Akagera National Park

Overview

Akagera National Park is a vast protected area located in the eastern part of Rwanda. It covers over 1,200 square kilometers of savannah grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in Rwanda. The park was established in 1934 to protect its wildlife and biodiversity, and it has since become one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

Akagera National Park symbolizes the lengths that Rwanda will go to establish itself as a major tourist attraction in Africa, the level of effort put to maintain and improve Akagera is immense, and due to that the ecosystem is now thriving. These efforts include the reintroduction of lions and Black rhinos to guarantee that tourists that travel here see the entire Big 5. Visitors to the park can also spot zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and a wide variety of bird species.

There are several activities that visitors can engage in while visiting Akagera National Park. Game drives in the park is the most common, as they offer visitors the opportunity to spot wildlife up close. The park offers both day and night game drives, allowing visitors to experience the park’s wildlife at different times of the day.

Boat tours on Lake Ihema are another popular activity in the park. Lake Ihema is the second-largest lake in Rwanda and is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. Visitors on a boat tour enjoy water and land animals from a peculiar yet extravagant vantage point.

The park also offers guided walks and hikes through the savannah grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. This is an excellent opportunity to get close to the wilderness and observe the fauna and flora in the ecosystem in a spectacular fashion

There are several accommodation options available in and around Akagera National Park. The park has several lodges and campsites that cater to different budgets and preferences. The Ruzizi Tented Lodge, located on the shores of Lake Ihema, offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the lake. The Akagera Game Lodge is another popular option, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.

You can choose to camp inside the park, a fascinating and less expensive alternative. Campsites in Akagera are classy and impressive, hot showers, a bar, and a variety of beautiful cuisines are served, plus you get to sleep under the beautiful Akagera sky, a very impressive experience on its own.