The Best Things to Do in Akagera National Park
The best things to do in Akagera National Park include the incredible natural wonders wrapped up in its magic. There’s a snort of warthogs in the bush, as they muscle their way out of the undergrowth just as a Kingfisher in a fluster of glittering feathers lands improbably on papyrus. High above, an African fish eagle momentarily clouds the sky, perhaps clocking the movement of a lone leopard in the thickets below. You sip a glass of wine while watching the dust kicked up by a herd of African bush elephants moving majestically along the dry riverbed as their massive bulk allows. All this exciting entertainment, yet you haven’t left the Safari Lodge yet. Book Now
Easy to reach, expertly managed, and wonderfully self-drivable, the 112200-hectare Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s greatest Safari destinations for safaris. Interestingly, all the Big Five animals- Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Rhinos (Black and White Rhinoceros), and Cape buffaloes are present in the Conservation Area, together with safari favorites such as Masai giraffes, Zebras, impalas, Hippos, Topis, Oribis, Defassa waterbucks, Roan antelopes, blue monkeys, spotted hyenas, and others.
Here are the best things to do in Akagera National Park;
Day & Night Game Drives
There’s no better way to spot the majority of wildlife in Akagera National Park in the least amount of time than on a game drive. The seasoned Ranger guides know exactly where the lion pride is lounging and can make the sighting of Defassa waterbucks, Masai giraffes, Topis, impalas, and others as thrilling as tracking Rhinos. Book your wildlife safari at any time of the year for an unforgettable wildlife safari.
Guided walks in Akagera National Park
How about you try taking a guided walk through the Park, and be amazed by how Akagera’s large herbivores assume mammoth proportions? These adventures take between two and four hours but the memory of being on the same probable path as a buffalo, elephant, Hippo, giraffe, or White Rhino is likely to last a lifetime. With your safety as their first concern, armed Park Rangers help visitors get under the leaf mold of the Conservation Area to watch a whole World of interconnected natural wonders at work. Interestingly, these guided walks always leave visitors less obsessed with the Big Five and more captivated with the tiny elusive creatures.
Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Another incredible thing to do in Akagera National Park is setting sail on a spacious boat for a relaxing two to three-hour morning, afternoon, or evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. It’s through this adventure that you will have the opportunity to see the incredible birdlife, crocodiles, Hippos, some elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes drinking at the water’s edge. You might even get an opportunity to witness herds swimming across the shores of Lake Ihema and an outstanding experience to hone your photography skills as you relish the sun setting over the water.
Bird Watching Experience
Rwanda’s Lake Ihema and a diversity of ecosystems- forest, savannah grasslands, wetlands, and rolling hills are not only a haven for an abundance of wildlife but also a spot for bird enthusiasts. These different ecosystems provide a perfect setting for birders during Rwanda safaris and some of the highlights are Black-headed gonolek, White-browed Coucal, Ross Turaco, lilac-breasted roller, Slate-collared boubou, Yellow-bellied eremomela, Shelley’s francolin, Northern brown-throated weaver, and Double-toothed barbet among others.
Behind the Scenes in Akagera National Park
Venture beyond the wildlife encounters and step into the World of Akagera National Park staff to learn about the exciting conservation projects in the Protected Area. Enjoy talks on conservation, approaches with people who manage the Park, and understand the operations involved in managing the Park.
When should I go to Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is wonderful to explore at any time of the year. Still, arguably the drier months (June to September and December to February) offer the best wildlife viewing experiences. During these months, the vegetation- bush dies back and trees shed their leaves hence making it easier to observe wildlife and birds that are gathered around shrinking waterholes. Generally, the peak game viewing season is also the peak visitor season with July and August being the busiest in the year.
The dry months, especially December and January mark another incredible peak season in Akagera National Park, and they coincide with local school Holidays. Much as animals are more difficult to sight, and daytime temperatures are hot and humid, the Conservation Area is at its prettiest with lots of newborn life hiding in the thick foliage. It is therefore advisable to book your Akagera safari several months in advance. Book Now
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