Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Savanah Wildlife National Park, it was gazette as a result of protecting the endangered species that call this home in 1930. The conservation area was greatly affected by the 1994 genocide many people moved closer and hence clearing space for settlements and farmlands. The conservation area is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda’ straddling along its borders with Tanzania. It was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation and is the largest protected wetland in Africa. The park was named after the Akagera River which flows along its eastern boundary. It used to cover an area of 2,500 square kilometers but during the Rwanda genocide, most of the land close to 50% was issued to the refugees after the crisis.
Akagera National Park is a remarkable ecosystem dominated by swamps, small lakes, and rivers. It’s characterized by woodlands, low mountains, and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, elands, Masai giraffes, elephants, lions, curvets, impalas, and hundreds of bird species which range from water, and forest to savannah, for example, the red-faced barbets, swamp flycatchers, the famous shoebill, and the rare papyrus gonolex. The reintroduction of lions in the national park has led to gained fame and an increased number of visits to the conservation area.
The game drives in Akagera are the main activity despite being a small park compared to others in Africa, it’s well known as the gem of Rwanda with a beautiful landscape and the ability to see different animal species in a short time. The beauty of the park can be seen anywhere and thrilling as you adventure through the park, surprise holds while nature reveals its treasures and wonders. The beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. It is one of the few places to do a night game drive night game drives are quite different from daytime, there is a big opportunity to view the predators on the prowl as they look out for water and what to eat these animals are rare to see during the day like lions and hyenas. While at the game drive, one can participate in fishing having a chance of being in an African wild with the wildlife. Akagera is a great place for fishing because of its endowment with water bodies.
The game driver is accompanied by a guide who is knowledgeable about the park at the drive, one is advised to stay in the car unless the park guide sees it safe to get out and take a look. In order to enjoy the ride, one is advised to carry a long snack for lunch, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers, and insect repellant. A boat cruise along Lake Ihema is adventurous to take on, you will have the chance to see most of the bird species on a lucky day you will be able to spot the endangered species of the shoe bill stock. The cruises take 2-3 hours while enjoying the wilderness.
Akagera is a wonderful place to visit while in Rwanda, situated a few Kilometers from Kigali Rwanda’s capital, it is an approximately 2 and half Hours’ drive from the national park, and there are available accommodations ranging from the best budget to luxury, example facility including the Akagera game lodge overlooking the beautiful Lake Ihema.
