Things to Do in Akagera National Park

Whether your dream is to undertake big five safaris, ride on a boat while encountering animals and birds, or simply drive through an African wilderness, fly a hot air balloon through an African wilderness, camp, undertake a walking safari or sight lots of bird species in a small range, there is everything for everyone in Akagera National Park. Thanks to its 1122 square kilometer size, it is Rwanda’s largest Protected Area nestled in the Eastern boundary with Tanzania.

Akagera is the only savannah-dominated National Park in Rwanda, as the other three are forest-dominated. It has over 8000 large mammals that include the Masai giraffes, Black Eastern Rhinoceros, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Hippos, Defassa waterbucks, Burchell’s zebras, Topis and others. Big cats like lions and leopards are sheltered here in addition to jackals, serval cats, Kobs, impalas, warthogs, Oribis, and many others. About 500 bird species live in Akagera’s woodlands, savannah grasslands, forest galleries and wetland-fringed Lakes. The following are the thrilling things to do in Akagera National Park;

Wilderness Camping

Not to be mistaken for scarcity because Akagera National Park has great Safari Lodges and Tented Camps but if you have hope of really immersing yourself in the wonders of Akagera’s natural wonders, then wilderness Camping is the way to go. There are three established Campsites in this treasure trove and they are Muyumbu set in the southern side of the Park, Shakani along the pristine shores of Lake Shakani (also in the southern part) and Mutumba Campsite in the extreme Northern part of Akagera National Park.

Hot air balloon tours

From above, Akagera National Park’s endless plains, Lakes, woodlands, wetlands, and most important animals can be clearly seen. This activity was recently launched by Royal Balloon Rwanda, making it possible to cover a large part of the Protected Area.

Game Drives

Wildlife in Akagera National Park

You don’t have to drive off-track to experience the beauty and natural wonders of Akagera National Park because the animals are actually lined-up along the tracks. Look for the grazers (zebras, Cape buffaloes, Black Eastern Rhinos, Topis, Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks and others) in the afternoon while the predators begin their hunt in the evening thus perfect time to spot them or better still find them early morning before they retire to their hideouts. Aboard an open safari vehicle gets the chance to learn about the exceptional flora and fauna from the experienced Park Ranger who will also interpret the wilderness in addition to offering an insight into the tracks of Akagera National Park.

Walking safaris

Nothing puts travelers into the heart of an African wilderness like a walking safari in the stunning Akagera National Park. This is one of the ways of learning and appreciating the detailed features of Mother Nature and once at this point, all your senses (smell, sight, and sound) have to be activated to have the fullness of enjoyment. Explore with great hopes of sighting the big five game, birds, antelopes and other habitats that can’t be explored during game drives.

Birding

Birding is another exciting activity offered in Akagera National Park, made possible by the diverse habitats and wide array of avifauna species. A total of 500 bird species have been recorded in this Park’s woodlands, wetlands, Lakes, forests, and savannah grasslands. Common species are African fish eagles, grey-crowned cranes, Bateleur, African jacana, giant and malachite kingfishers, African pygmy Goose, Blue-billed Teals, Eastern grey plantain-eater, cattle egrets, Common Squacco herons, African darters, Blue-cheeked bee-eaters and so much more.

Boat rides

The best way to experience the beauty of Lake Ihema and its surroundings is by embarking on a boat ride. Views of the surrounding wetland, animals (especially Hippos and Nile crocodiles) as well as birds will be relished.

Sportfishing

Lake Shakani is famous for producing huge Catfish and Tilapia fish that are caught and released by travellers all year round.

Behind the scene Tours

For the “behind the scene” tours within Akagera National Park, travellers are offered the rare opportunity of learning about management activities in the Protected Area. This involves interacting with Park staff, learn about the thrilling conservation projects, and so much more.

Community walks

Community walks around Akagera National Park involve immersing yourself in the customs, traditions, and cultures of the surrounding community with activities ranging from making art and crafts, local beer brewing, and honey harvesting. The Imigongo Art center within Kayonza is the main experience enjoyed by Akagera visitors where they mesmerize on the use of cow dung in creating artistic designs.