Top 10 Akagera National Park Activities

Top 10 Akagera National Park Activities with Prices/Rates/Fees

Top 10 Akagera National Park Activities. Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda to visit for unique wildlife safari activities like game drives, boat safaris, Rhino tracking, fishing, birding, cultural experiences and others. Akagera covers an area of 112,000 hectares in the east of the country on the border with Tanzania. Besides the diverse wildlife, its stunning scenery offers scenic viewing, photography and helicopter safaris, among others. The Park is approximately 110km from Kigali and travel time is between 2 and 3 hours. This is why a 1 Day Akagera trip is possible for especially visitors who have less time in the country.

Top 10 Akagera National Park activities

• Game Drives

Akagera National Park offers both day and night game drives. Explore the park at your own pace on a self-drive or take an experienced park guide to accompany you. All game drives offer unique encounters with a variety of wildlife. The Park is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) as well as numerous species of antelope, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.

• Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Meander along the forest-fringed lake edges, disturbing the slumber of hippos and crocodiles basking on shores. Please note that most boat safaris in the park take place on Akagera’s largest lake, Lake Ihema. It offers a beautiful setting for visitors to explore the lake and its surrounding wetlands. Common sightings are usually for a wide range of bird species, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The boat trips also offer great opportunities to spot water buffaloes and elephants at the water’s edge.

• Night game drives

The sun might go down but the park doesn’t sleep. Some of the most sought-after animals are nocturnal. Night game drives offer a unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals like hyenas, leopards and other creatures that are active after dark. All night game drives are however guided.

• Rhino Tracking

Just like Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda, Akagera National Park too offers Rhino tracking in the park. After a long absence, black rhinos were reintroduced to Akagera in 2017. Tracking is a special opportunity to see rhinos in their natural habitat. Rhino tracking is a unique activity that allows visitors to track these endangered animals with the help of expert rangers.

• Bird Watching

Akagera is a haven for both migratory and resident bird species. Akagera is a birdwatcher’s paradise with its wetlands, savannahs, and forests habiting over 500 bird species including the rare Shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek and many others. Your birding safari can be tailored to focus on the best birding spots within the park.

• Sport fishing on Lake Shakani

Fishing can be done in some of the park’s lakes, including Lake Shakani. The fishing activity though, is usually limited to specific areas and requires a permit. Besides a relaxing day fishing on the lake shores, you can cook your catch for dinner. Please note that visitors are asked to bring their own fishing gear.

• Walking Safaris in the park

Akagera National Park has trained rangers that guide walking safaris to give you a more immersive experience. Walking safaris are available for the visitor to explore the park’s flora and fauna on foot. Besides, you learn more about some wildlife, the ecosystem and get close to smaller creatures, plants, and tracks that you might miss during game drives.

• Community Cultural Tours

Visit local communities near the park, accompanied by a community freelance guide and learn about life in rural Rwanda. You can experience local crafts, music, and dances, and enjoy a traditional meal. Some tours may include visits to community and conservation projects where you can learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the impact of tourism on local communities.

• Walk the line

Stretch your legs with a 7KM guided walk along the fence line. Understand how it works as well as its importance for the park and the local community. A medium to a difficult scenic walk can be organized. Relatedly, you can do the behind-the-scenes tour. Here you visit park headquarters, meet the staff, ask questions and hear more about conservation efforts in the park.

• Camping

Akagera National Park offers camping facilities. These allow you to stay within the park and enjoy a more rustic, nature-filled experience. There are designated campsites near Lake Ihema and in other parts of the park, and you can enjoy the sounds of the African night under the stars.

Akagera National Park Activities’ Prices

Please note:

• All activities in Akagera National Park are free to children aged 5 or below.
• Night game drives are only available at the south of the park and begin at 5.30pm to around 8 or 8.30PM.
• Check the link for details about Akagera park entry fees and the activities’ prices.

Recommended trips to Akagera National Park

• 1 Day Akagera Park Tour
• 2 Days Akagera National Park Safari
• 3 Days Trip to Akagera National Park