Rwanda Safari experiences in Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of Rwanda. The park was established in 1934 with the aim of preserving the remaining wildlife species that were under threat. The park covered an area of about 1,200 square kilometers and was well-known for its rich bio-diversity in flora and fauna species.
The park is surrounded by cultivated hills that are so much a part of Rwanda scenery, the scenery of Akagera national Park is quite simply beautiful. The landscape is low, composed of wide plains dominated by grass, cactus-like Euphorbia candelabra shrub and both thick and thin forests although it does carry on with the general rugged terrain that is so characteristic of Rwanda
The park is a home of different unique wildlife species for example the big five exciting animals including the Elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards and other mammal species like , zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas , bushbucks others lions, hyenas, and several antelopes like the bushbucks, roan antelope, Topes, klipspringer, Oribis, Cape eland, water-buck, duikers and impalas. There are a number of primates species found within this park such as the olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and the nocturnal bush babies. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos which can best be viewed during boat rides.
The park has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of wildlife and landscape. Today, Akagera National Park is a shining example of successful conservation efforts and a testament to the resilience of nature. This guide highlights to you the types of safaris experiences offered in Akagera national park.
Tracking the Big Five (game drives)
National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five Safari destination in Rwanda and is home to populations of all five of these magnificent animals. The park is a vigorous conservation area for these species. Game drive safari experience in Akagera national park offers visitors a thrilling opportunity to sight magnificent animals which makes the park their home such as the lion, known as the king of the jungle, is a majestic predator and a highlight for many visitors. The elusive leopard is also a popular sighting, with its beautiful spotted coat and stealthy nature. The elephant is a massive and impressive creature, while the black rhino is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The buffalo is a formidable herbivore that can weigh up to a tone and is known for its unpredictable temperament. Game drive safari experience in Akagera also allows a visitor to see others wildlife roaming in the savannah plains such as klipspringer, impalas, duckers, topis, Angolan giraffes, masai giraffes, guereza, aarduark, African wild dog among others . Seeing these magnificent animals up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that visitors to Akagera National Park will never forget.
Boat Safaris
Boat cruise safaris is one of the exciting safari experience offered to visitor in Akagera national park, boat cruises in the park are normally done after or before the entire less and fascinating park activities like game drives, birding or any other, experience Akagera national park from a different viewpoints with a boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the park’s calm waterways is a life changing experience. During the boat cruise safari, visitors gets ample chance have astonishing views of the surrounding landscapes while observing an array of aquatic wildlife such as hippos basking in the shallows, crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks as well as bird species flying along the water’s edge. Boat cruise safari in Akagera offers moments of tranquility among the wilderness.
Night drives
Akagera national park also offers night game drive where visitors will be able to explore the park with the armed guide park ranger to spot the nocturnal animals especially the wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, leopards. You will be guided by your flashlight and an experienced ranger and its only takes 2 to 3 hour. Night game drives in Akagera national park is one of the exciting safari experience offered to visitors who prefer to stay in the park, night game drives in the park are led by experienced guides equipped with spotlights, visitors take part on an after-dark adventure in search of nocturnal wildlife. During this fascinating night game drive, visitors gets a chance to listen all sounds of the night creatures such as the bush awakens, with the calls of nocturnal birds and the rustle of nocturnal mammals adding to the atmosphere of the night. Visitors while on a night drive safari gets a chance to see predators such as leopards and hyenas, as well as fascinating nocturnal creatures like bush babies and genets. A night game drive in Akagera offers exciting sights into the hidden world of the wilderness after sunset.
Guided nature walks
Akagera national park management offers nature walks safari experiences in some areas of the park with a ranger guide. Guided nature walks is one of the amazing safari experience offered to visitors on a Rwanda wildlife safari in Akagera national park . For those seeking a more personalized safari experience, guided nature walks safaris offers an opportunity to explore the hidden gem the park. D During the nature walks safari which take 2 to 3 hours you will follow different hiking trials where you will be able to more time and engagement concerning butterflies, insects and plants that you could easily miss while on a safari. You will also enjoy the cool breeze, view of the beautiful hills, and listen to nice sounds of bird species among other. Nature walks safaris offers a deeper connection to nature and a chance to participate in a leisurely and exciting activities.
Cultural encounters
Akagera national park is also a place of cultural richness and heritage. Visitors on a Rwanda wildlife safari in Akagera national park have the opportunity to engage with local communities living in and around the park, gaining a deep insight into their traditional ways of life, customs, and traditions. During the cultural tours here, visitors gets an opportunity to participate in cultural activities such as village visits, traditional dances, and storytelling sessions among others. Cultural encounters in Akagera offer visitors a deeper understanding of the human-wildlife relationship and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.
Akagera national park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With over 8,000 large animals and a diverse range of flora and fauna, the park offers a unique safari experience in the heart of Rwanda. Visitors can explore the park on half-day or full-day drives, and witness the beauty of African bush elephants, Rothschild giraffes, lions, and black eastern rhinos. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which runs from June to September, when the temperatures are warmer and wildlife sightings are more frequent. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Akagera national park is true a gem of Rwanda and a must-see destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable African safari experience.
