Situated in the eastern provinces of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a stunning wildlife conservation area popular for its diverse ecosystems. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species and offers opportunities for the most exciting wildlife activities in the country that help elevate the experiences of travelers.
Akagera National Park boasts of its outstanding savannahs and the picturesque diverse array of landscapes. Akagera National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK.
The park was created in 1934. The Belgians saw the urgent need to protect the wildlife species within the area especially the African bush elephants whose numbers were decreasing at a terrifying speed. Akagera was originally occupying about 2500 square kilometers. The park was famous for its large population of African wild dogs.
It is important to remember that the African wild dogs were so abundant in the area at some point that the Belgians considered them a pest. They were only diminished by a disease epidemic that attacked in the early 1980s and the last African wild dog in the area was seen in 1984.
Black rhinos were brought to the park in the late 1950s. They were imported from Tanzania and in the 1970s, the park had over 50 rhinos roaming in its savannahs. Their numbers only reduced due to the widespread poaching in the park areas.
The rhinos’ numbers went on to decline terribly until 2007 when serious conservation practices were undertaken by the Rwanda Development Board. Akagera was also a one-stop center to view giraffes. The park had a population of about 300 giraffes in the early 1990s and surely attracted masses of travelers.
Subsequently, Rwanda Development Board and Africa National Parks entered an agreement in 2009 to undertake the joint management of the park. This helped improve the conservation of the attractive flora and fauna species of the park.
Akagera National Park is slowly regaining its place in conservation. The park has undergone various developments in the past decades. This has made it a more interesting destination for nature lovers.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK.
Akagera National Park lies on an area of about 1122 square kilometers in the east of Rwanda on her border and Tanzania. The park is next to Kibungu city in the west of the famous Akagera River. Travelers from Kigali pass through the towns of Kayonza, connecting to Kibungo.
Guests can also opt for a flight to the park from Kigali International Airport. This is ideal because it allows you to save time in travel and have more time to view of the iconic species in the park. Akagera Aviation offers chartered flights to the park.
UNIQUENESS AND ATTRACTIONS OF AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK.
Akagera National Park stands out from the rest of the parks in Rwanda. It is the only place where one can see the big 5 animals in Rwanda. The game drives conducted in the park expose the guests to the views of exceptional wildlife species especially the wildcats and the diverse landscapes. Akagera National Park also doubles as the host of the biggest wetland in East Africa.
This explains why it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Travelers to the park enjoy staring at the East African endemic bird species as they feed in the wetlands. Akagera National Park offers room for exhilarating tourist activities, especially game drives, and nature walks not forgetting the boat cruises.
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Game drives. The game drives in the park are such an exciting activity. Travelers have the opportunity to observe the countless wildlife species that inhabit the park up close. Travelers are accompanied by professional tourist guides to the jungle. In addition, the guides have intense knowledge about the animals and their fascinating behaviors. They gladly pass on this information to the guests. Therefore travellers not only watch animals but also leave the park well informed about the various species.
Boat cruises. The boat cruises in Akagera National Park are conducted on lake Ihema. Travelers enjoy floating on the lake amidst the views of the attractive species of animals and birds.
Camping. This is yet another exciting activity that travelers to Akagera National Park enjoy. The park has a favorable atmosphere that is good for relaxation. Unwinding in the camping grounds as you view animals, birds and the diverse array of landscapes of the park is not only an unforgettable experience but somewhat therapeutic.
Bird watching. The Akagera Outback is a renowned bird-watching destination in the East African region. Visitors flock to the country from all corners of the world to come and have a glimpse at the beautiful birds of the land.
Nature walks. Travelers to the park are accompanied by guides and rangers in the jungle. Nature walks help one to reflect on how wonderful nature is and also think about the beauty of life as they listen to the various sounds of nature.
Sportfishing. Travelers enjoy catching the fish species in lake Ihema and having a look at them. It is never a dull moment on the sport fishing adventure.
Cultural tours. Travelers get to learn more about the kind of life the local Banyarwanda lives giving attention to the cuisine, dress code, and dances. Certainly. local dance troupes in the communities entertain the travelers with traditional songs, dances, and interesting folklore. In conclusion, all these make the safari more satisfying.
