AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park covers a total area of 1,122km2. The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. In partnership with African Parks, the aim is to transform the National Park into a world-class location to experience an excellent safari. The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing, and are taking steps to ensure the Big Five roam the park in greater numbers over the course of time. Since 2010 Rwanda have cut poaching to an all-time low, with the introduction of a helicopter, a canine unit and rhino trackers. A family of lions from South Africa has settled in well, and breeding successfully, and 18 eastern black rhinos have also been reintroduced. The only way to explore the park is by vehicle, whether through a tour operator or self-drive. The National Park also has vehicles to hire, with individual spaces available on night drives. Sleeping within the park is possible, at various lodges, a bush camp in the north at selected periods, or camping in specific sites.
Best time to visit
From June to September. This is the long dry season and is the best time to visit the park as you will get the best view around and it’s when most animals are concentrated in a single water source.
From March to May. This is the long rains season and it’s when driving around the park is a real challenge hence you are encouraged to visit the other parks in lieu.
Highlights
- Game viewing for animals like buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys and an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.
- A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
This is a luxury eco-lodge located on the banks of Lake Ihema. The lodge offers you a serene, private and picturesque landscape. The lodge houses a total of nine tents hidden among the swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. The architectural design of the lodge perfectly blends with the surrounding to ensure guests’ utmost connection with nature.Some natural elements have been incorporated into the structure, and many of Ruzizi’s decorations and furniture were hand-crafted by local artisans. The lodge is wholly powered by solar energy and prides itself as an eco-lodge. See more.
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
The lodge stands on a hill at the southern region of the Park elevated above the savannah with exceptional views of Lake Ihema.This property offers guests a chance to see some rare species which include the Shoebill and Sitatunga. A place of refuge, the park is the only place for savannah-adapted plants and animals in Rwanda.The lodge has a total of 60 rooms incorporating a conference centre, restaurant, and bar. See more.
Magashi Tented Camp
The camp overlooks the beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga and its location allows your eyes to reach the most scenic areas of savannah in East Africa. The camp offers you a variety of unique activities including catch-and-release fishing, night game drives and more. The architectural design of the property pays homage to the Rwandan community. It has a total of six spacious and well maintained tents which allow for expansive game viewing in utmost serenity. See more.