Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park Rwanda is in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. It has swamps and small lakes with flow in the wake of River Kagera. The network of water sources and unique landscape together create very spectacular scenery. It is quite a remarkable eco-system.
Surrounded by cultivated hills, the scenery of Akagera national Park is 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 carries on with the general rugged terrain that is so characteristic of Rwanda.
History of Akagera
Akagera national park is Africa’s largest protected wetland. In order to protect wildlife and vegetation.
Previously, it covered over 2,500 square kilometers. However, in 1997, it reduced by 50%. A lot of the land was reallocated to refugees returning to Rwanda after the civil strife of the genocide. Before 1997, many refugees returning to Rwanda had settled in the area. Therefore the conservation area was harmed by poaching and cultivation.
Wildlife In Akagera National Park
Akagera national park is home to a great diversity of wild animals among which are: elephants, lions, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, giraffe and several antelopes. For example the bushbucks, roan antelope, Topis, 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.
Birds In Akagera National Park
The park has 520 bird species. There is a large number and great diversity of bird species here. These range from water birds to forest birds, and also savannah species as well as migratory bird species.
There are a number of species that are endemic to the park and are rare. For example the papyrus gonolex found in papyrus swamps. Other endemic birds include localized red faced barbets, and the swamp fly catcher as well as the elusive shoebill stork. Other species include: fish eagles, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Black-headed & Viellot’s Black Weavers, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Sacred & Hadada Ibis, Long-crested Eagle and the Augur Buzzard.
Activities In Akagera National Park
Game Drives
Game drives are led by tour guides in 4WD safari vehicles. unique about this park is that each game drive is exceptional in its own way unveiling full new surprises as nature reveals its treasures in form of wonders that are so scenic, the wildlife like buffaloes, elands, topis, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats all for you to marvel at. They are accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
As you are carrying out the game drives, one should remain in the vehicle unless the park guides see that it’s safe for you to get out. For longer drives, take a snack or packed lunch and a lot of drinking water.
Birding
For bird lovers, this park is one of the best places not to miss out on a Rwanda Safari. It harbors over 500 species of birds. The birders who visit Akagera National Park are always impressed by the large number of bird species. These are seen during remarkable boat rides where you will see various water birds. And also during the game drives in the savanna plains and the network of swamps. The papyrus gonolex, shoebill stork, fish eagles, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Black-headed & Viellot’s Black Weavers, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Sacred & Hadada Ibis and the Long-crested Eagle.
Night Game Drives
The night game drives are thrilling since you adventure out with spot lights to view nocturnals in Akagera National Park. This drive through the park is different from day game drives. This is because at night, there is a big opportunity to spot predators on the prowl as they hunt. For example leopards, lions, civets, serval cats, hyenas, birds as well as bush babies. This nocturnal drive is also about 2 hours and will surely give you a different perspective altogether.
Boat Safaris On Lake Ihema
Boat safaris are the highlights of any Akagera National Park Safari while on holiday Safaris in east Africa. Lake Ihema is the largest lake in the southern part of Akagera National Park. It has one of the largest concentrations of hippos in East Africa.
In addition, it is a sight to behold. There are many crocodiles and water birds that you will find along the shores of the lake. For example the shoe bill stork on a lucky day. Several animals like elephants can find their way to the water to bathe. Hence giving you an opportunity to get closer to them.
Sport Fishing In Lake Shakani
Visitors can do sport fishing along the shores of Lake Shakani. You will hear the snorts of hippos as well as the singing water birds. In addition to the sounds of fish in water. Fishing in Akagera gives an opportunity of being in the wild with wildlife at a distance. And these include hippos and water birds. After fishing, keep your catch and roast it for lunch or dinner.
How To Get to the Park
The distance from Kigali to Akagera national park is about 108 kilometers. By road it takes about 2 1/2 hours drive from Kigali the capital city via the town of Rwamagana. For those who would not wish to drive can opt for a short flight into Akagera. And these services are provided by the Akagera Aviation.
For safaris in Akagera National Game Park, contact Vibrant Holiday Safaris at info@vibrantholidaysafaris.com. Or visit our website at www.vibrantholidaysafaris.com for amazing discounted offers.