What to Expect on a Game Safari in Akagera National Park

The beautiful Akagera National Park is found on the Eastern border of Rwanda with Tanzania and comprises nearly 112200 hectares of land known to shelter the country’s only savannah wildlife species such as the big five game (leopards, lions, Rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes), Masai giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, Kobs, impalas, Topis, and warthogs in Rwanda. If tasting Rwanda’s unblemished wilderness Experience is what you are looking for, then Akagera National Park is your destination to be. With its unmatched wildlife encounters, jaw-dropping wilderness Lodges, mouth-watering cuisines, and total tranquility, you will never go wrong with a game safari in Akagera National Park. Here’s what to expect on a game safari in Akagera National Park in Rwanda; Book Now

Animals to see during a game drive in Akagera National Park

While it’s quite unpredictable to state what you will see during the game drive in Akagera National Park (because animal behavior can’t be influenced), there are chances of seeing lots of the Park’s wildlife species especially the Masai giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, Topis, Kobs, elephants, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, Olive baboons, blue monkeys, and others. Early morning and night game drives increase chances of sighting lions, Rhinos, Hippos, leopards, spotted hyenas, serval cats, and jackals among others.

While the birds are not of interest to most visitors, there are over 500 bird species in this Park alone.

Type of Safari vehicle to use during game safaris in Akagera National Park

Game safaris in Akagera National Park require typically 4WD Safari vehicles, that have been specially modified with safety features hence providing comfort and great views during the safari. These vehicles are also stable, ensuring comfort and grip on the road thus making them ideal for any kind of game safari, especially when it requires off-road driving.

For our game safaris, we mostly use Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, and Super Customs/Vans depending on the number of guests the beauty about them is that they have an open roof thus rewarding visitors with 360-degree wildlife views. Expect ample space, fantastic sights, and stability with our safari vehicles.

How long do game drives in Akagera National Park last?

On average, game drives in Akagera National Park last 3-4 hours, depending on visitors’ preferences as well as what they see. During circumstances where sought-after wildlife species like lions, leopards, and Rhinos are sighted while returning to the Lodge for breakfast or lunch, there are chances that visitors will stop and enjoy the sight as well as photography. For full-day game drives, packed meals (breakfast and lunch) are recommended and visitors get to enjoy meals in the bush while taking in the views of the savannah plains or watering points. Night game drives are shorter, typically lasting about 2 hours.

What to bring on a game safari in Akagera National Park

Preparation is crucial before undertaking game safaris in Akagera National Park and for this reason, it is always important to know what to bring to avoid running your experience. For any game safari, we advise bringing a rain jacket (because weather is unpredictable and changes without prior warning), a good camera/smartphone with extra batteries and charger, pair of binoculars for sighting animals or birds in the distance, enough drinking water to keep hydrated, sunglasses, neutral-colored clothes, closed shoes, sunscreen, wildlife, and bird guidebook, insect repellant, a safari hat for sun protection, a sweater/scarf for the cold mornings as you start game drives, to mention but a few.

Best time to go on a game safari in Akagera National Park

Game drives can be done all year round but certain months offer best views than others. Game drives during the dry season- June to September and December to February are more rewarding because during these months, the grass is shorter and there are fewer watering points thus providing the most unforgettable wildlife views. However, weather is sometimes unpredictable hence it is advisable to be prepared for anything at any time.

For the time of the day, sunrise and sunset are the most amazing times because the Park is cooler thus wildlife species become livelier. During hot afternoons, animals tend to hide under the shades hence you won’t see many animals. Early morning and evening/night are ideal for sighting the hunters such as lions and leopards.