Akagera National Park covers 1,122 km2 (433 sq. mi in eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border. It was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in three ecoregions: savannah, mountain and swamp. The park is named for the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into several lakes the largest of which is Lake Ihema. The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps makes up over 1/3 of the park and is the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

Akagera hosts a diverse species, the most attractive ones being the ones dubbed “The Big Five “, which includes Lions, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Leopards, & elephants. The park is not limited to these only, it also harbors Crocodiles, different types of snakes, and a lot of mammals like Zebras, Impalas & topi (known as tsessebe in southern Africa), Masai Giraffes, reedbuck, bushbuck, sable, zebras, hippo and much more.

Things to do in Akagera National Park

Akagera National park have well-constructed roads that makes it efficient to have an amazing game drive experience around plains, hills & lakes, encountering diverse wildlife on the move. These drives usually take place in the mornings & afternoons, or will take a full day if venturing the north part of the park.

Travelers also enjoy boat trips along the shores of lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second largest lake, which yields some great aquatic bird sightings pleasing to the eye for bird-lovers, you can even fish on Lake Shakani while enjoying your boat trip. Akagera National Park is especially good for birding, with over 480 species attracted by its diverse habitat. Savannah birds and raptors are prevalent and several endemic species such as the red-faced barbet are often seen, some other bird types present are African fish eagles, marabou stork, crowned cranes, open-billed stork, cormorants, herons, shoebill stork, egrets and much more. Recently, air balloon experience was launched in Rwanda and visitors are exposed to this new adventure in the park. Other activities include community tours around the park, fence walk, banana juice and beer production, community tour and relaxed around while staying in the park.

You may also like; 1 Day Rwanda Birding Tour

5 Reasons to Visit Akagera National Park

1. Akagera has an inspiring conservation story as it is now home to lions and rhinos, and is the only Big Five park in the country.
2. Just two hours’ drive from Kigali, it is a beautiful and convenient savannah landscape to visit, and an easy site to add on to before or after visiting the gorillas.
3. For one park, the diversity of habitats is unique including lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains and woodland makes for spectacular scenery.
4. A birders delight, Akagera offers an exceptional birding experience with more than 482 bird species documented including the rare and prehistoric shoebill and some Lake Victoria endemics.
5. High end lodges with high level standards suiting your travel aspirations Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp. Proceeds from tourism revenue are invested back into the park and the local community. You may like these safari packages involving visits to Akagera National Park.