will be at the park gate, Using a 4×4 safari car the trip can take between 2-3 hours.

Things to do in Akagera National Park

Akagera is a good spot for safari highlights and tourists have a variety of activities to engage in while in Akagera national park.

Game drives

The park has a good connection of game tracks that allow visitors to enjoy half day or full day game drives in the convince of their open roof safari vehicle that gives you 360-degree viewing point while trying to spot the African big five animals.

Boat trips

Visitors should really try the boat trip as it gives you a typical African safari experience on Lake Ihema where you can drift along the forest-fringed water body amidst the hippos and crocodiles and viewing birds.

Leisure fishing

Clients who bring their own equipment can try fishing on Lake Shakani, this can give you chance to spend the day on the shores of the lake as you try to catch fish which you can cook on the open fire at the campsite.

Night game drives

If your keen on searching for nocturnal wildlife you can take on the night game drive to give you perfect sights of the game that are not seen in the day and also the experience of listening to the sounds of the wild is a spectacular African experience.

Behind the scenes

Meet the vicious conservationists of the national park who are doing tireless work to revive the wildlife population of Akagera national park and take one on one conversation with them to hear how they are managing the park from the huge obstacles.

Walk the Line

Meet the Akagera fence attendants and hear their part of the story on how the electric fence is protecting the park’s wildlife and also controlling the fights with the communities which were a big problem before the introduction of the fence.

Community encounters

Meet the community around the park and they will share their experience with you on how they are benefiting from the tourism in the area through revenue sharing from the park entrance paid by the clients

When to visit Akagera National Park

The temperature in Akagera does not vary much throughout the year usually ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius; however, the long dry season from June to September brings warmer temperatures while the rainy seasons from October to November and March to May are cooler and fantastic for game viewing though it can be slippery in the park.

Where to stay in Akagera National Park

There are not many tourist lodges in the park but the two lodges are the perfect place to stay while visiting the park and also several campsites are built inside the park to give clients the opportunity to camp in the wild.

Akagera game lodge

Akagera game lodge is a Perfect spot in the wild is what you will need while in Akagera, the lodge has perfectly been reconstructed making it one of the best places to stay inside the park.

Ruzizi tented Lodge

The 20 bed camp with boardwalks is a newly constructed property and it’s a perfect one to stay in while visiting Akagera national park.