Akagera National Park, Rwanda

(Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Akagera National Park is located around 120 Kilometers from Kigali and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Akagera National Parc is situated in the east of Rwanda and Kibungu is the city that is nearest to the park and the best starting point.)

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

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Akagera National Park in Rwanda borders Tanzania and covers about 900 square Kilometers of fairly low-lying grasslands and woodlands, similar in feel to the 'traditional' safari areas of East Africa.

To the west of these plains is an adjacent range of mountains, whilst to the east the Akagera River feeds into a series of lakes, marshes and papyrus swamps. So for a fairly small park, there is a wide variety of habitats and some lovely scenery.

The game includes most of the usual plains species. Impala and topi (known as tsessebe in Southern Africa) seem to be dominant, with eland, oribi, Masai giraffe, Defassa waterbuck, reedbuck, bushbuck, sable and roan antelope also present. Burchall's zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodile are commonly seen whilst game viewing; elephant are more restricted.

A rare sighting would be lion and sitatunga which are present but restricted to more inaccessible areas. Birding is especially good with savannah birds and raptors being prevelant and several endemic species such as the red-faced barbet are often seen.

Short boat trips are available which will give you the opportunity to get close to the plentiful waterbirds including numerous African fish eagles, marabou stork, crowned cranes, open-billed stork, cormorants, herons and egrets. If you are lucky you may even get to see the elusive shoebill stork.

Game densities aren't high, but you'll see plenty in a day or two, and pleasantly few other visitors, so it's worth the drive from Kigali to get here.

Akagera can be visited on a day trip, but now it's better to spend a night at the new Akagera Game Lodge. Rebuilt at the end of 2004, this has 60 modern en-suite rooms, and spectacular views over Lake Ihéma.

Lodges & Safari Camps in Akagera National Park

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Opened in December 2012, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a welcome addition to Akagera National Park. Located in the park itself it has just 7 tents, and aims to be a simple, eco friendly lodge in a good position to explore the game of Akagera.

Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera Game Lodge is currently the only accommodation option within Akagera National Park. More of a hotel than a traditional safari lodge, it has fantastic views over Lake Ihema, with a large swimming pool perched on the edge of the savannah.

However, plans to upgrade and expand were been put on hold due to the recession, and the site is dotted with unfinished buildings. At present, fewer than half the 64 rooms are in use.

Akagera National Park – Rwanda Safari & Tours

Booking & Reservations for Akagera National Park Safaris & Tours, Rwanda

Booking Office Tel: + 254 (0) 20 2437871
Mobile : + 254 (0) 721242711

Email: info@africanspicesafaris.com