Activities in Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s most exciting safari destinations, offering a perfect blend of wildlife, adventure and breathtaking scenery. The park is situated in the eastern part of the country, bordering Tanzania. It’s the biggest park in the country, covering an area of about 1,122 square kilometres, and it’s the nearest national park to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda it’s approximately a 2-3 hour drive. It was named after the famous Akagera River, which flows into the park and feeds various lakes and swamps. Akagera National Park has a rich biodiversity, and thanks to its unique ecosystems, such as wetlands, woodlands, lakes, and savannah grasslands, it provides habitats to various birds and wildlife species. It hosts over 480 bird species, including the migratory birds, savannah species, acacia-dwelling bird species, and water birds. It’s also home to over 90 mammal species, including the Big Five, elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and leopards, 200 butterfly species, reptiles and amphibians. Nature lovers will enjoy various activities in Akagera National Park, such as birding, game drives, nature walks, sports fishing, and cultural encounters, among others.
Top Activities in Akagera National Park.
Game Drives.
This is one of the best things to enjoy while on your safari in the park, as it allows travellers to explore the open savannah grasslands and woodlands in search of various wildlife species. This is a guided activity led by a knowledgeable guide who gives more insights about the wildlife species that you might encounter. The park has three seasons the morning, evening and night game drives, all provide exceptional safari experiences. Visitors will have a chance to see the famous African Big Five mammals like elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and lions, plus other mammals like giraffes, impala, elands, oribi, crocodiles, hippos, civets, serval, blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and more. Bird lovers will enjoy the beautiful calls of various bird species that call this awesome park home, like the elusive shoebill stork, red-faced barbet, grey crowned crane, African open-bill stork among others.
Bird watching.
Bird watching is one of the top activities in Akagera National Park for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists as they indulge themselves in over 480 bird species that call it home. These birds include water birds, savannah birds, woodland species, migratory birds and those endemic to the park. This is a guided activity led by an experienced park birder who gives more information about the park’s inhabitants that you might encounter. Some of the bird species to encounter include Osprey, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, shoe bill stork, Knob-billed Duck, Secretarybird, Red-faced Barbet, Egyptian Goose, African Pygmy-Goose, Red-billed Duck, Garganey, Blue-billed Teal, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Ring-necked Francolin, Shelley’s Francolin, Coqui Francolin, Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl, Blue Quail, Red-necked Spurfowl, Red-winged Francolin, Dusky Turtle-Dove, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared-Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Laughing Dove, Tambourine Dove, Red-eyed Dove, African Green-Pigeon, Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard and more.
Boat Cruises
Boat cruises are done on Lake Ihema, which is located in the southern part of the park. They allow travellers to fully immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the stunning views of the park. There are three sessions: the morning, afternoon and evening sessions, all provide unforgettable safari experiences. Visitors will have an opportunity to see crocodiles relaxing in the sun, schools of hippos swimming, elephants, buffaloes and antelopes drawing water from the shores or bathing. Bird lovers will indulge themselves in hundreds of bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork and among others
Nature Walks.
This is one of the best activities in Akagera National Park that offers a slower, more intimate way to connect with nature. It’s a guided activity led by a knowledgeable park guide who gives more information about the park’s inhabitants, you might encounter. There are well-maintained trails that are specifically for nature walks. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the park as they explore the park on foot. They will have a chance to see various plants and tree species, animals like oribis, giraffes, waterbucks, bush babies and among others.
Cultural Encounters.
Cultural experiences around the park offer visitors an authentic glimpse into the daily lives, traditions and heritage of the communities around the park. Travellers can participate in village tours where they learn traditional farming practices, watch vibrant music and dance performances.
