Akagera National Park Facts, Best Travel Time, Key Safaris & Tours

Akagera National Park, established in 1934 to conserve wildlife and vegetation, is Africa’s largest protected wetland. It got its name from the Akagera River, which runs along its eastern border.

The park used to be approximately 2,500 square kilometres in area, but it was decreased by nearly half in 1997. A large portion of the land was re-allocated to refugees returning to Rwanda following the genocide’s civil war. Before 1997, many refugees returning to Rwanda had lived in the area, and poaching and farming had devastated the protected area.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only protected savannah wildlife reserve, making it a one-of-a-kind African safari destination. The park is home to a variety of savannah-wild species, including Africa’s big five, making it an ideal location for outstanding wildlife-viewing safari drives. What distinguishes Akagera from other pioneer safari places is that it provides a considerably more peaceful and laid-back safari vacation adventure.

While the park may not have the same animal density as the Mara, it does give the chance to witness Africa’s Big Five: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino. The lions are comfortable, but sightings are not always guaranteed, while the elusive leopards can be spotted on guided night drives.

Aside from the big game creatures, there is also a variety of smaller wildlife to observe, including zebras, giraffes, baboons, warthogs, and antelope species. Impala, bushbuck, and topi are among the creatures that may be seen throughout the park, and the lakes are home to some of the continent’s greatest populations of hippos and big crocodiles.

Akagera National Park, which stretches 1,122 square kilometres (433 square miles) along Rwanda’s northeastern border with Tanzania, is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. The park contains a maze of lakes and papyrus swamps filled with hippos and crocodiles, as well as savannas populated with giraffes, zebras, elephants, and almost a dozen antelope species.

Rhino tracking|Akagera National Park

The African Parks non-profit organization has taken the lead in returning savannah-adapted species such as lions and rhinoceroses that originally roamed the area. The park provides a variety of wildlife experiences in Rwanda, such as camping, guided game drives, boat cruises, and fishing tours.

Akagera is still a rather off-the-beaten-path place, attracting fewer safari adventurers. However, the park’s natural beauty and diverse fauna will likely draw more visitors in the future. Akagera National Park is ideal for anyone seeking seclusion and a one-on-one classic wildlife safari experience.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak season, from late June to early September, is ideal for visiting Akagera National Park because it is the finest time to see wildlife. The bush thins down during this period, making the animals easier to observe, and they tend to congregate around the lakes. Furthermore, the months of June to August are perfect for photography and wildlife viewing due to the best weather and the least amount of rain. On the other hand, the rainy (low) season lasts from March to April, October, and November. Despite this, rain frequently arrives in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time for a morning hike and an outdoor lunch. Furthermore, this season has less competition for tours and offers lower prices at some hotels.

Key focus on Akagera National Park

1. Safaris with the Big Five in attendance
2. Many rare species, raptors, and waterbirds can be found here.
3. Off-the-beaten-path adventure activities such as nature hikes, hiking, and camping
4. Beautiful view, with multiple lakes and grasslands surrounded by forest. savannah
5. Along with the standard day game drives, night game drives and boat safaris are also available.

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