Akagera National Park is a designated conservation area situated in eastern Rwanda, covering 1,122 square kilometers (433 square miles) along the border with Tanzania. This stunning park was established in 1934, the park diverse habitats including savannahs, montane regions and swamplands. The park is named for the kagera which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. Akagera National Park is one national park with numerous lakes and a complete Big 5 game list. The stunning Lakes to explore in Akagera National Park include Lake Mihindi, Lake Ihema, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Hago, Lake Gishanju, and Lake Kivimba.  The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps, makes up over a third of the park, making it the largest protected wetland area in Eastern-Central Africa.

 History

Akagera National Park was established 1934 by the Belgian authorities, who then governed Rwanda. The park spans approximately 2,500 square kilometers (970 square miles) and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Historically, it supported a significant population of African wild dogs. The park was once referred to as the ‘Parc aux Lycaons’, reflecting the abundance of wild dogs, which were so abundant that the Belgian government regarded them as pest. However, a disease outbreak led to a sharp decline in their numbers, and the last wild dogs were seen in 1984.

 In 1957, black rhinoceros were introduced from Tanzania. By 1970s, their population in the park exceeded 50 individuals. Over time, poaching severally reduced their numbers, and the last confirmed sighting occurred in 2007.  In 1986, Masai giraffes were introduced from Kenya and their number grew to 78 individuals by 2024.  Around 1990, Akagera was believed to host between 250 to 300 lions; however, following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, returning farmers settled in the park and exterminated the entire lion population

In 2009, a partnership was formed between the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Network to manage Akagera National Park jointly, with a renewable 20-year agreement. The Akagera Management Company was established in 2010 as the joint management body for Akagera National Park. Over the next 5 years a $10 million was invested, supported by the Howard Buffett Foundation.  These funds aimed to increase the security of the national park and to reintroduce locally extinct species. Security improvements included constructing a 120 km western boundary fence, deploying an air surveillance helicopter, training of an expert rhino tracking and protection team and a canine anti-poaching unit.

In July 2015, two male lions were donated by Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal. This effort was described by African Parks as “a ground-breaking conservation effort for both the park and Rwanda.  Since then, the lion population has increased to more than 60 individuals.

In May 2017, a collaborative effort between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks saw the reintroduction of 18 Eastern black rhinoceroses from South Africa, ending a decade-long absence of the species from the park. With these efforts, Akagera national park is now home to all of Africa’s “big five”: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes.

In June 2019, Akagera National Park received 5 eastern black rhinoceroses transported from three European zoos after a 30-hour journey; this relocation was the first of its kind. In November 2021, 30 white rhinoceroses were successfully translocated from Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, representing the largest single rhinoceros translocation aimed to extending the species’ range and establishing a new breeding population in Rwanda. By 2023, reports indicated that several calves had been born, suggesting successful adaptation of the animals to their new environment.

Climate and weather of Akagera National Park

The climate in Akagera National Park is moderate to warm.  The park experiences a tropical Savannah climate with sunny (dry) and rainy (wet) weather conditions. It is characterized by 2 distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet (short rains and long rains) season. Average temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year. It is advised to take warm clothing for early morning or night game drives. Akagera’s Dry season is from June to September.

Wildlife of Akagera National Park

The park is a home to a variety of unique wildlife species, including the big five exciting animals including the Elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards. in addition, it hosts other mammal species such as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, bushbucks, hyenas, and several antelopes like the bushbucks, roan antelope, Topes, klipspringer, Oribis, Cape eland, water-buck, duikers and impalas. The park also provides a habitat for various primates, including 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. This guide highlights to you all what to see and observe while on Rwanda wildlife safari in Akagera national park.

Birdlife of Akagera National Park

Bird watching in Akagera National Park offers a remarkable experience, showcasing a range of habitats from savannah to lowlands. The park’s rich diversity is reflected in the presence of over 480 bird species. Akagera is truly a haven for bird enthusiasts. During a birding safari in the park, visitors have the opportunity to observe savannah and lowland birds, including several species endemic to the Albertine Rift. These include the majestic Shoebill, elegant Grey-crowned cranes, striking saddle-billed storks, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’ Cisticola, White-collared Olive back, Bare face-Go-Away bird, and African fish Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, Fork-tailed Drano and Grey-crowned Cranes Shouldered robin-chat, Grasshopper buzzard, Dimorphic egret among others.

Activities in Akagera National Park

• Game Drives
• Boat cruise safaris
• Sport Fishing
• Bird watching safaris
• Nature walks
• Behind the Scenes
• Community Tours

Best time to visit Akagera national park

The optimal time to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, which generally extends from June to September. During this period, wildlife activity peaks, and the vegetation becomes less dense, facilitating better wildlife viewing opportunities. The park features diverse landscapes, including wetlands, savannah, and woodland, offering a striking setting for both wildlife observation and photography. Additionally, from mid-December to mid-February, the region experiences a dry spell within the wet season. This period is also ideal for wildlife spotting, as animals tend to gather around lakes due to the thinner bush cover.

How to get to Akagera National Park

Therefore , getting there is straightforward.  The park is approximately 108 kilometers from Kigali, accessible road a short flight. Travelling by road takes about 2 hours with the journey from Kigali passing through the town of Rwamagana to reach southern gate of the park. Currently, the northern gate is used for exit only at the moment.  For those preferring to avoid driving, air travel options are available through Akagera Aviation, offering short flights directly into the park.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Accommodations within Akagera National Park cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from luxury options such as Akagera Rhino Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Transit Lodge, Ihema Lodges, Rutete Eco Lodge, Akagera Live Lodge, Akagera Park Inn, Akagera Nieghbors and Akagera Sunset House among others