Facts about Akagera National Park

Facts About Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park stands as Rwanda’s only savannah park. The country’s largest national park covers 1,089 square kilometers. Officials gazetted the park in 1932. The Akagera River inspired the park’s name and supplies water to animals, plants, and lakes like Ihema, Shakani, Rwanyakazinga, and Mihindi.

Rwanda wildlife safari enthusiasts love Akagera National Park. Only this park houses Rwanda’s Big 5 animals: African elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, and lion. Rwanda boasts multiple national parks and game reserves. These areas showcase wild animals, lakes, rivers, and Rwanda’s famous thousand hills.

Primate Species

The park shelters olive baboons, blue monkeys, bush babies, and vervet monkeys. Over 450 bird species live here. Visitors spot Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’ Cisticola, White-collared Oliveback, Bare-faced Go-Away bird, African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, Fork-tailed Drongo, and Grey-crowned Cranes. Grasslands, savannah forests, and plains feed the park’s diverse wildlife.

Home to Africa’s Big 5

Rich savannah grasslands make Akagera unique in Rwanda. Game drives reveal the park’s magnificent wildlife. Morning, afternoon, and evening drives offer different experiences. Visitors see Big 5 animals plus topi, elands, bush pigs, giraffes, and various bird species. Armed rangers guide all drives and explain animal behavior.

Over 520 Bird Species

Birders must visit Akagera National Park. The park hosts over 520 bird species. Water birds, forest birds, savannah species, and migratory birds create amazing diversity. Endemic species like the papyrus Gonolek live in papyrus swamps. Visitors also find red-faced barbets, swamp flycatchers, and the elusive shoebill stork.

Sport Fishing at Lake Shakani

Lake Shakani offers Rwanda’s only sport fishing destination. Fishermen teach visitors various methods: gill nets, cast nets, scoop nets, spearing, arrows, lampara, and hooks. Visitors enjoy cold drinks while listening to folk songs and local stories. Hippos snort nearby while water birds sing. Wildlife roams in the distance. Lucky visitors might join fishing tournaments.

Boat Rides

Boat tours highlight every Akagera safari. Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake, sits in the southern section. East Africa’s largest hippo concentrations live here. Crocodiles line the shores. Water birds include the rare shoebill stork. Elephants come to bathe, allowing closer viewing than vehicle safaris provide.