Location of Akagera National Park
Akagera national park is one of the most amazing destinations within Rwanda a country that is renowned for its mountain gorillas and rainforests. Akagera national park is found in the eastern part of Rwanda and it takes 2-3 hours from Kigali which is the capital city of Rwanda. The national park covers an area of 1,122 square kilometres thus making it the largest protected area. The national park is a protected area and it’s found along Rwanda and Tanzania border which is separated by lake Ihema that feeds from the Akagera river. Although volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks tend to take the spotlight, akagera national park offers a different experience from the vast sun-drenched savannah ecosystem with wildlife species.
Akagera national park is located in the districts of Kayonza and Nyagatare which is along the country’s border with Tanzania. The national park forms a vital natural buffer zone between Rwanda’s densely populated highlands and the flat plains of western Tanzania. The park being positioned within the Albertine rift valley, its position plays a vital role in its ecology. The national parks eastern edge is defined by the meandering kagera river which as well gives the park its name. river kagera flows north into Lake Victoria and feeds into an extensive network of lakes, swamps and marshes thus offering a crucial water source and supporting one of the most diverse wetland systems on the continent.
ORIGIN AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK.
The national park was established in 1934 but due to the Rwanda genocide that happened in the 90s, the park was damaged and lost most of its animals. After the genocide the park continued to deteriote due to the return of people into the area and settled in some of the park’s area. this made the animals to run away and others were poached as well some died because of hunger.
In 2009 through a collaboration with the Rwanda development board, African parks took on the management of the parks and since then efforts have been made to revive its lost glory. Through the Akagera management company that was formed after the partnership, the park started wildlife projects that have boosted the park.
More animals have been introduced within the park since 2015. The park has received lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes among others. The re-introduction of these animals has greatly grown a variety of animals within the park. The number of wildlife species has grown as well from 4000 animal species in 2010 to about 13,500 by end of 2018. The park was known for its numerous wild dogs that lived in the park and at one time it was known as a hub of wild dogs.
PROXIMITY TO CITIES AND TRAVEL ACCESS
Akagera national park has an advantage of its accessibility. The park is roughly 110 kilometres east of Kigali which is Rwanda’s capital thus making it highly feasible for day trips. A drive from Kigali to the parks southern gate takes 2 hr 30minutes or 3hours via roads. The route is scenic, passing through the Rwandan countryside dotted with banana plantations, small towns and rolling hills.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND REGIONAL LANDSCAPE
Akagera national park is found in the low-lying eastern part of Rwanda stands in stark contrast to the country’s famously hilly terrain. However, most of Rwanda is elevated and mountainous thus earning its name the “land of a thousand hills” the national park is relatively flat and open thus creating a perfect landscape for a traditional safari experience.
The topography ranges from open savannah plains within the north to wooded hills and broadleaf forests in the south as well as an extensive wetland system along the eastern edge. At its highest point, the mitumba hills rise to about 1,800meters thus offering breathtaking views across the park’s lakes and grasslands. The presence of over 10 lakes creates a rich aquatic ecosystem that is essential for the park’s biodiversity. The waterbodies fed by the kagera river and other seasonal streams are surrounded by papyrus swamps which harbours hundred of birds as well as crocodiles, hippos and the rare shoebill stork.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF AKAGERA’S LOCATION
The national park’s strategic location along the Rwandan eastern frontier has made it a vital ecological corridor and conservation landscape. Before, large mammals such as lions, elephants’ antelopes among others migrated freely across the Rwanda-Tanzania border. Although, the modern fencing has reduced this movement, the park still plays an important role in regional biodiversity conservation and transboundary ecosystem management.
The wetlands which are part of a broader Ramsar site designation, thus recognising the park globally as an important wetland ecosystem.
Additionally, the parks proximity to human settlements makes its conservation efforts even more amazing. the national park shares boundaries with local farming communities and the installation of 120-kilometre solar powered electric fence on the western boundary has been crucial in reducing human-wildlife conflict
The national parks easy access has contributed to the established and growth of eco-lodges and community tourism projects within the nearby areas thus offering employment and business opportunities to the local people.
In conclusion the Akagera national park’s location is integral to its identity. The park position in the warm, low-lying eastern plains of Rwanda offers an amazing terrain and climate that supports a wealth of wildlife and diverse habitats from open savannahs to lush wetlands.
