Akagera is the only Big Five park in Rwanda. It\u2019s not just home to some of the biggest mammals. It\u2019s also one of the best places for bird lovers, with more than 482 bird species – including rare species like the prehistoric shoebill. For one park, the diversity of habitats is unique. The fact that it includes lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains, and woodland makes for spectacular scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of all that, Akagera offers a variety of tourism activities, some of which require minimum participant numbers. Boat trips, fishing, night drives, and so many exciting activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akagera is home to many big mammals that are sure to get your excitement levels up. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The park also teems with various species of antelopes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Akagera is full of surprises, that\u2019s for sure. In the deep waters of the swampy lakes, you\u2019ll find schools of hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The common primates found in Akagera are olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys. On a night drive, you\u2019ll even catch glimpses of elusive bushbabies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How many of the Big 5 are in Akagera?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry. All the Big Five can be found in Akagera! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is home to the lion, the leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and the African buffalo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (Not so) fun fact: <\/strong>The Big Five animals received their title because they were considered the most difficult animals to kill by European trophy hunters in East Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than 482 bird species call Akagera home. These include <\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of people think that there is only one elephant in Akagera. However, that\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This mistake results from stories about the famous elephant, Mutware (the Chief). It\u2019s believed Mutware was abandoned by his two friends Mwiza and Helico, who were introduced o the park at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mutware became very destructive due to loneliness and earned considerable fame as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mutware passed on in 2018 due to natural causes at the age of 48.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 10 lakes within Akagera national park: Ihema, Shakani, Rwanyakizinga, Mihindi, Hago, Kivumba, Cyambwe, Nasho, Mpanga. You can explore every one of them when visiting the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most commonly visited lakes in the park are Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akagera National Park is located two hours East of Kigali, along the Rwanda-Tanzania border. There is an option of flying to the park using the services of Akagera Aviation for those not keen on the 2-hour drive from Kigali through Rwamagana town straight to the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your budget ready, your sunscreen, and your sun hat on, it\u2019s time to head out to the Eastern part of Rwanda for the time of your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a one-day trip to Akagera National Park, You\u2019ll probably depart at 5 am to make the most of your experience and ensure there\u2019s enough time to see big mammals like zebras, giraffes, and beautiful gazelles running out and about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first game drive can last up to 4 hours, depending on the itinerary set by your guide and the movement of the animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunch will be included in your day trip package. Try a meal at Inzovu restaurant at Akagera Game Lodge. Or you can have a small picnic in the park if you\u2019d like to be surrounded by nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second half of the tour is a drive towards the exit in the afternoon. Birds are more active at this time, and most bigger animals are gathered around the lakes to cool off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you are anything like me and think Shenzi and her friends were quite interesting (the hyenas in The Lion King), then you probably should opt for a two days experience. You get to go on a night drive and see hyenas and many more animals that take over when the sun goes down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a variety of hotels, campsites, and lodges like Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Magashi Camp, you are assured a relaxing time before you\u2019re ready to go on with your second day in Akagera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all the excitement, what better way to end your trip than with a fishing activity on Lake Shakani, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and different species of water birds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The ultimate Akagera safari! Whether you plan your trip or need help from a tourism agency, your three-day safari will allow you to maximize what Akagera has to offer since what you might miss on the first day, you might see on the second or third day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From night walks, boat cruises, game drives either during the day or at night, it is the ultimate Akagera experience for sure. The more time you spend, the more chances you get to see elephants, zebras, leopards, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, giraffes, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On your game drive, you\u2019ll see many animals living their lives and doing their morning routines. I personally experienced a couple of monkeys and baboons fetching food and feeding their young ones) on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Predators such as the leopards, hyenas, and lions prefer to hunt in the early morning, which takes the whole game drive experience to another level. Throughout the day, it gets warmer, and most animals hide from the sun. So, starting your game drive early is the key to having an adventure of a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akagera national park is a popular and important birding area in Rwanda. Bird-watching enthusiasts will find birding at Akagera national park rewarding. You can bird-watch while on a game drive, nature walk with a ranger guide, and on a boat safari on Lake Ihema. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A boat ride on Lake Ihema is the best way to spend an afternoon in Akagera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two options for taking a boat safari. Daily scheduled group trips happen multiple times during the day, but you can also book your private boat trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to a variety of water birds, you will watch schools of hippos in the water and crocodiles by the shores of the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Akagera National Park is the only national park in Rwanda where you can go on a night game drive. This is done with a park ranger and spotlight torches fitted on the vehicle for clear viewing of nocturnal animals, rarely seen during the day. These include hyenas, civets, bush babies, leopards, nocturnal birds, and other animals resting at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cultural tours around Akagera National Park allow you to observe and participate in traditional cattle grazing, milking, and traditional milk storage. You can even make traditional yogurt and ghee, and lastly, take part in preparing a meal with some of the milk products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cultural tours are an authentic cultural experience shared by the cattle-keeping communities near Akagera national park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking a nature walk is a perfect way for bird-watching because it allows you to experience your favorite species or any new ones from a closer distance. However, these walks are only permitted with a ranger guide. Night game drives and sport fishing on Lake Shakani is also an activity that requires booking and a guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fishing in Akagera-Lake Shakani is a catch and release type of fishing, even though sometimes you can be allowed to take one catch for a meal if interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Akagera](\"https:\/\/livinginkigali.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Akagera-Hippos.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnimals in Akagera National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBirds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nElephants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lakes in Akagera National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Visit Akagera National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Day trips from Kigali<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overnight at a Lodge or Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3 Day Safari<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGame drives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bird watching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boat safari<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Night Game Drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cultural tours near Akagera National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nature Walks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fishing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Akagera Park Fees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n