Activities to do in Akagera National Park
Akagera national park is the biggest national parks in Rwanda with an area cover of 1,122 square kilometres. The national park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and has amazing wildlife species such as zebras, giraffes, hippos, elephants and buffalos. Besides the wildlife species, the national park is blessed with lakes such as lake Ihema which is found in within the park.
The national park was initially a forest reserve but in 1934, akagera national park was given its status by the Belgian government. This was done in an effort to secure the remaining wildlife species that were under threat. The national park had a big population of animals but in particular the Lycanos (wild cats) which made it to be called the “Park of Lycanos”. Due to the epidemic that spread within the park, many of the cats were killed and the last one to be spotted within the national park was in 1984. But after the genocide and a joined agreement was signed everything starting to be restored most especially the wild animals.
The following are the activities one can embark on while on a Rwanda safari in akagera national park:
GAME DRIVES
Akagera national park is the best place to visit for tourist who are interested in spotting wildlife species in Rwanda. The national park is famous for having the big five animals and has an area over of 1,122 square kilometres with over 8,000 large wildlife animals such as buffalos, lions, antelopes, rhinos, impala, Topi, sitatunga, jackals and Burchell’s zebra among others. Spotting the big five marks a highlight on any safari in Rwanda.
Akagera national park recently received 5 black eastern rhinos which were transferred from the Czech Republic in Europe. The park offers day and night game drives. For the guided night game drives tourists have a chance to spot the nocturnal animals such as civets, hyenas, bush babies, lions, leopards and serval cats among others.
Morning game drives
In akagera national park, morning game drives start as early as 6am. Tourists have to wake up early in order to spot these animals in their active state. Animals such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes, Kobs, jackals, sitatunga and impala among others are observed while on a game drive.
The game drives take 1-3hours and cost 30 dollars per person for day game drives and 40 dollars for a night game drive. Tourists are encouraged to have a park guide during the game drives as this makes it easier to specify wildlife species within the park.
BOAT CRUISES
Akagera national park is blessed with lakes and thus tourists can engage in the boat cruise activity. Lake ihema is the second largest lake in Rwanda, therefore visitors planning to have boat safaris within the park can drift along the forest fringed water body. Tourists get a chance to spot aquatic animals such as crocodiles and hippos.
The boat safaris take place during the day at 7;30am, 9am, 3pm and the last one at 4;30pm respectively. There are also non-scheduled boat trips available within the park for tourists who want to take private boats on the lake. Besides aquatic animals, tourists can spot bird species such as the African fish eagle, African jacana, kingfishers, cormorants and shoebill stork.
BIRDWATCHING
Akagera national park is among the places where bird lovers should visit. The park is a home to 500 species of birds thus making it a bird haven. While on a birding safari within the park, tourists will be able to spot bird species such as swamp fly catchers, the red-faced barbets, crowned cranes, egrets, herons, marabou stocks and the famous shoebill stork. The diverse habitats for birds within the national park gives tourists a chance to spot a variety of birds.
GUIDED NATURE WALKS
Travellers within akagera national park can engage in the guided nature walks in the southern entrance and the lake shores entrance. This gives the tourist a chance to spot a variety of the flora and fauna species such as the plants, trees, insects, bird species and butterflies.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The behind scene tour of the akagera national park gives a chance to the tourists to head to the park headquarters where they can meet the akagera national parks staff and get to learn more about the exciting conservation projects.
COMMUNITY CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
As the national park is focused on wildlife, the surrounding communities give an opportunity to learn and explore the rich Rwandan culture and its people. While on the cultural safaris, tourists tend to mix up with the local people, learn how to milk cows on the farm, learn their styles, make banana beer and honey among others. Therefore, all the revenue generated from the community cultural safaris is given back to these communities that tourists visited.
WALK THE LINE HIKING SAFARI
The national park gives an opportunity to its tourists to act as its fence attendants. The 2-hour long walk offers a chance to the tourists to hike along with park guides at a 120km perimeter fence checking if its fully secure and operational. The walks begin from entrance of the national park and takes them through the amazing hills and stops at the top of a ridge. While there, tourists can enjoy the scenic views of the park in all directions. Tourists interested in taking part should make sure that they move with enough water to last the entire journey.
SPORT FISHING
Akagera national park has over 10 lakes but fishing as an activity takes place on lake shakani. The lake is famous due to a variety of fish species especially Tilapia and catfish. Tourist can either spend a day relaxing while fishing on the lake shores and cook their catch over an open bond fire at the campsite. Tourists who are interested in taking park in fishing activities ae advised to carry their own fishing equipment’s.
The national park as well organises fishing tournaments. Therefore, tourists interested can take part in the catch and release fishing tournaments on lake shakani. The fishing tournaments are held at specific dates within the national park and thus those interested can contact the management at Akagera game lodge for more information.
In conclusion the Akagera national park is a place of natural splendour and deep ecological significance. The attractions aren’t just about the animals but the journey through the diverse landscape and the story for its revival. The national park offers an experience that is emotional and unforgettable.
