Found in the North Eastern part of the country and along the border with Tanzania, Akagera is the only savanna park in Rwanda. The park consists of swamps, lakes, rivers, savanna grasslands and woodlands. This unique landscape and water bodies create the perfect environment for wildlife to 
thrive. network of water sources and unique landscape together create very spectacular scenery and perfect habitat for wildlife.
Akagera National Park is named after River Kagera – a river that supplies water to most of the water bodies in the park and flows up to lake Victoria in Uganda. Akagera is located away from the capital of Rwanda Kigali (108 kilometers). It is possible to get there by air or road. Traveling with a car from Kigali takes between 2 to 3 hours. The Akagera Aviation organizes chartered flights to the park from Kigali taking only one hour.
Background and Facts about Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park was established in 1934 with the main aim of protecting the landscape, wildlife and overall biodiversity. Akagera still has the largest wetland in Africa and is managed by African Parks under supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Akagera is the only national park in the Rwanda where tourists can take part in boat cruises and game drives. Wildlife in Akagera include rhinos, hyenas, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras. Antelope species include Impalas, Cape Eland, Roan Antelopes, Topis, Duikers, Klipspringers, Water-bucks, Bushbucks and Oribis. Primate lovers should expect to see Olive baboons, Vervet Monkeys and the nocturnal Bush babies. Lake Ihema is home to Hippos, Crocodiles and water birds that can be seen during a launch cruise.
Things to do in Akagera National Park
Birdwatching: There are over 520 bird species in Akagera national park. If you are an avid birder, you will be impressed with what you see in the park. The species on display range from forest birds, ground/savanna species, water birds and those hiding in the woodlands. There are even migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa. Unique species include the papyrus gonolex which live in the vast swamps. Other interesting species include the Shoebill Stork, swamp flycatchers and red-faced barbets. Then there are species like the Augur Buzzard, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Fish Eagles, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Long-crested Eagle, Black-headed & Viellot Black Weavers, Sacred and Hadada Ibis.
Game drives: Game drives in Akagera occur in the morning and afternoon using a Tour Van. It is important to move with the park Guides for more successful sightings. Every game drive is different and will offer differing sightings. By the end of your time in Akagera, expect to see leopards, hyenas, savanna birds, buffaloes, primates, elands, lions, topis, giraffes,civets, serval cats and rhinos. Do not forget to park lunch or drinking water when heading out for the game drives. If you are planning to go on a self-drive, don’t forget to ravel with a spare tire and move with a park Guide. The park Guides know where to find all the animals.
Night Game drives: Night game drives in Akagera provide the thrill and mystery of being out in the dark. Thrill and mystery aside, you get opportunities to see rare creatures that can only be seen in the dark. These creatures prefer to operate and hunt in the night. They include bush babies, leopards, civets and hyenas. There are also nocturnal insects and birds like owls to look out for. The best time to observe predators like leopards, hyenas and lions hunting or on the prowl is at night. Night game drives in Akagera take 2 hours and led by Park Guides. By the end of the game drive, you would have had an experience that is different from what you get during the day.
Boat Cruise: Boat cruises are arranged in Akagera to allow visitors explore the many lakes, swamps and rivers in the park. The boat cruise along Lake Ihema is very popular and one of the highlights of a safari in Akagera. While on the boat, you will see most of the park animals bathing or drinking alone the lake shores. Lake Ihema is home to crocodiles, hippos and an amazing collection of water birds. Apart from hippos and crocodiles, expect to see many elephants and buffaloes enjoy bathing or drinking water. Boat cruise along Lake Ihema offer opportunities that are not possible with a standard tour van. You also get to experience the remarkable beauty of the park from a different perspective.
Sport Fishing: Though not as popular as game drives and the boat cruise in lake Ihema, Sport fishing is equally thrilling. Thrilling because you also get to encounter park animals like hippos and birds while enjoying the scenery. The best time to go fishing is around the time when the annual fishing tournament is 
scheduled. This is when the best anglers from across the globe compete to produce the largest catch. Anglers are allowed to keep their catch in Akagera national park. At the end of the day, you can start a fire for roasting the fish which can be eaten with friends.
Nature Walks: In order to discover and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park, book for a guided nature walk. Nature walks in Akagera take you to discover the beautiful savanna grasslands, woodlands, exotic plants, birds and butterflies. if you didn’t see the animals closely during the game drive, this is the time to do so. Nature walks will allow you to appreciate the beautiful scenery while also observing wildlife up-close.
Additional Information about a safari in Akagera National Park
There are fewer accommodation facilities in Akagera when you compare to the Volcanoes National Park. Nevertheless, there is enough for everyone. Accommodation facilities are categorized into budget, mid-range, Luxury and Super Luxury. The Luxury hotel is Rusizi Tented Camp while the Super luxury 
facility is Mgashi Lodge. If you are looking for an excellent mid-range lodge, you should consider Akagera Game Lodge. Budget travelers have more choices of cottages, self-contained tents or simple tents.
Akagera National Park is open to tourism all every day of the year. That said, the best time to visit is during the dry season between December to March or June to October. Because there are no heavy rains, the vegetation is not very thick allowing visitors to view game easily. Animals gather is particular water holes after most have dried up hence allowing tourists to see them all in one place. The other months are also excellent for those who love nature or birders.
Do not forget to pack a hut, binoculars, a raincoat, long-sleeved tops, sunscreen and anti-malarial tablets. Remember to move with your yellow fever card just in case immigration requests for it. Yellow fever vaccination is not compulsory in Rwanda but they may require it if there is an outbreak in the country.
